Fórsa is a membership led union: we empower workers to change their lives at work. We build worker power by engaging every worker in the jobs and workplaces that we organise…and continue to build power in to retirement.
We are currently looking for a personable, highly organised, and enthusiastic Membership Development Officer to join our Membership team.
Overview of the Role
As a Membership Development Officer, you work closely with the Retired Members Professional Committee, colleagues in the Membership Team, and Divisional teams to support and develop the Retired Members’ community.
You will organise meeting and events, and engage with an extensive network of trade union activists and officers. You will communicate the benefits of Fórsa membership to members and non-members and promote the value of participation in union life.
You actively contribute to Fórsa’s positive and healthy workplace culture through supportive collaborative teamworking.
Working for Fórsa
As an employer, Fórsa is committed to modelling the values of our union: we provide excellent benefits including a career average pension scheme, competitive annual leave, hybrid work and other flexible work arrangements, and a range of financial and practical supports for professional development.
The initial salary for this position will be on the first point of the Grade 5 scale (with five incremental points: €50,206 · €51,705 · €53,236 · €54,799 · €56,374; and two Long Service Increments: €58,209 · €60,051). Entry above the first point is possible in certain circumstances (for example, your current salary is above the starting point).
Fórsa welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including diverse professional experience. You may have developed skills in the trade union, public, private, or non-profit sectors. A commitment to the values of social justice, a strong public service, and workers’ empowerment is essential.
Fórsa does not discriminate on the basis of gender, marital or family status, age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or membership in the Traveller community.
About Your Team
You report to the Director of Membership. All staff are accountable to the General Secretary.
You will lead and manage the work of colleagues in the Membership Team as it relates to Retired Members
Key Responsibilities and Duties
Recruitment and Union Building
You plan, lead, and execute the development of the Retired Members’ Professional Committee in collaboration with National Executive Committee members, Branches, and other Fórsa staff.
You contribute to an overall culture of recruitment, retention, and union-building in Fórsa by establishing a visible presence at union meetings and events (including workplace events, events in union offices, and conferences).
You identify leaders and support them with organising activities
You promote member participation in union life
You participate in the coordination of member engagement activities, e.g. member meetings, surveys, events
You support and guide colleagues in the Membership Unit, helping to manage and the work of other staff to promote Retired Member community development activities under the direction of the Director of Membership.
You engage with a variety of Fórsa communities, including Fórsa networks, professional and equivalent grades committees, and the Solas-user network, on activities relating to membership, mapping, and union building.
You contribute to the effective operation of the Membership Unit, processing applications and undertaking other required tasks under the direction of the Director of Membership.
Administration
You field requests for support from union activists and stakeholders relating to Retired Member recruitment, retention, and union building.
You plan, organise, and execute community development initiatives in collaboration with union officers and staff.
You provide data and analysis relating to Retired Member membership to branches, activists, officers, and officials as required.
Representing the Community
You attend meetings, events, and functions on behalf of Fórsa. You enthusiastically promote union membership and union-life.
You attend meetings with the ICTU and contribute to the overall work of Congress as required.
General
You carry out reasonable duties as may be required
Hours
The position is full time (37.5 hours weekly); the Membership Development Organiser will be expected to work during normal office hours. However, due to the nature of the job, work outside of normal office hours and over weekends may arise.
Location
The position is based in Fórsa’s Dublin Headquarters. Hybrid work arrangements are available subject to operational requirements.
Travel
Extensive travel within Ireland is required (expect 10 days per month). A full, clean driver’s license and access to a car is a prerequisite. Travel and Subsistence payments are made within the Civil Service rates and conditions.
About You
You are a great communicator – specifically:
You are a good listener
You are empathetic
You can establish rapport with people from a wide variety of backgrounds
You are an experienced and effective presenter and public speaker
You have demonstrated good judgment and have experience working with sensitive information
You are a capable manager of your own time, projects, and have the IT and organisational skills to succeed in the role
You show initiative, motivation, and are solution-oriented
You have demonstrated knowledge of the issues affecting retired public servants
You have a demonstrated understanding of organising and campaigning
You are a teamworker whose flexibility, creativity, and support can be relied on by colleagues
You are able to get a variety of stakeholders to work together – particularly relating to organising meetings and events
You have excellent MS Office skills
You have permission to work in Ireland
It would be great, but not essential if
You have previous experience in member recruitment and retention
You have previous experience working with activists in a volunteer organisation
To Apply
The application consists of a cv and cover letter submitted via this form as well as completion of three brief (15 minute) online tests in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Verbal Reasoning.
The cv and cover letter must be submitted no later than 5 pm on Thursday, 27 March.
The registration link for the online tests will be shared once you have submitted your cv and cover letter. The tests must be completed by 5pm on Friday, 28 March. Applicants will be given access to test preparation resources, so you are encouraged to submit your cv and cover letter early in order to avail of these resources.
Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held at Fórsa's Dublin headquarters on Monday, 7 April.
If you have any questions regarding the role or the application, please contact hr@forsa.ie.
Please note that we cannot accept applications via email. All applications sent via email will be deleted.