The Labor Center at The University of Iowa seeks candidates for a full-time career-track position in labor education. The Labor Center provides non-credit labor education for unions and workers across the state of Iowa and conducts applied research on labor issues, annually reaching over 2,000 union members through a wide range of non-credit classes, seminars, and conferences both on and off campus. Founded in 1951, the Labor Center is based on the UI campus in Iowa City, a mid-sized, diverse Midwestern city that is frequently ranked among the “best places to live” in the U.S.

Position:  Program Consultant (Labor Educator) - full-time, professional and scientific staff appointment beginning as soon as possible. 

Responsibilities:  Teach non-credit labor education classes both on and off campus in relevant areas, including: collective bargaining, contract administration and grievance handling/arbitration, labor communications, labor and employment law, labor history, leadership development and union administration, organizing and mobilizing, political economy, public policy issues, strategic planning, safety and health, and other workplace/union issues. Design, write and produce labor education materials including replicable curricula and instructional materials appropriate for adult learners. Plan, promote, and administer non-credit labor education classes, seminars and conferences both on and off campus. Conduct applied research for trade unions and supervise graduate research assistant activities. Develop and maintain close working relationships with local, state, regional and national labor organizations. Participate in departmental decision-making processes and administrative functions. Frequently work on weekends and evenings and travel throughout the state/region.

Education Requirement: Master’s degree or higher in labor studies/industrial relations or other relevant field such as law, economics, sociology, labor history, or adult education, or equvalent combination of education and relevant experience.

 
Experience Required: Demonstrated teaching competence in core areas of labor education and demonstrated ability to design, write and produce high quality labor education materials. Demonstrated ability to conduct applied research relevant to trade unions. Prior program coordination and administration experience. Demonstrated commitment to working collectively for social and economic justice and ability to relate well to workers and labor organizations. Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel and work weekends and evenings. Demonstrated job-related experience with and/or commitment to diversity in the work/academic environment.

Desirable Qualifications: Direct experience in union organizing, collective bargaining, labor/employment law, and/or worker/union representation is highly desirable. Areas of expertise and teaching that complement and expand on those already possessed by current staff will be given special consideration. Fluency in Spanish is desirable though not required.  

Salary:  Commensurate (salary grade 10).  University benefits provided.

EEO:   The University of Iowa is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.  The Labor Center welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, particularly women, minorities and persons with disabilities.

Applications:  Accepted until August 1, 2010 or until the position is filled.  Applicants must apply online at http://jobs.uiowa.edu/.  Include cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, detailed description of labor education experience, and three current letters of reference. Sample teaching outlines and labor education materials may be requested by the search committee. For assistance with the online application contact:  
 
Jennifer Sherer
Labor Center
The University of Iowa
M210 OH
Iowa City, IA 52242-5000
319-335-4144
Email: labor-center@uiowa.edu

For additional information on the Labor Center, visit: http://www.continuetolearn.uiowa.edu/laborctr