Careers at AEA
Position: Senior Director for Business Services
Date of Posting: June 13, 2025
Close of Posting: Open until filled;
Staff Relationship: Reports to the AEA Executive Director
Application: Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, résumé, and contact information for three (3) professional references by email to: Nicole Adams, Executive Assistant to the Executive Director ([email protected])
The Arizona Education Association (AEA) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Senior Director for Business Services in Phoenix, Arizona. The Senior Director is a member of the management team with a department that has responsibility for all administrative, personnel, technology and financial functions of our 23,000-member labor union, including but not limited to:
- Management of payroll, employee benefits administration, insurance, and human resources
- Management of all financial and operational activities for the union, including but not limited to accounting, budgeting, banking, investment, cash management, strategic budget planning, audit and tax preparation, and all other compliance and reporting for AEA and its related entities
- Providing training to AEA locals on financial best practices and provide guidance as needed
- Management of AEA grant tracking, grant writing, billing, auditing, and accounts payable
- Management of a team responsible for membership processing
- Management of AEA data, responsible for developing and maintaining effective data management processes
- Prepare financial statements, financial reports, and other financial information to the Board of Directors and statewide officers as needed, and providing staff support to any and all relevant member-led committees, task forces, and other union deliberative bodies as needed
- Maintaining accounts, ledgers, and other documents related to internal management of funds
- Management of AEA-owned property and related vendor relationships
- Management of IT and related vendor relationships for all union functions
- Serving as liaison to all member benefits programs
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field; or a minimum of 5 years of related experience at a senior level.
A minimum of three years of progressive experience with accounting, business administration practices and functions.
Demonstrated successful experience in broad administrative and general office management responsibility.
Proven written and oral communication skills.
Proven mathematical skills.
Ability to develop and manage accurate budgets.
Knowledge of computerized accounting and membership programs.
Experience working in government, non-profit and/or union environment.
Commitment to union values, the labor movement, and public education as an institution.
Desired Education and Experience
The ideal candidate is a licensed Certified Public Accountant or carries an equivalent credential with related applicable senior-level experience. Special consideration will also be given to candidates who hold a graduate degree or other senior-level credential in accounting, management accounting, business administration, or have equivalent work experience.
Knowledge and Skills
Extensive knowledge and experience in accounting and financial management functions; planning, budgeting, general ledger, cash management, accounts payable, audit, financial reporting and automated accounting systems.
Good working knowledge of how to manage business operations in a public sector labor union environment.
Knowledge of concepts relating to the development and maintenance of effective organizations, and the management and development of people. Effective team leadership skills. Creative problem-solving ability.
Knowledge and experience with technology including hardware and software needs and recommendations for future technology requirements.
Property management expertise relative to leasing, construction, contract negotiations, tenant relations and building maintenance and administration.
Knowledge and experience in managing employee benefit programs and payroll and personnel functions.
Knowledge and experience in managing a broad range of administrative functions.
Superior interpersonal skills including consensus building, conflict and change management, and the ability to deal effectively with many different types of people in a wide variety of situations.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Management: Manage all accounting, budgeting, cash management, auditing and financial reporting functions. Manage the updating and maintenance of all automated and manual accounting systems. Coordinates and oversees the union, PAC and related entity annual/fiscal audits, campaign finance reporting to the Secretary of State, any and all related compliance reporting, and corporate federal and state tax returns.
Personnel Management: Manage employee benefit programs and payroll processing, human resources, COBRA and the Affordable Care Act requirements, attendance and personnel record keeping. Manages the administration of pension, 401(k), Medical Insurance Trust and the health and welfare plans for all Association employees. Serves on the AEA Governance Bargaining Team providing financial support necessary for staff union bargaining, and manage the implementation of employment agreements.
Department Management: Supervise and manage the administrative and financial activities of the union to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of services. Provide logistic and data support for the Executive Director, Board of Directors, other managers, and appropriate committees.
