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Better Builder® Organizer

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ROLE: BETTER BUILDER® ORGANIZER

LOCATION: ONE POSITION IN DALLAS & ONE POSITION IN HOUSTON

APPLICATION DEADLINE: APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED UNTIL POSITIONS ARE FILLED

(We are unable to notify candidates individually when a position has been filled. Please check our website for a current list of open positions.)

Workers Defense Project (WDP) is seeking a Better Builder® Organizer to lead the expansion of WDP’s Better Builder® Program. The Better Builder® Program is Workers Defense Project’s innovative social responsibility program developed by construction workers to raise workplace standards and improve the lives of construction workers and their families. Since 2012, the Better Builder® Program has impacted the lives of over 37,000 construction workers in Central Texas. Many workers on Better Builder® sites are receiving certain benefits and standards for the first time in their careers, such as workers compensation coverage, OSHA safety training and a living wage. The program currently monitors these Better Builder® projects through independent third-party Better Builder® accredited monitors.

The Better Builder® Organizer is an essential component of Workers Defense efforts to challenge deadly and unlawful conditions in the construction industry through the Better Builder® Program. 

This is a full time position that is temporary for 15 months that will work closely with the Better Builder® Director to expand the program into Dallas County or Harris County.

HOW TO APPLY:

Send resume, cover letter, and three professional references to jobs@workersdefense.org. Please include the position title and city on the subject line of your email. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. 


WHY WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT YOU:

  • You are passionate about protecting and strengthening worker rights in Texas!  
  • You are a critical thinker and thrive in a collaborative, dynamic work environment 
  • You have experience with lobbying or other types of political advocacy
  • You have strong communication skills that allow you to build relationships and foster cooperation with a diverse array of community and industry stakeholders, including immigrant workers, elected officials, construction industry representatives, and labor representatives
  • You have the proven ability to think strategically, act assertively when necessary, and speak confidently in public.  
  • You are committed to Workers Defense’s identity as a worker-led organization and are eager to impact more lives on construction workers through the expansion of the Better Builder® Program.

THE ROLE IN ACTION:

  • You will lead the strategy and implementation of a campaign to bring the Better Builder® Program to your county by advocating for worker protection policies and ensuring adequate implementation once passed.
  • You will garner support for the campaign in your metro area through engaging with stakeholders such as local government elected officials and staff, labor union representatives, community organizations, and local construction workers.
  • You will support the work of WDP’s statewide construction committee.
  • You will lead the engagement of a group of WDP’s members to shape the campaign.
  • You will assist in facilitating meetings and supporting with turnout for the Statewide Construction Worker Committee and will engage the members from your city in the work.
  • You will work with the Workers Defense team to tailor the program to your county, such as wage standards and monitoring entities.
  • You will participate in organization-wide events, staff meetings and support with general member engagement.
  • You will demonstrate professionalism and follow established Better Builder® Program procedures when interacting with Program stakeholders.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING*:

  • Written and spoken fluency in English and Spanish
  • Proficiency with Google applications and Microsoft Office software
  • Ability to work both independently and on a team and juggle multiple responsibilities
  • Excellent time management, organization, administrative skills
  • Close attention to detail
  • Valid drivers’ license and  insured vehicle
  • Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations (immigrant construction workers industry stakeholders; representatives of government agencies, community partners, etc)
  • Ability to publicly and professionally represent WDP
  • Experience with policy advocacy or related work

*If you don’t meet all the criteria above but still feel your experience could be a good fit for the role, please apply. Workers Defense recognizes that candidates who don’t check every box can still add value to our team.

WHAT WE OFFER:

  • Workers Defense has a salary scale that is based on experience. Starting salary for the position is $60,000
  • A $1,000 annual language stipend for English-Spanish bilingual staff
  • Workers Defense has a hybrid work schedule, more details can be provided during interview process
  • Employer-paid medical, vision, dental, and life insurance
  • Paid leave consists of 10 days vacation, 10 days sick, and 5 days personal. 
  • Paid holidays in addition to office closures the week of Thanksgiving and December 23rd through 31st
  • Retirement plan with company match (as per Personnel Policies Manual)
  • Parental leave of 12 weeks paid (after probationary period – 90 days from hire)
  • Every other Friday off

ABOUT WORKERS DEFENSE PROJECT:

Created in 2002, WDP is a statewide, membership-based organization devoted to workers’ rights and advocacy, chiefly aiming to build power among Texas construction workers. 

Workers Defense organizations are equal opportunity employers and actively encourage and recruit people of color, immigrants, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals to apply.