Deadline for Applications:
February 13, 2026
Anticipated Interview Period:
January 19, 2026 - February 20, 2026
POSITION OVERVIEW
Title: Union Campaign Organizer
Location: Rochester, NY
Anticipated Start Date: March 2, 2026
Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary: $40,000
Benefits: Generous paid time off, Health Reimbursement Account
ABOUT THE CITY-WIDE TENANT UNION
The City-Wide Tenant Union (CWTU) of Rochester is a grassroots housing justice movement to elevate housing to a human right and secure community control over land and housing by building tenant power and expanding the rights of all tenants. We aim to build power by organizing tenants across the city into a) building tenant unions and/or tenant unions of all tenants with the same landlord and b) uniting tenants across buildings and landlords into one big union (the CWTU). The CWTU aims to expand tenants rights by exercising the tenants’ economic, political, and public power.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The City-Wide Tenant Union of Rochester, NY is seeking a passionate and driven Union Campaign Organizer to lead high-impact organizing efforts that directly benefit renters across Rochester. The successful candidate will be instrumental in executing the Union’s immediate goal to win rent stabilization and continue to build a base of tenants to rid the city of slumlords, and win greater democratic control over our housing.
The Campaign Organizer will be responsible for co-developing and implementing a strategic plan for a major campaign to win Rent Stabilization and support the expansion of the Union’s membership base.
POSITION DETAILS
- Campaign Strategy & Execution
- Lead the day-to-day execution of the Union’s priority campaigns like Rent Stabilization, as defined in the Union Strategic Plan.
- Develop clear campaign timelines, action plans, and measurable objectives.
- Organize and execute public actions, including rallies, press conferences, community meetings, and digital outreach.
- Represent the Union in coalition meetings with key partners (e.g., local social justice groups, statewide coalition, faith groups, elected officials).
- Base-Building and Recruitment
- Conduct door-to-door canvassing and in targeted apartment buildings
- Recruit, train, and manage a team of volunteer organizers and to support the campaigns and membership growth efforts.
- Implement the Membership Intake and Follow-Up System to ensure all new contacts are engaged within 48 hours by a team member
- Track and report weekly progress on membership recruitment and leadership goals
- Support Tenant Welcome Assemblies as place for new and old tenants to learn together and plug into the movement
- Training & Leadership Development
- Facilitate regular "Tenant Organizing 101" workshops and other skill-building sessions for new and existing members.
- Identify, mentor, and develop tenant leaders within existing and new organizing districts.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
- Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience in community, labor, or political organizing. Experience in housing justice or tenant rights is a significant plus.
- Commitment: Deep commitment to social justice, racial and economic equality, and the power of grassroots organizing.
- Skills:
- Ability to develop and execute complex campaign strategies.
- Ability to develop personal and shared work plans
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
- Proficiency in Spanish or other non-English languages widely spoken in Rochester is desirable but not required
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, for meetings and events like the public organizing workshops
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates should submit a resume (cover letter detailing their organizing experience and commitment to tenant rights is optional) via email to info@roctenantunion.org with the subject line: Candidate for Union Campaign Organizer Position
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The City-Wide Tenant Union of Rochester is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and formerly incarcerated individuals.