The Executive Board

Position Summary:
The President of the Staff Union serves as the chief representative and spokesperson of the union, providing leadership, strategic direction, and organizational coordination for all union activities. This position requires a commitment to advocacy, member engagement, and effective governance in alignment with the union’s bylaws and the collective interests of its members.

Term of Office: Two Years
Method of Selection: Elected Position

Primary Responsibilities:

• Institutional Relations and Representation
  • Cultivate and maintain productive working relationships with College administrators, human resources, and other institutional representatives to advocate for the interests of the union and its members. Represent the union in meetings with College leadership, including bargaining sessions, grievance discussions, and campus-wide committees.
• Executive Leadership
  • Preside over all Executive Board and general membership meetings, ensuring orderly conduct and democratic participation. Set meeting agendas in collaboration with the Executive Board and facilitate transparent decision-making.
• Collaboration and Support
  • Provide guidance and support to Division Chairs and other board members as needed. Coordinate inter-divisional efforts and promote collaboration across different units of the union.
• Committee Engagement and Volunteer Recruitment
  • Actively seek and appoint volunteers from the bargaining unit to serve on union committees and participate in union activities. Ensure committees are staffed and functioning effectively.
• Strategic Delegation
  • Assign tasks and responsibilities to Executive Board members to promote equitable workload distribution and leadership development.
• External Partnerships
  • Collaborate with the Illinois Education Association (IEA) UniServ Director and other union-affiliated professionals for training, strategy development, and resource support. Build and sustain relationships with local, state, and national labor organizations and community partners.
• Communication and Advocacy
  • Serve as the primary voice of the union in public statements, press releases, and external communications. Ensure timely and clear communication with the bargaining unit regarding union activities, policy updates, and opportunities for involvement.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Attention to Detail:
  • Ability to track contract provisions, grievances, deadlines, and union records with precision.
• Strong Leadership:
  • Proven capacity to motivate, manage, and unite diverse stakeholders toward a shared mission.
• Strategic Thinking:
  • Able to anticipate challenges, set priorities, and develop long-term goals for the union.
• Effective Communication:
  • Skilled in both written and verbal communication, with an emphasis on diplomacy and clarity.
• Organizational Skills:
  • Strong time management and coordination of multiple, simultaneous responsibilities.
• Collaborative Spirit:
  • Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with others in a respectful and inclusive manner.
• Conflict Resolution:
  • Capable of mediating disputes and navigating complex interpersonal dynamics with professionalism.
• Familiarity with Labor Law and Union Operations (preferred):
  • Understanding of collective bargaining, grievance procedures, and employment rights.

Position Summary:
The Vice President of the Staff Union supports the President in the execution of union responsibilities and provides leadership across various union functions. This role includes fostering institutional relationships, supporting grievance processes, assisting in volunteer coordination and member engagement, and serving as a backup to the President when needed. The Vice President plays a critical role in continuity, leadership development, and operational support.

Term of Office: Two Years
Method of Selection: Elected Position

Primary Responsibilities:

• Executive Support
  • Assist the President with day-to-day responsibilities and represent the union in the President’s absence.
• Grievance Process Collaboration
  • Work closely with the Grievance Chair(s) to provide support in resolving workplace conflicts and advocating for member rights.
• Recruitment and Training
  • Assist in recruiting new union members and volunteers, and help facilitate orientation or training sessions for active participants.
• College Relations
  • Develop and maintain professional relationships with college representatives to promote collaborative dialogue and address member concerns.
• Support to Division Chairs
  • Offer assistance to Division Chairs as needed to ensure effective union representation across all departments.
• Volunteer Coordination
  • Actively seek and engage volunteers from the bargaining unit to participate in union initiatives, committees, and events.
• IEA Liaison Support
  • Work closely with the IEA UniServ Director to align local efforts with broader organizational goals and access necessary resources.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong attention to detail and follow-through on commitments.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Ability to provide leadership and step into roles as needed.
• Comfort working in support of both administrative and member-facing responsibilities.
• Experience with conflict resolution and advocacy (preferred).
• Familiarity with union structures and higher education work environments.

Position Summary:
The Grievance Chair of the Staff Union serves as the primary advocate for members in matters related to contract enforcement, disciplinary actions, and workplace disputes. This role involves direct engagement with College Labor Relations, attending hearings, negotiating informal resolutions, and guiding members through the grievance process. The Grievance Chair plays a vital role in upholding union rights and fostering fair labor practices across the institution.

