UniServ Manager

VIRGINIA EDUCATION ASSOCIATIONEXTERNAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR POSITION OF UNISERV MANAGER Date of Posting: March 5, 2026Deadline for applying: Open Until Filled Position level: ManagementJob Title: UniServ Manager (two open positions)Reports To: Director of Organizing and Affiliate SupportAbout the OrganizationThe Virginia Education Association (VEA) is the largest union of public-school teachers and support professionals working for the betterment of public education for every student in the Commonwealth. VEA is the state affiliate of the National Education Association with more than 3.2 million members. Our work supports strong local associations through organizing, collective bargaining, advocacy, and leadership development. With collective bargaining now authorized at the local level in Virginia, our focus is on building durable local capacity, strong member engagement, and effective bargaining structures that reflect local priorities and state law.Position SummaryThe UniServ Manager is a Richmond, VA Headquarter-based management position responsible for overseeing operations as assigned. This position provides direct supervision, coaching, and performance management for UniServ Directors and Organizers (remote staff) while ensuring consistent, high-quality support to local affiliates engaged in collective bargaining, organizing, member advocacy, and contract implementation.The UniServ Manager plays a critical role in aligning statewide strategy with local execution, strengthening staff effectiveness, and supporting staff who work with local leaders navigating Virginia's collective bargaining landscape. This role requires a strong manager who can lead through complexity, balance competing needs, and support staff working with locals across multiple bargaining units and school divisions.Core ResponsibilitiesManagement & Staff LeadershipDirectly supervise, coach, evaluate, and support UniServ Directors and Organizers Set clear expectations, priorities, and performance standards aligned with organizational goalsSupport staff professional growth through coaching, feedback, and targeted skill developmentFoster accountability, collaboration, and consistency across geographically dispersed teamsSupport and participate in regional staff meetings as well as conferences, webinars, seminars, and trainingsAssist in the monitoring and approval of leave, travel, VISA reconciliation and other reports submitted by UniServ Directors and Organizers, in keeping with deadlinesServes as Staff Liaison to VEA Committee(s) as assignedStrategy & OversightProvide strategic leadership for organizing, collective bargaining, and member engagement Translate statewide priorities into coordinated plans that reflect local bargaining realitiesBalance workloads, assignments, and resources to ensure effective staff capacity to meet local governance needsMonitor progress on organizing benchmarks, bargaining timelines, and contract outcomesCollective Bargaining SupportSupport staff and local leaders engaged in first-time and ongoing collective bargaining under Virginia lawEnsure staff are equipped to support local bargaining teams, campaigns, and implementation processesProvide guidance on grievance handling, contract enforcement, and problem-solving at the local levelCoordinates with NEA staff assigned to work with VEA on issue organizing and collective bargaining campaigns.Identify patterns, challenges, and best practices across school divisions to inform statewide strategLocal Affiliate & Leader SupportBuild and maintain strong working relationships with local association leaders and governance bodiesSupport leadership development and capacity building within local affiliatesAssist in navigating complex or high-stakes situations, including conflict resolution and negotiationsServe as a visible and responsive management presence Coordination & Organizational LeadershipCollaborate closely with other UniServ Manager, department directors, and statewide leadershipParticipate as a member of the management team in planning, evaluation, and continuous improvementEnsure consistent application of organizational policies, procedures, and agreementsRepresent the organization in meetings, trainings, and regional or statewide events as neededQualifications RequiredBachelor's degreeMinimum of five years of experience in labor unions, education associations, or comparable organizing and bargaining environmentsDemonstrated experience supervising and managing professional staffDirect experience supporting or leading collective bargaining efforts, preferably in the public sectorStrong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skillsAbility to manage competing priorities across multiple regions and teamsWillingness and ability to travel extensively (40%-50%) within Virginia, including evenings and weekendsValid Virginia driver's license and reliable transportationPreferredExperience working in the NEA family of education unions Experience supporting first-contract or newly established bargaining unitsKnowledge of Virginia's collective bargaining statutes Experience working with unionized staff and elected governance structuresBilingual skills a plusSalary & Fringe BenefitsSalary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, ranging from $120,000 - $135,000. A comprehensive benefits package is provided, including health insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, and mileage reimbursement in accordance with organizational policy.The Virginia Education Association is committed to building a diverse team that reflects our membership and the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Created: 2026-04-02