The Professional Staff Congress is the union that represents 30,000 faculty and staff at the City University of New York (CUNY) and the CUNY Research Foundation. The PSC is a progressive union committed to social, racial and economic justice.  It is dedicated to advancing the professional lives of its members, enhancing their terms and conditions of employment, advancing the labor movement, and defending the nation’s largest, oldest and most visible urban public university.
 

We seek a passionate, determined, highly ethical, experienced, and progressive leader who is eager to work collaboratively with elected union leadership and lead a committed staff as they serve union members and campaign for the needs of members, higher education workers and CUNY students. 
 

ABOUT PSC/CUNY

Like many labor unions, the PSC is affiliated with several larger labor organizations. By affiliating, unions magnify their power and extend their reach in city, state and federal politics. A portion of the dues paid by members helps to support our affiliates, and the PSC plays an energetic role in shaping our affiliates’ policies.

The PSC is a “local” (Local 2334) of one of the largest labor unions in the country, the American Federation of Teachers, which represents more higher education workers than any other union. Through the AFT, the PSC is affiliated with the AFL-CIO.

In the past decade, unions have become increasingly critical to workers in higher education as pressure builds to corporatize the university and allow market forces rather than professional judgment to determine academic policy. With its long history and strong affiliations, the PSC is a forceful advocate for the professional conditions that allow its members to offer a serious education to all New Yorkers.

The PSC is also a major force in opposing austerity funding for CUNY and challenging the pattern of disinvestment in CUNY, a university that serves primarily low-income communities of color.

The union negotiates, administers and enforces collective bargaining agreements; protects the rights of instructional staff through the grievance and arbitration process; engages in political activity on behalf of CUNY and its staff and students; and advocates for the interests of the instructional staff in its various forums. It also provides benefits and services to its members through such related organizations as the PSC/CUNY Welfare Fund and New York State United Teachers (NYSUT).

The duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Supervise PSC staff, including responsibility to:

• Define and manage staff roles and responsibilities, including reporting
• Recruit and ensure appropriate training of staff
• Be an effective manager for the PSC staff and a visionary leader
• Manage unionized staff in an efficient and respectful way
• Delegate tasks and projects to the Directors
• Evaluate staff on a regular basis
• Negotiate and implement staff collective bargaining agreements
• Oversee implementation of new database*

*In collaboration with Assoc. Exec. Dir., who oversees technical and technological operations and supervises tech. staff

Implement PSC policy, as developed by PSC elected leadership

1. Work closely with principal officers on a daily basis
2. Provide advice and guidance to the PSC Executive Council, Delegate Assembly, chapter officers and, as needed, to members of the bargaining unit; maintain relationships with other public sector union representatives
3. Coordinate PSC campaigns on the contract and employment issues
4. Support officers and the legislative representative in campaigns on city and state political and fiscal issues
5. Oversee research activities related to PSC policy positions
6. Represent PSC, when requested, with outside agencies

1. Oversee research and costing activities related to collective bargaining and grievance settlements
2. Review and approve all settlement agreements negotiated under the contracts
3. Maintain regular contact with CUNY and Research Foundation management

Establish and maintain ongoing communication among all constituents and groups

1. Communicate with PSC staff, Officers and member activists
2. Coordinate between PSC staff and Officers

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 10-15 years working for a labor union and/or in higher education, including at least 5 years running an organization or a sizeable department, managing a budget and supervising staff
• At least 5 years’ experience negotiating and/or administering labor contracts
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with elected leaders and accommodating multiple perspectives
• Experience in public sector unions or environments highly desirable
• Experience in labor and/or higher education policy and budget analysis and report-writing
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience in project management, strategy development and campaign planning

EDUCATION & OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Baccalaureate required; more advanced degree in appropriate field a plus

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

For this role, PSC/CUNY offers a competitive salary package of up to $165,000 + competitive benefits. This is a nationwide search.  Candidates from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups and candidates who have experience in public sector labor in the New York metropolitan area will be closely considered.

HOW TO APPLY

For immediate consideration, please submit your resume and cover letter here: https://www.scionstaffing.com/job/6609

 

ABOUT OUR FIRM

Scion Executive Search is a retained executive search firm connecting executive nonprofit leadership to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions across the country. Cultivated in the nonprofit sector, we provide expert search strategies and leadership for your organization. Our executive candidates are true agents for change, and we are experts at matching their talents, motivations, and passions to your organization’s mission. Scion Executive Search has led hundreds of successful executive searches. Information about our firm and successes can be found online at www.nonprofitexecutivesearchfirm.com.

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Scion Staffing is an Equal Opportunity Employer and service provider and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation or belief. We are committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and are dedicated to making employment decisions based on merit and value, for ourselves, our client companies, and for the candidates we represent.