PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
The Labor Engagement & Giving Associate plays a critical role in strengthening the connection between United Way of Central New York and the Greater Syracuse Labor Council. This position focuses on building trusted relationships with unions and labor leaders, deepening engagement with union members, and growing workplace and individual giving. The role serves as a bridge between labor and United Way—translating shared values into meaningful partnerships, increased generosity, and stronger community impact.

ACCOUNTABILITY: Bailey Masterson, Workplace Manager
POSITION STATUS: Part-time, nonexempt
SALARY RANGE: $22-23 per hour

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES

Relationship Building & Labor Engagement

• Serve as the primary connector between United Way of Central New York and the labor community, strengthening trust, visibility, and collaboration
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local unions, shop stewards, and Greater Syracuse Labor Council
• Develop and execute a labor engagement strategy that positions United Way as a trusted partner and resource
• Attend union meetings, events, and gatherings to foster authentic, consistent connection
• Identify shared priorities and co-create opportunities for labor to engage in community impact work

Growing Giving & Workplace Campaigns

• Lead strategies to increase labor participation in United Way campaigns, with a focus on workplace giving, leadership giving, and new donor growth
• Design and implement tailored engagement approaches that resonate with union members and reflect their values
• Partner with employers and union leadership to strengthen and expand workplace campaigns and/or solicit organizational gifts from membership budgets
• Recruit, train, and support labor volunteers and campaign champions to drive peer-to-peer giving
• Develop recognition programs that celebrate labor’s impact and inspire continued generosity

Community Impact & Volunteerism

• Connect union members to meaningful volunteer opportunities, including Days of Caring, MLK Day of Service and special initiatives
• Co-create service projects that align with both United Way priorities and labor interests
• Ensure union members are aware of and connected to resources such as 2-1-1 during times of need
• Elevate labor’s role in advancing community solutions across education, financial stability, and health

Internal Leadership & Collaboration

• Represent the voice of labor across United Way teams including Resource Development, Community Impact, Community Engagement and Marketing
• Collaborate to align messaging, campaigns, and engagement strategies that effectively reach labor audiences
• Utilize data and insights to track engagement, measure growth in giving, and refine strategies
• Attend the monthly Greater Syracuse Labor Council Delegate meetings and be prepared to give a report

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE

• Experience working with or within organized labor, community organizing, or coalition-building environments
• Demonstrated success in relationship-building, fundraising, or engagement roles
• Strong understanding of labor culture, structures, and leadership dynamics
• Ability to inspire and mobilize individuals toward collective action and giving
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect authentically across diverse audiences
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate relationships into measurable results
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Reliable transportation for community and workplace visits
• Willingness to travel occasionally
• Awareness of, and respect for, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including public speaking, proposal writing, and donor correspondence.
• Ability to work with individuals from all levels and backgrounds, to work well independently as well as part of a team, and to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have unrestricted use of a reliable automobile.

Our Commitment
United Way of Central New York is committed to building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We believe deeply in the power of partnership—including the essential role of organized labor—and we are dedicated to fostering inclusive, equitable, and impactful relationships across our region.  We are proud to partner with Greater Syracuse Labor Council.

This job description is not an exclusive statement of the responsibilities of the position. Other appropriate duties may be required.
Please send your cover letter and resume to nwilliams@unitedway-cny.org using the subject line Labor Engagement & Giving Associate.