Staff Management: Supervises Business, Finance and Technology department employees, providing guidance, direction, training and evaluation. Also supervises related vendor relationships. Develop a team environment that works cohesively to achieve AEA objectives.
Governance Support: Provide support and advice to AEA Board of Directors, officers, local leaders and to committees as assigned.
Property Management: Manage all AEA properties, including financing, leasing, construction, tenant relations, maintenance and record keeping.
Membership Processing: Manage the updating and maintenance of AEA membership records, including the monitoring of dues payments to AEA and NEA.
Data Processing and Management: Manage the coordination of all data processing and management, including planning, purchasing, implementation, maintenance, program development and training involving multiple platforms and data maintenance and management across multiple departments.
Technology: Manages all technology related functions; determines technology needs for the Association and locals, evaluates and identifies hardware purchases, software purchases; deploys, maintains, develops, upgrades and supports all IT systems, including servers, storage, workstations, network infrastructures application development methods, operating systems, security disaster recovery standards and licensing, staff and affiliate training and all other related technology subject matters.
Purchasing: Manage the purchasing of all equipment for the headquarters and regional offices.
Other: Perform other appropriate duties as necessary, approved and assigned by the Executive Director.
SALARY AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits include liberal annual leave; health, life, and disability insurance; defined benefit retirement plan; and 401(k) plan.
The Arizona Education Association is an equal opportunity employer with an affirmative action employment program. Candidates from communities of color and women are encouraged to apply.
Position: AEA Campaigns and Elections Director
Date of Posting: September 3, 2025
Close of Posting: Until Filled, First Application Review September 12, 2025
Staff Relationship: Reports to the Senior Director of Public Affairs
Application: Please submit your cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references to: Nicole Adams, Executive Assistant to Governance & Management ([email protected])
Should your resume generate further interest, AEA will send you an Employment Application. This completed application must be submitted for further consideration of employment.
The Campaigns and Elections Director leads the Arizona Education Association’s (AEA) issue organizing and political campaign efforts at the local, legislative, and statewide levels. This role focuses on growing inclusive membership, improving retention, and expanding political activism among members.
The Director advises the AEA Fund Council and other governance bodies on campaign strategy, supports local associations in electoral work, and serves as the primary liaison to the AEA Retired local. In addition, the role coordinates closely with NEA staff, labor partners, and community coalitions to advance AEA’s mission of ensuring high-quality public education for all Arizona students.
This is a strategic, team-centered role that requires strong knowledge of campaigns, coalition building, and member engagement.
Key responsibilities include:
• Representing AEA in political, labor, and grassroots coalitions
• Leading trainings for members and staff on elections and PACs
• Collaborating with AEA Field Organizational Consultants (OC) to support locals with active campaigns
• Collaborate with NEA Campaign and Elections team on all electoral and legislative advocacy campaigns/projects
• Oversee electoral grants and programs and member engagement
Qualifications Required:
• Knowledge of the Arizona labor and political landscape and grassroots partners
• Knowledge of campaign finance laws and PAC operation
• Knowledge of direct candidate, ballot, and independent expenditure campaign laws
• Knowledge of electoral organizing tools, including VAN, Mobilize, Hustle, and others, used for voter outreach
• Experience building and executing electoral, ballot measure, member, and voter outreach field plans
• Strong commitment to the labor movement and to public education
• Willingness to work long and irregular hours, including weekends
• Experience designing and delivering campaign training for adults
• Understanding of membership-based organizations, especially unions
• Ability to plan and coordinate grassroots and electoral campaigns
Key Responsibilities and Preferred Core Competencies:
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Over 5 years of experience working in political campaigns and elections.
• Leading local and statewide campaigns, including school board, bond/override, and ballot initiatives
• Organizing grassroots efforts and supporting PAC fundraising and compliance
• Representing AEA in coalitions and building relationships with political, labor, and community partners
• Delivering training on elections, organizing, and PAC strategy
• Collaborating with internal teams to advance AEA’s political and legislative goals
• Campaign and legislative strategy knowledge
• Community organizing and coalition building
• Demonstrated use of sound professional judgment.
