UNISON Education Membership Recruiter

Suffolk Jobs Direct; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A local trade union branch in Ipswich seeks a motivated Local Organiser to lead recruitment and organising efforts across the Education sector, including schools and universities. The role is full-time, requiring excellent communication skills and knowledge of trade unionism. The successful candidate will work independently and manage competing priorities. This position offers a salary of £30,924 per annum and a fixed-term contract for 2 years.

Qualifications

• Ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Strong time management skills.
• Willingness to travel across rural Suffolk.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, retain, and organise UNISON members.
• Map membership density and identify growth opportunities.
• Develop and support new workplace activists.
• Contribute to local campaigns.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records.

Skills

Confident communicator

Skilled in recruitment

Experienced in group communication

Knowledgeable about trade unionism

Proficient in IT and administration

Job description

Job Description

• Address: Suffolk County LG Branch (UNISON), Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX
• Salary: £30,924 per annum
• Hours: Full Time, 35 hours per week
• Contract: Fixed Term SPOT contract for 2 years. Required as soon as possible.
• Reference: 0450

Are you passionate about education and the trade union movement?

The Suffolk County LG Branch is seeking a motivated Local Organiser to lead recruitment and organising efforts across the Education sector in Suffolk, that includes universities, further and higher education institutions, and schools.

This is a branch‑employed post, not a UNISON‑employed role.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruit, retain, and organise UNISON members in the Education sector.
• Map membership density and identify growth opportunities.
• Develop and support new workplace activists.
• Lead and contribute to local campaigns.
• Promote participation in UNISON’s SSSNB project (Schools Support Staff Negotiating Body).
• Maintain accurate and confidential records while working to tight deadlines.

What You Will Need

We are looking for someone who is:

• A confident communicator, able to engage with groups and individuals.
• Skilled in recruitment, organising, and campaigning.
• Experienced in one‑to‑one and group communications.
• Knowledgeable about trade unionism and UNISON’s values.
• Proficient in IT and administration, with strong time management skills.
• Able to work independently and manage competing priorities.

Desirable

• Previous experience as a recruiter, organiser, or campaigner in a union or community setting.
• Understanding of the trade union movement in education settings.

Additional Information

The role is based in Ipswich, but travel across rural Suffolk and occasionally beyond is required.

Due to the focus on schools, significant annual leave during term time is not possible.

During school holidays, you may be asked to support recruitment in the Social Care sector.

About UNISON

UNISON is the UK’s largest trade union with over 1.3 million members, with over 80,000 in Eastern Region. Our members are people working in the public services, for private contractors providing public services and essential utilities.

How To Apply

Please read the Job Description (Word), Recruitment Monitoring Information (Word) and Disability Monitoring (Word).

Please feel free to contact Neil Bland at the Suffolk County LG branch by calling 01473 263100.

To apply for this opportunity, please contact the branch office by email at: [e-mail] for an application pack.

To apply, please submit your completed Application Form (Word) by email to: [e-mail].

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted 5 days prior to interview and asked to complete a pre-interview task. The interview will include a presentation.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Previous applicants should only reapply if they have gained significant new experience since their last application.

Closing date: 4 pm, 14 November 2025.

Interview date: November 2025.

About The Team

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

To apply, please follow the application process detailed above.

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