TheAmerican Association of University Professors (AAUP) is a fast-growing union ofhigher education workers with 55,000 members at colleges and universitiesnationwide. We invite applications for a Strategic Campaigns Director who iscommitted to building a powerful and democratic union that fights for workers overbillionaires. AAUP is uniting and mobilizing the higher ed sector againstincreasing partisan attacks. We aim to protect college and university teachingand research, defend academic freedom, launch revenue campaigns to funddebt-free college, strengthen the higher education labor movement by forgingcross-sector solidarity, and defend democracy itself against authoritarianencroachment. The Strategic Campaigns Director will play a critical roleleading AAUP’s capital strategies efforts.
We arelooking for a candidate who can:
develop and drive campaigns incorporating capitalstrategies in higher education,
engage and educate members to connect local fights tonational challenges,
power contract campaigns using data and other research,and
work cross-functionally within AAUP and in collaborationwith coalition partners to achieve strategic objectives.
Thisis a one-year Special Appointment position. Special Appointment positions areshort-term appointments (not to exceed two years) for the purpose of fulfillingclearly defined, temporary projects, including but not limited to organizingassignments, pilot programs, and grant-funded projects. Renewal of the positionfor a second year is likely but dependent on funding.
TheAAUP is committed to a diverse workforce and strives to achieve a workplaceenvironment respectful of the many cultures of our own employees and the highereducation workers we represent, including a significant number ofAfrican-American, Asian-American/Pacific Islander, and Latinx employees, aswell as LGBTQl-identified employees, and those who have immigrated from variouscountries. The AAUP values the benefits that diversity brings to the facultyprofession and the labor movement. We seek applicants whose experience andperspective will contribute to strong representation of our diverse members.
Dutiesand Responsibilities
The position will include the following responsibilities:
In direct consultation withelected leadership, develop and execute strategic campaigns focused on buildingpower for higher education workers.
Monitor emergingdevelopments relevant to capital strategies.
Foster relationships withcoalition partners and counterparts in other organizations, and represent AAUPto other labor unions and higher education advocacy organizations on issues ofshared concern.
Identify opportunities forcampaign escalations.
Draft and share regularcampaign updates for AAUP member communications, including opportunities forlocal chapters to take action.
Brief field staff whoorganize and mobilize members in priority geographies.
Conduct workshops for AAUPmembers and chapter leaders.
Attend to racial justice andother matters of equity in higher education to ensure they are sustainedpriorities in AAUP’s agenda.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Ability to perform all ofthe above.
Five or more years of workexperience in a similar role.
Demonstrable successdesigning and implementing strategic campaigns.
Experience working withdigital research tools.
Superior written and oralcommunication skills and computer proficiency skills—including familiarity withMS Office.
Commitment to racial equity.
Associate degree.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to traveldomestically several times per year for meetings with elected leaders, chaptermembers, and field staff.
Ability to work evening andweekend hours when required for events, travel, or deadlines.
PreferredQualifications
Experience working withlabor unions.
Expertise in highereducation policy at the state or federal level.
Demonstrated experienceadvancing racial equity.
BA or advanced degree.
This jobdescription is not designed or intended to cover or contain a comprehensivelisting of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of theemployee. Activities, duties, and responsibilities may change, or new ones maybe assigned during the course of employment.
Compensation
Salary range: $150,000 –$170,000. AAUP offers a generous benefits package that includes health, dental,and vision insurance; paid sick days; paid vacations days; and 401(K).
Position Classification
Thisfull-time, Special Appointment, Senior Program Officer position is categorizedas management/supervisory and is excluded from the staff bargaining unit. Thisis an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime pay.
Work Location
Thisposition is remote and does not require relocation. However, the Director willtravel to AAUP’s Washington, D.C., office, to AAUP events, and occasionally toin-person work sites on college and university campuses nationwide, sometimeson short notice.
To Apply
To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and include thenames and contact information of three references; all application materialare required. No phone calls orrecruiters please. Review of applicationswill begin immediately. Full consideration of applications will be given toapplications submitted by May 1, 2026. If necessary, applications submittedafter May 1, 2026 may be considered on a rolling basis until May 17, 2026.
The AAUP is anequal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex,disability, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, genderidentity or expression, sexual orientation, personal appearance, familyresponsibilities, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, homelessness,or other characteristics unrelated to professional performance. (EEO Know YourRights | FamilyMedical Leave Act).
