Internal Organizer

A Bit About Local 5:
ILWU Local 5 is based in Portland, Oregon, and currently represents workers in Retail, Warehouse, Non-Profit Orgs, Food Service, Veterinary Medicine, and Early Education. We are dedicated to fighting for economic justice and building a society in which all individuals are respected and allowed to thrive. Our culture is rooted in a bottom-up democracy where the membership is afforded every opportunity to guide the direction of the Local. We recognize the history of the labor movement is dominated by traditional power brokers (white men) and we seek to disrupt that culture by fostering non-traditional leadership and encouraging the next wave of labor leaders to interact with old guard unionism.

We are Looking for Someone Who:

• Is committed to advancing the labor movement
• Embodies the spirit of collaboration, with a willingness to learn new skills and troubleshoot seemingly impossible problems, and an endless font of creativity
• Has an open heart in working with diverse communities to develop and execute community organizing drives, dues paying membership, legislative bodies, and electoral programs
• Has strong communication skills, both in person (verbal and non-verbal) and online (written, visual, social media), with a willingness and ability to connect with people of all backgrounds and experiences
• Is organized with attention to record keeping and language nuance

General Description of Duties:
The Internal Organizer will report directly to members of the Local 5 Executive Board, with reports on activities being submitted monthly. They will work with other Internal Organizers as well as Titled Officers on a regular basis to ensure all representational and organizing matters are being properly administered; this includes activities such as: assisting with contract administration and maintaining the contract administrative files, assisting with negotiation activities, grievance processing, training and education, and other duties the Executive Board deems necessary to the functioning of the Local.

Primary Focuses
Building Relationships

• Identify leaders and build their organizing and leadership skills
• Activate leaders to commit to improving workplace standards and conditions
• Actively recruit new members to be engaged through outreach, one-on-one conversations, and connecting members to issues they care about in their workplace
• Motivate and inspire workers to support the growth of the Union
• Build and maintain deep relationships with members through organizing conversations and leadership development

Communication

• Create regular oral and written reports about the organizing work
• Attend regularly occurring administrative meetings as directed (including Bargaining Unit, Executive Board, Stewards’ Councils, Titled Officers, and quarterly General Membership)
• Develop and maintain materials as needed, such as written materials, graphics, and social media content

Qualifications and Requirements

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Organizing experience gained through community advocacy, grassroots organizing, mutual aid campaigns, work with labor unions, electoral campaigns, and/or other relevant organizing experience
• Organized, reliable, and committed to working as Internal Organizer for ILWU Local 5 for at least the next 3 years
• Genuine understanding of the need to build a bottom-up democratic union—a militant rank and file is the ONLY way forward
• Currently have valid drivers license and own or are able/willing to purchase a passenger vehicle (which will be used to conduct business)
• Prior experience in working retail and/or non-profit strongly preferred
• Willingness and ability to work flexible and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Google Docs, Zoom/Google meet, design applications such as Canva, and internet technologies
• Ability to be a self-starter, and to work independently as well as part of a team toward agreed upon goals
• A strong ability to motivate people, coordinate rank and file involvement, and delegate responsibilities

Pay & Benefits
This is a full time salary position. Pay for this position is $4460.80 per month as well as a $345 benefit stipend, paid monthly on the 5th. Effective January 2028, pending Membership vote, wages are projected to increase to $4507.20 as well as a $105 transportation stipend in addition to Employer sponsored healthcare 401(k) with a 3% match. Three weeks of paid time off per year.

To Apply:
In addition to a résumé, please include a cover letter that explains your reason for wanting to work for ILWU Local 5, an example of how you demonstrated success in a similar position, a brief description of the importance of the labor movement and the role of unions within it, and a description of how this position fits into your long-term career plan. Please be sure to include all of your paid professional experience as well as volunteer and lived experience on your résumé. Please send your résumé and cover letter to: jobs@ilwulocal5.com with the Subject Line: Internal Organizer

Interviews will begin as early as mid September and the position will remain posted until filled.

Desired Start Date: Thursday October 1, 2026

Local 5 is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. As a proud Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), we do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, religion, sex, sexual stereotyping, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, pregnancy (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or chestfeeding), or any other protected category recognized by state, federal or local laws. Local 5 provides reasonable accommodations, in accordance with applicable law, for qualified individuals with disabilities, for individuals’ religious beliefs and practices, and on any other basis required by law. If, to apply for this job or to participate in a job interview, you require a reasonable accommodation, please let us know.

Please visit our website for more information: www.ilwulocal5.com or find us on Facebook and Instagram