American Association of University Professors

Department of Research and Public Policy

Research and Organizing Specialist — Remote

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP), a fast-growing union of higher education workers, is pleased to announce a professional position for a Research and Organizing Specialist, to be filled as soon as possible. Our goals are to build AAUP member power in order to defend the higher ed sector against increasing attacks and lead a fight for fair wages, job security, academic freedom, an end to student debt, and expanded access to postsecondary education. The ideal candidate will be committed to shaping and implementing AAUP’s organizing objectives using a data-driven approach.

The Research and Organizing Specialist will collect and analyze data related to AAUP members and the higher education workforce more generally, including their working conditions, demographics, legal rights, institutional profiles, and political contexts. The person in this position will define key issues, analyze the landscape of higher education organized labor, identify strategic opportunities for organizational and coalitional growth, and contribute to mobilizing members to win increased rights and protections for faculty, academic professionals, and graduate student employees.

Employed in AAUP’s Research Department, the Research and Organizing Specialist will also work flexibly in collaboration with AAUP staff in other departments, communicate with AAUP chapters about membership and dues matters, and assist elected leaders and committees. They may be tasked with supporting special projects that advance AAUP’s priorities, such as electoral or legislative campaigns. The successful candidate will play a key role in AAUP’s partnership with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). This position requires a commitment to racial equity and involves working with diverse individuals both inside and outside of the AAUP office.

The AAUP is committed to a diverse workforce and strives to achieve a workplace environment respectful of the many cultures of our own employees and the higher education workers we represent, including a significant number of African-American, Asian-American/Pacific Islander, and Latinx employees, as well as LGBTQl-identified employees, and those who have immigrated from various countries. The AAUP values the benefits that diversity brings to the faculty profession and the labor movement. We seek applicants whose experience and perspective will contribute to strong representation of our diverse members.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The position will include the following responsibilities:
• Assess internal membership data to make recommendations for areas in which to focus organizing efforts.
• Gather, evaluate, and present data related to the higher education sector to inform strategic decision-making.
• Track developments in the higher education labor movement.
• Provide AAUP elected leaders and committees with advisory research.
• Cultivate relationships with AAUP chapter leaders and staff to support compliance with constitutional, regulatory, and legal obligations.
• Analyze collective bargaining contracts to make strategic campaign recommendations.
• Assist in the maintenance and optimization of AAUP’s membership database system.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Three or more years combined experience working as staff or member-leader with higher education labor unions required.
• Experience compiling and analyzing data related to higher education issues.
• Extensive knowledge of the higher education labor movement, evidenced by presentations and/or publications.
• Experience working as staff organizer in the context of the AAUP and AFT affiliation.
• Experience researching and benchmarking union organizing campaign escalations required. Experience with militant worker movements preferred.
• Experience with wall-to-wall labor formations.
• Experience working within union coalitions.
• Experience working on pro-education electoral or legislative campaigns.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully develop and implement comprehensive internal and/or external union organizing plans, including organizing timelines, benchmarks, and milestones.
• Demonstrated expertise in organizing databases.
• Self-starter with excellent time-management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work constructively with faculty, academic professionals, and graduate student employees.
• Successful use of digital tools to facilitate organizing work.
• Commitment to racial equity required; demonstrated experience with racial equity or DEI initiatives preferred.
• Superior written and oral communication skills and computer proficiency skills—including working familiarity with MS Office suite.
• Ability to work independently within the context of a national strategic plan.
• Valid driver’s license and a willingness to travel nationally. This is a national position and requires an ability to travel and work throughout the country.
• Bachelor’s and/or advanced degree preferred.

Compensation 

Salary range is $73,759.42-$79,839.57. Generous benefits package, including health insurance and 401(K).

Position Classification

This regular full-time position is categorized as an assistant staff position and is included in the staff union bargaining unit. This is a non-exempt position, eligible for overtime pay.

Work Location

This position is remote.

To Apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of three references; all application material are required. No phone calls or recruiters please. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until August 11, 2025.

The AAUP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, homelessness, or other characteristics unrelated to professional performance. (EEO Know Your Rights | Family Medical Leave Act).

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.