The U. S. Federation of Worker Co-ops (USFWC) is the national grassroots membership organization for worker cooperatives and other democratic workplaces. Our mission is to build a thriving cooperative movement of stable, empowering jobs through worker-ownership. Representing more than 350 member workplaces and an estimated 10,000 workers across the country, we advance worker-owned, -managed, and -governed workplaces through cooperative education, advocacy and development.
The primary responsibilities of the Training and Technical Assistance Manager are to manage and support the USFWC’s Co-op Clinic, with a focus on training and facilitation services. The USFWC Co-op Clinic provides training and technical assistance to worker cooperatives and democratic workplaces and adjacent organizations through trainings, resources, and a network of peer advisors from the field who provide direct technical assistance. The Clinic assists clients in areas such as startup, business planning, incorporation, bylaws, finances, decision making, conflict management, and more.
USFWC’s work in training, technical assistance and consulting is guided by participatory approaches rooted in a robust analysis of justice, restoration, democracy, and collective liberation. Our education and training work has been building for several years, and demand for our services from members and clients continues to grow. The person in this position will have the opportunity to further build out these programs and drive impact for the solidarity economy ecosystem.
This is a salaried, 28-35 hr/week staff position at $49,000-$52,000/year (equivalent to a 40 hr FTE), but pro-rated based on % of FTE ([e.g. 32 hrs would be 80% FTE). A modest salary increase is available for staff located in high cost-of-living cities and staff who have dependents. This position resorts to the Director of Education and Training.
Job Description
Co-op Clinic Project Management (40% of time)
- Project Manage custom-designed, custom-delivered facilitation and/or training (Tier 3 services) to meet the needs of specific clients
- Plan and promote Member Trainings & Webinars (online and in-person) in coordination with Communications Director, Co-op Clinic Program Manager and program partners
- Design, manage and maintain resource library for the Co-op Clinic
- Assist the Technical Assistance Manager with projects as needed, such as providers directory development, integration of Launch.coop with the Co-op Clinic Program, and support for Technical assistance programs
Training and Curriculum Development (40% of time)
- Develop and review curricula for ongoing bilingual training for Co-op Clinic
- Provide remote training and in-person facilitation through the Co-op Clinic and consulting services as needed.
- Support development of skill building programs for USFWC’s team of Peer Advisors and Consultants with support of Co-op Clinic Program Manager and the Director of Education and Training
- Uplift best practices that advance racial, gender and economic justice principles
- Support programming for the Movimiento of Immigrants Council with Spanish curricula where appropriate
Fundraising and Administration (10% of time)
- Support the proposals for programming for the USDA’s Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG), New York City’s Worker Cooperative Business Development Initiative (WCBDI) and other funding sources for technical assistance and training as needed
- Support development of sponsorship packages for the Co-op Clinic
- Support the elaboration and revisions of budgets for the Co-op Clinic
- Support reporting for RCDG , WCBDI and other programs, grants and contracts
Cross-Team Strategy and Support (10% of time)
- Participate in bi-weekly staff meetings and other recurring staff meetings
- Support the Director of Education and Training on ongoing reporting to USFWC board and staff regarding the Co-op Clinic
- Provide thought leadership and limited logistical support on USFWC conferences and events as needed
- Provide cross-team support on curriculum and training design for USFWC conferences, events and activities as appropriate
- Contribute to general organizational strategy in areas such as work planning, staffing, staff support, budget and programming
Qualifications
- Experience developing and designing innovative and engaging curriculum
- Business management skills (finance, marketing, etc)
Experience working in or with worker (or other) cooperatives, collectives, or democratic workplaces - Project management experience e.g. familiarity with or ability to learn Asana, Google Suite, and CiviCRM.
- Strong organizational skills, including demonstrated ability to track many simultaneous projects
- Experience with group, facilitation, popular education and participatory pedagogy
- Strong bilingual English/Spanish communication skills
- Experience and competency working with communities of color and immigrant communities
Details about the position
Location
Our workplace is remote, with many staff residing in Philadelphia, PA. We maintain a flexible work environment, with occasional out of town travel for work as health guidelines allow. At this time, we are only accepting applications from applicants who reside in New York, California, Washington, Massachusetts, Maryland, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, or the District of Columbia.
About Being on Staff:
U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives is a growing organization, currently consisting of 18 staff along with leadership from our nine-member Board of Directors. The USFWC has expanded both its programs and its staff significantly over the last four years. We are dedicated to serving our members and focusing on growing our impact, our value, and our member benefits. Member engagement is a key area of our focus, and also involves strengthening relationships with local and regional networks and exploring new state-level chapters.
Compensation & Benefits:
This is a 28-35 hours/week position at an FTE salary of $49,000-$52,000/year, pro-rated based on % of FTE. Staff receive annual raises, and we offer a modest increase on top of base pay for staff with dependents (including parents and employees caring for an elderly family member). Base salaries are increased slightly for employees residing in particularly costly cities. The USFWC fully covers healthcare, vision and dental coverage for full time equivalent employees. Among our generous fringe benefits, we offer flexible holiday pay, 3-5 weeks of annual vacation, and stipends for professional development and tech equipment.
Applying:
To apply please send a resume, cover letter, and 3 references from current or former workplaces (or significant organizing initiatives) to hiring@usworker.coop. Make the subject line of your email “Your Name, Training & Technical Assistance Manager Application”. The position will be open until filled, but applications submitted by August 15 will receive priority.
The USFWC is an Equal Opportunity employer. We highly encourage applicants of color, applicants who grew up poor or working class, LGBTQIA applicants, and applicants from other historically marginalized communities to apply.