Term of Office: Two Years
Method of Selection: Elected Position

Primary Responsibilities:

• Labor Relations Liaison
  • Maintain ongoing communication and a professional working relationship with College Labor Relations counterparts.
• Administrative Coordination
  • Coordinate and attend meetings with college administration and leadership to address contractual and workplace issues.
• Disciplinary Representation
  • Attend disciplinary hearings to represent and advocate for members’ rights as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.
• Contract Enforcement
  • Defend the rights of union members by ensuring adherence to the terms of the contract and addressing any violations.
• Member Support
  • Provide support and guidance to members with grievance concerns, including filing grievances and participating in resolution efforts.
• Informal Negotiation
  • Work to negotiate and resolve issues not explicitly covered by the contract through collaborative problem-solving with administration.
• Information and Advocacy
  • Respond to member inquiries regarding workplace issues, policies, or perceived injustices, and offer advice based on union policies and contract terms.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong attention to detail in reviewing policies, contracts, and disciplinary documentation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, especially under challenging circumstances.
• Ability to interpret and apply contract language to a variety of workplace situations.
• Confidence in representing members during hearings and difficult conversations.
• Problem-solving mindset and ability to seek informal resolutions when appropriate.
• Understanding of grievance procedures and labor law (preferred).

Position Summary:
The Secretary of the Staff Union provides essential administrative and organizational support to the Executive Board and membership. This role ensures accurate documentation of union activities, facilitates clear communication, and maintains important records and scheduling systems. The Secretary also plays a supporting role in internal operations and member engagement.

Term of Office: Two Years
Method of Selection: Elected Position

Primary Responsibilities:

• Meeting Documentation
  • Record and maintain accurate minutes of all Executive Board and general membership meetings. Distribute minutes in a timely manner to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Meeting Coordination
  • Schedule Executive Board and membership meetings in coordination with the President. Disseminate meeting details to appropriate parties and confirm logistical arrangements.
• Record Keeping
  • Maintain and organize physical and digital files related to union negotiations, contracts, and other essential records.
• Office Management
  • Oversee the day-to-day management of the union office, including supplies, communications, and basic administrative tasks.
• Team Support
  • Provide assistance to the Communications Chair and other board members as needed to support union outreach and operations.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Effective written communication abilities.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Collaborative spirit and reliability in team settings.

Position Summary:
The Treasurer of the Staff Union is responsible for overseeing all financial activities and ensuring the fiscal health and transparency of the organization. This role includes preparing budgets, maintaining accurate financial records, managing dues and disbursements, and supporting compliance with reporting requirements. The Treasurer works closely with the President, Membership Chair, and audit committee to uphold accountability and financial best practices.

Term of Office: Two Years
Method of Selection: Elected Position

Primary Responsibilities:

• Budget Development and Oversight
  • Prepare the annual budget in collaboration with the President and Budget Committee. Monitor adherence to the approved budget and recommend adjustments as needed.
• Financial Management
  • Oversee all revenues and deposits. Transmit dues to the Illinois Education Association (IEA) with required documentation. Maintain accurate records of all local funds, including a detailed ledger of receipts and expenditures.
• Payroll and Deductions
  • Verify the accuracy of payroll deductions for union dues and ensure proper processing of Fair Share fees.
• Bill Payment and Check Authorization
  • Pay all local bills in a timely manner. Sign checks in coordination with one of the other two authorized officers.
• Audit Preparation and Reporting
  • Provide all required documentation and financial books to the annual audit committee. Report regularly to the Executive Committee and membership regarding income, expenditures, and account balances.
• Monthly Reconciliation
  • Generate monthly budget reports and maintain balanced financial records.
• Membership Records Coordination
  • Maintain an up-to-date list of union members and non-members in collaboration with the Membership Chair(s).
• Compliance and Reporting
  • Support the President in ensuring compliance with Fair Share procedures and submit the annual LM-3 Labor Organization Report to the U.S. Department of Labor by March 31st.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and basic accounting software.
• Strong knowledge of financial statements, budgeting, and bookkeeping principles.
• Attention to detail and a high degree of organization.
• Ability to prepare and interpret financial reports clearly.
• Familiarity with labor union financial compliance requirements (preferred).
• Strong integrity and ability to handle sensitive financial information responsibly.