• Fundraising and PAC development
• Strong communication and public messaging skills
• Bilingual or Spanish speaking
• Ability to train, collaborate, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Other duties as assigned
Compensation and Benefits
• This is a bargaining unit position with a salary based on experience and proven track record in the area of member recruitment. Excellent comprehensive benefits package provided-- including health, dental, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid sick, personal, and vacation leave.
The Arizona Education Association is an equal opportunity employer with an affirmative action employment program. Candidates from communities of color and women are encouraged to apply. The Arizona Education Association is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. AEA will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age
Position: New Growth Organizer
Date of Posting: September 3, 2025
Close of Posting: Until Filled, First Application Review September 12, 2025
Anticipated Start Date: September 25, 2025
Staff Relationship: Reports to the Deputy Director of Organizing and Growth Strategies
Application: Please submit your cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references to: Nicole Adams, Executive Assistant to Governance & Management ([email protected]).
Should your resume generate further interest, AEA will send you an Employment Application. This completed application must be submitted for any further employment consideration.
New Growth Organizer
Arizona Education Association is recruiting experienced and qualified candidates who are passionate about building organizing power to win policies that improve working and learning conditions for educators and students. The ideal candidate will be deeply committed to our mission, thrive on finding ways to overcome challenges and enjoy working to translate bold vision into successful programs. This role requires someone who is a systems thinker, engages effectively with staff, and can foster effective communication and information sharing.
The New Growth Organizer works directly with leaders and members to develop and implement the best strategies to engage members and recruit educators to join AEA. This position is responsible for coordinating across various school sites and multiple school districts to achieve local, regional, and statewide recruitment goals. The New Growth Organizer will work with a dynamic team of organizers, field staff, professional learning staff, and program assistants, and coordinate with members and leaders to achieve the organization's goals.
The Arizona Education Association is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal- opportunity employer. AEA will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.
Qualifications Required
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated use of sound professional judgment
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Knowledge of organizing principles and ability to develop and implement organizing plans
• Proficiency in computer technologies
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Conflict resolution skills
• Understanding of membership-based organizations, especially unions
• Ability to plan and coordinate campaigns
• Ability to effectively balance multiple priorities and manage time and financial resources
• Ability to work with minimum supervision
• Willingness and ability to expand knowledge and skills in a rapidly changing environment
• Training and presentation skills
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with staff and leaders
• Willingness and ability to advocate for the membership and goals of the organization
• Ability to write a comprehensive organizing campaign plan that demonstrates an understanding of campaign messaging, strategy, last-to-first planning, and data analysis and to work with leaders to implement such a plan
• Demonstrated experience in successfully developing, implementing, and winning comprehensive organizing campaigns that have resulted in increased membership, leadership, member engagement, and worker power
• Demonstrated experience planning and implementing organizing blitzes including member/potential member list creation, development of organizing rap, assessment questions, tracking tools, and follow-up plans
• Demonstrated experience in organizing and leadership identification and development including skills in utilizing data for targeting organizing campaigns and experience with organizing conversations, assessments, and moving people to action
• Facilitation, training, and presentation skills including the ability to train leaders and members with the necessary skills and tools to recruit, retain and engage members and external partners
• Willingness and ability to travel and work long and irregular hours including some weekends
Desired Qualifications
• Familiarity with community, public education, and labor groups and coalitions in Arizona.
