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(Entry-Level Researcher Position with Three to Six-Month Apprenticeship)

The Building Justice campaign, a joint effort of the AFL-CIO and several building trades unions, is changing the face of construction work in the Southwest. Thousands of construction workers toil away in Southwestern cities in unsafe working conditions, with little or no access to health care, and few rights on the job site. Some Southwestern construction workers, most of them Latino immigrants, make a fraction of many of their counterparts. Workers are joining together to improve the industry, and better their working conditions.

The campaign is a strategic effort in support of construction workers, to assist them in achieving the changes they want in their workplaces and driving up standards for all workers.

OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Researcher compiles information on companies, industries and issues. The Researcher also assists the campaign in other capacities such as worker and community outreach and helping plan worksite actions. S/he also assists in campaign strategy development.

The Researcher works under the supervision of senior campaign staff and works day to day with lead researchers and organizers to accomplish assignments.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Under the direction and supervision of senior campaign staff, a Researcher's duties fall into three main categories:

A. Corporate Research Duties

1. Performs comprehensive and efficient searches of public information from a variety of sources to provide quantitative and qualitative information for company and industry profiles and issue development.

2. Monitors press and other public documents on assigned companies, industries and issues.

3. Gathers information from workers, employers, government agencies, courts, press, Internet, organizers, and other sources. To a limited extent, the Researcher is expected to develop and cultivate new sources of information.

B. Communications Duties

1. Exhibits strong writing skills to prepare internal memos, and to draft leaflets, testimony, letters, fact sheets, and other documents for eventual public uses.

2. Effectively communicates purposes for information gathering.

3. Prepares materials for conferences and meetings; compiles data on industries or issues; and participates in political, legislative and/or regulatory initiatives and activities.

4. Effectively communicate with workers

C. General Duties

1. Makes daily and weekly plans reflecting broader goals and balances conflicting demands.

2. Stays abreast of campaign developments and goals, and adjusts work accordingly.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education: B.A. or B.S. preferred.

Experiences(s): Preferred demonstrated community, union or student activist experience.

Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred, both written and spoken.

Self-motivated and an ability to learn and work independently.

Creativity and an ability to think strategically.

Strong interpersonal skills.

Familiarity with and an ability to navigate the Internet.

Strong computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.

Ability to work under deadline.

HOW TO APPLY

This position is open until filled. It consists of a paid three to six-month apprenticeship, that when completed successfully, will lead to an entry-level strategic researcher position with a competitive salary and benefits.

Please send a cover letter and resume to Arturo Mendoza - amendoza@aflcio.org.