Position Summary:
The Membership Chair (or Co-Chair) of the Staff Union is responsible for managing all aspects of member enrollment, data maintenance, and engagement with new and existing members. This role serves as the primary point of contact for onboarding new members, maintaining accurate membership records, and coordinating with institutional and IEA representatives to ensure smooth processing and reporting. The Membership Chair plays a vital role in maintaining an active and informed union membership base.

Term of Office: Two Years
Method of Selection: Elected Position

Primary Responsibilities:

• Training and Meetings
  • Attend a 90-minute training provided by the Illinois Education Association (IEA) and participate in monthly meetings of the Local Executive Board. Present a membership report at each meeting.
• Membership Form Processing
  • Collect new membership forms from campus representatives. Verify that each form is accurately completed, including checking local-only status if applicable. Forward forms to the College Payroll Department (with a cover letter) and the designated IEA staff representative.
• Database Management
  • Maintain and regularly update the union’s membership database to reflect changes in the bargaining unit. Accurately track members who join or leave the unit.
• Membership Card Distribution
  • Ensure timely distribution of membership cards to new and existing members.
• Roster Reconciliation
  • With assistance from IEA staff, reconcile the current semester’s unit roster against the previous semester and the IEA membership list to identify discrepancies or errors.
• Election Support
  • Assist in generating voter registration lists for use in local union elections.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and membership tracking systems.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Friendly and approachable demeanor, especially when interacting with new members.
• Excellent attention to detail for maintaining and reconciling member records.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Strong organizational and follow-through skills.

Coming Soon

Position Summary:
The Communications Chair (or Co-Chair) of the Staff Union is responsible for developing and managing internal and external communications that engage, inform, and mobilize union members. This role includes editing and distributing newsletters, maintaining digital platforms, including social media, and coordinating announcements, event RSVPs, and website updates. The Communications Chair plays a key role in shaping the union’s voice and visibility through clear and timely messaging.

Term of Office: Two Years
Method of Selection: Elected Position

Primary Responsibilities:

• Newsletter Production
  • Edit, design, and distribute the monthly union newsletter and other important announcements using Mailchimp.
• Platform Maintenance
  • Manage the union’s Mailchimp account, website (currently hosted on WordPress), and Yahoo email. Ensure platforms are kept current and functioning effectively. In addition, maintain and when appropriate, create and add content for social media.
• Email List Management
  • Update the Mailchimp email list to reflect current membership by adding or removing members as needed.
• Email Communication
  • Monitor the union’s Yahoo email inbox, triage inquiries, and respond to questions when appropriate.
• Website Updates
  • Make timely content updates to the union’s website, including meeting summaries, resources, and public posts.
• Content Development
  • Provide feedback on union communications and occasionally draft original content for newsletters or announcements.
• Event Coordination Support
  • Create RSVP pages for union events (especially those involving food) using Eventbrite or similar platforms.
• Board Participation
  • Attend US of CC Board meetings and contribute to discussions and decision-making regarding communication strategies.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong writing and editing abilities with attention to tone and clarity.
• Experience with layout and design for newsletters and announcements.
• Working knowledge of WordPress blogging platform (preferred).
• Familiarity with Mailchimp for email campaigns.
• Experience using Canva.com or Adobe Creative Suite (preferred).
• Ability to manage multiple communication channels and respond promptly to inquiries.

Position Summary:
The Regional Representative of the Staff Union serves as the liaison between the local union and its regional affiliates, peer institutions, and the parent union. This role promotes the visibility and needs of the local within the broader labor network, strengthens inter-union relationships, and ensures communication flows effectively in both directions. The Regional Representative plays an important role in advocating for shared interests and representing the local union in regional initiatives.

Term of Office: Two Years
Method of Selection: Elected Position

Primary Responsibilities:

• Regional Participation
  • Attend and actively participate in events, meetings, and initiatives organized by the regional board or affiliated bodies.
• Peer Institution Engagement
  • Develop and maintain collegial relationships with union representatives at peer institutions to share knowledge, best practices, and coordinate mutual interests.
• Local Advocacy
  • Promote the goals and concerns of the local union within regional and national forums, ensuring that the local’s voice is represented in broader union discussions.
• Parent Union Communication
  • Serve as a point of contact between the local union and the parent union (e.g., IEA or national affiliate, NEA), facilitating the exchange of updates, reports, and priorities.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Attention to detail when reporting on and communicating union-related issues.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, especially in collaborative settings.
• Ability to represent the local union with professionalism in regional and inter-union forums.
• Understanding of the structure and goals of parent and regional unions (preferred).
• Reliable follow-through on assigned regional responsibilities and commitments.