• Ability to demonstrate a basic understanding of advocacy regarding policies and strategies that impact public education professions and student learning
• Familiarity with collective bargaining, including Bargaining for the Common Good strategies
• Experience organizing through one-on-one conversations, house visits, planning and implementing organizing tactics and strategies, including rallies, marches, and other direct actions
• Ability to design, produce and manipulate database reports, spreadsheets, and presentation software
• Spanish proficiency preferred
Responsibilities
• Serve as a trainer of leaders and staff in new growth organizing, community engagement, planning, leadership identification and development, scratch organizing, and other capacity-building efforts
• Serve as a resource to staff and leaders with growth organizing, particularly new growth, including: providing training, creating and sharing materials, coordinating events focused on growth, and more
• Engage in new growth organizing and capacity-building efforts with leaders, members, and staff
• Provide strategic support and content for communications both internal and external, related to statewide new growth organizing campaigns
• Work with local affiliates and units to implement the AEA strategic plan within designated units, locals, and constituency groups
• Develop qualitative and quantitative reports related to the assigned work
• Partner with existing staff in the field to build collaborative approaches to the work
Compensation and Benefits
• This is a bargaining unit position with Salary based on experience and proven track record in the area of member recruitment. Excellent comprehensive benefits package provided-- including health, dental, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid sick, personal, and vacation leave.
Salary Range: $71,754-$111,912 per year commensurate with experience and training
The Arizona Education Association is an equal opportunity employer with an affirmative action employment program. Candidates from communities of color and women are encouraged to apply.
Position: Organizational Consultant C-2
Date of Posting: September 3, 2025
Close of Posting: Until Filled, First Application Review September 12, 2025
Staff Relationship: Reports to the Director of Organizing and Growth Strategies
Application: Please submit your cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references to: Nicole Adams, Executive Assistant to Governance & Management ([email protected]).
Should your resume generate further interest, AEA will send you an Employment Application. This completed application must be submitted for any further employment consideration.
This opening is for an Organizational Consultant position in Region C-2 which currently consists of five (5) local associations in school districts in the Central Phoenix Alhambra Dist EA, Balsz, Creighton EA, Madison District CTA and Osborn EA. More local associations may be added or removed from this assignment to align with the vision and strategic goals of the Arizona Education Association.
Responsibilities: The primary responsibility of the Organizational Consultant is to help locals build organizational capacity and learn organizing skills through training and support in the areas of advocacy, bargaining, political action, communications, membership growth, and leadership identification and development.
Responsibilities shall include but not be limited to working with members and local associations individually or in regional teams to:
• Grow membership to majority status.
• Promote local organizing opportunities.
• Develop and support local associations and activities to maintain and increase membership.
• Develop and support local association programs for bargaining and member rights.
• Develop and support local association political action, community networks/coalitions, legislative support, and professional development activities and programs.
• Maintain and improve the organizational health of the local association through training and development in leadership, internal communication, business management, and conflict resolution.
• Coordinate and advocate national and state association programs and priorities with local associations and members.
Qualifications:
• Experience in organizing
• Teaching, association staff experience, and/or public sector labor relations/labor law experience (preferred)
• BA/BS (preferred)
• Knowledge of Arizona law, school finance, and educational issues (preferred)
• Experience in training and adult learning
• Experience in organizing
• Commitment to the labor movement and to the Arizona Education Association
• Willingness to work long and irregular hours
Skills: AEA/NEA program implementation, adaptation, and coordination in the following areas:
• Membership organizing and recruitment
• Experience in issue and relational organizing
• Organizational development
• Leadership identification and development
• Professional development, peer assistance, and mentoring
• Conflict resolutions, grievance adjudication, and employee rights
• Bargaining economic and employment standards – both traditional and collaborative
• Political action and lobbying
• Public relations and communications
• Adult training
Compensation and Benefits
• This is a bargaining unit position with Salary based on experience and proven track record in the area of member recruitment. Excellent comprehensive benefits package provided-- including health, dental, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid sick, personal, and vacation leave.
Salary Range: $71,754-$111,912 per year commensurate with experience and training
The Arizona Education Association is an equal opportunity employer with an affirmative action employment program. Candidates from communities of color and women are encouraged to apply.
Position: New Growth Organizer
Date of Posting: September 3, 2025
Close of Posting: Until Filled, First Application Review September 12, 2025
Anticipated Start Date: September 25, 2025
Staff Relationship: Reports to the Director of Organizing and Growth Strategies
Application: Please submit your cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references to: Nicole Adams, Executive Assistant to Governance & Management ([email protected])
Should your resume generate further interest, AEA will send you an Employment Application. This completed application must be submitted for any further employment consideration.
