Field Manager – Organizing : Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin

Indiana State Teachers Association
 

Field Manager
Organizing

Based in Indianapolis, IN

JOB TITLE: Field Manager – Organizing
DATE OF POSTING: March 9, 2026
CLOSING DATE: March 23, 2026, or until filled
STARTING SALARY: $157,522
ESTIMATED DATE TO FILL: April 13, 2026

The Indiana State Teachers Association is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Field Manager – Organizing.

General Description of the Position’s Function and Purpose
The Field Manager – Organizing will develop and lead field/UniServ efforts to advance ISTA’s strategic objectives: build strong locals, engage members and advocate for educational issues. This position manages UniServ professional staff and UniServ associate staff and will report to the ISTA Field Director. The position is based in Indianapolis.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise, manage and develop UniServ Directors (UD) and UniServ Assistants in Teams 1, 2, and 3 (mainly north) and work with the UD Organizing Specialists throughout the state. 
• Develop and implement work plans designed to carry out ISTA’s priorities: build strong locals, engage members and advocate for educational issues.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive membership campaign resulting in membership growth and retention.
• Oversee collective bargaining and member representation work of UDs and other staff.
• Organize and develop the civic capacity of public educators at the local level.
• Work with staff unions to ensure ISTA has skilled and appropriate staff to meet the needs of the organization and its members.
• Analyze relevant membership data to inform decisions and strategy development, including the creation of data systems relevant to staff and local leaders.
• Conduct one-on-one conversations with members, leaders, staff and community members to establish public relationships, identify leaders and identify/understand the issues facing educators, staff and communities.
• Serve as an active member of management and leadership teams.
• Work with other Field Manager(s) to manage department budget and provide input into the ISTA budgeting planning process.
• Promote diversity in the workplace. 

Other Duties:
(These duties may be shared with the other Field Manager(s))

• Manage professional development strategies at both local and regional levels.
• Manage relationships with member benefit providers.
• Manage ISTA’s legal services program.
• Manage the NEA UniServ grant and manage/seek other relevant NEA grants, including but not limited to the Year-Round Organizing Grant.
• Serve as a lead on the ISTA Hiring Committee.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Approach to Work:

• Create a climate for relational organizing to build power with each other, school administrators and board members, parents and others in our communities.
• Use the tools of relational organizing: one-on-one meetings, small group meetings, public meetings, relationship charting and power analysis, leadership development, actions and open evaluations.
• Set reasonable and attainable expectations for staff and evaluate accordingly.
• Work with staff to organize actions and make decisions rooted in ISTA principles and standards. 
• Restructure existing resources to solve problems for the Association.
• Continuously recruit, expand and sustain our base of influence.
• Ensure sustainability of the organization.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree is required; master’s degree or higher is preferred. 
• A valid driver’s license and insured vehicle in good driving condition is necessary.
• Ability to work long and/or variable hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Skills and experience in the following:

Required:

• Association/union staff management or equivalent management experience or at least 10 years union work in an NEA state affiliate.
• Significant organizing experience, such as relational organizing, issue organizing, developing escalation plans or similar experience
• Public sector labor relations, collection bargaining and advocacy
• Effective team leadership
• Strategic campaign planning and implementation
• Membership campaign planning and implementation
• Leadership development and adult learning experience
• Mentoring/developing staff professional skills and experience
• Promoting diversity in the workplace

Preferred:

• K – 12 education policy and operations
• Membership data analytics
• Project and budget management
• Labor and management collaboration
• Understanding of NEA state affiliate structures, governance, and traditions 

Application Procedure
Applications will be accepted through March 23, 2026, or until filled.

Please upload a letter of interest, résumé, and contact for three professional references. Or email this information to Nicole Wise at nwise@ista-in.org 

About ISTA:
The Indiana State Teachers Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetics.

Consistent with the ISTA Affirmative Action Plan, minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, individuals of all ages (18 or older), and veterans are encouraged to apply. 

Learn more about ISTA at ista-in.org. 

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