New Growth Organizer
Arizona Education Association is recruiting experienced and qualified candidates who are passionate about building organizing power to win policies that improve working and learning conditions for educators and students. The ideal candidate will be deeply committed to our mission, thrive on finding ways to overcome challenges and enjoy working to translate bold vision into successful programs. This role requires someone who is a systems thinker, engages effectively with staff, and can foster effective communication and information sharing.
The New Growth Organizer works directly with leaders and members to develop and implement the best strategies to engage members and recruit educators to join AEA. This position is responsible for coordinating across various school sites and multiple school districts to achieve local, regional, and statewide recruitment goals. The New Growth Organizer will work with a dynamic team of organizers, field staff, professional learning staff, and program assistants, and coordinate with members and leaders to achieve the organization's goals.
The Arizona Education Association is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal- opportunity employer. AEA will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.
Qualifications Required
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated use of sound professional judgment
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Knowledge of organizing principles and ability to develop and implement organizing plans
• Proficiency in computer technologies
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Conflict resolution skills
• Understanding of membership-based organizations, especially unions
• Ability to plan and coordinate campaigns
• Ability to effectively balance multiple priorities and manage time and financial resources
• Ability to work with minimum supervision
• Willingness and ability to expand knowledge and skills in a rapidly changing environment
• Training and presentation skills
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with staff and leaders
• Willingness and ability to advocate for the membership and goals of the organization
• Ability to write a comprehensive organizing campaign plan that demonstrates an understanding of campaign messaging, strategy, last-to-first planning, and data analysis and to work with leaders to implement such a plan
• Demonstrated experience in successfully developing, implementing, and winning comprehensive organizing
campaigns that have resulted in increased membership, leadership, member engagement, and worker power
• Demonstrated experience planning and implementing organizing blitzes including member/potential member list creation, development of organizing rap, assessment questions, tracking tools, and follow-up plans
• Demonstrated experience in organizing and leadership identification and development including skills in utilizing
data for targeting organizing campaigns and experience with organizing conversations, assessments, and moving people to action
• Facilitation, training, and presentation skills including the ability to train leaders and members with the necessary
skills and tools to recruit, retain and engage members and external partners
• Willingness and ability to travel and work long and irregular hours including some weekends
Desired Qualifications
• Familiarity with community, public education, and labor groups and coalitions in Arizona.
• Ability to demonstrate a basic understanding of advocacy regarding policies and strategies that impact public education professions and student learning
• Familiarity with collective bargaining, including Bargaining for the Common Good strategies
• Experience organizing through one-on-one conversations, house visits, planning and implementing organizing tactics and strategies, including rallies, marches, and other direct actions
• Ability to design, produce and manipulate database reports, spreadsheets, and presentation software
• Spanish proficiency preferred
Responsibilities
• Serve as a trainer of leaders and staff in new growth organizing, community engagement, planning, leadership identification and development, scratch organizing, and other capacity-building efforts
• Serve as a resource to staff and leaders with growth organizing, particularly new growth, including: providing training, creating and sharing materials, coordinating events focused on growth, and more
• Engage in new growth organizing and capacity-building efforts with leaders, members, and staff
• Provide strategic support and content for communications both internal and external, related to statewide new growth organizing campaigns
• Work with local affiliates and units to implement the AEA strategic plan within designated units, locals, and constituency groups
• Develop qualitative and quantitative reports related to the assigned work
• Partner with existing staff in the field to build collaborative approaches to the work
Compensation and Benefits
• This is a bargaining unit position with Salary based on experience and proven track record in the area of member recruitment. Excellent comprehensive benefits package provided-- including health, dental, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid sick, personal, and vacation leave.
Salary Range: $71,754-$111,912 per year commensurate with experience and training
The Arizona Education Association is an equal opportunity employer with an affirmative action employment program. Candidates from communities of color and women are encouraged to apply.