Job Description

Marin Association of Public Employees

Executive Director

Based in San Rafael, CA

Union Overview
The Marin Association of Public Employees (MAPE) is seeking an accomplished leader to assume the position of Executive Director (ED) . The successful candidate will have a proven record in union administration with strong representational and collective bargaining experience, combined with an organizing perspective that emphasizes member empowerment in all aspects of the union’s functioning. MAPE represents a mix of members covering a wide range of jobs, including professional, technical, administrative, and registered nurses as well as other groups who are both full-time, part-time and temporary employees. 

MAPE is an independent union representing 7 bargaining units, and 3 contracts covering 1600 members that comprise the majority of Marin County employees. Despite its modest size, and lean organizational structure, MAPE has built a reputation that the organization is respected for its strong representation, successful collective bargaining, and responsive member service. Its size fosters close working relationships among members, elected leaders, and staff, creating an environment where decisions can be made efficiently, communication is direct, and leadership is highly visible. The Executive Director will thrive in an organization that values initiative, collaboration, and a willingness to engage across both strategic and day-to-day responsibilities. MAPE is proud to be a member-run union and believes in employing hard-working and creative staff whose talents complement those of our elected leadership. 

For more information about MAPE please visit: .

Job Description
The Executive Director manages and directs union activities, operations and staff in accordance with MAPE bylaws and policies established by an elected Board of Directors. In addition to working with member leaders and staff to develop goals and strategies to meet desired outcomes, the ED has day-to-day general responsibility for implementing policy and overseeing plans in all program areas, including Representation, Collective Bargaining, Government Relations, Communications, and General Administration. The ED also has oversight responsibility to the MAPE Board to ensure the adequacy and soundness of the union’s $1.27 million fiscal budget. 

The ED manages a staff of 3 employees (2 senior representative/organizers and 1 administrative assistant) serving 20+ worksites throughout the county. The ED serves as the liaison between the staff and governance operations of MAPE. The ED represents the union, as appropriate, in its relationships with the Marin County Board of Supervisors, administration, legislators, affiliates, community alliances and in the public on local, state and national levels. The ED reports to the MAPE Executive Board. 

Required Competencies: 
The ideal candidate will have a proven record of accomplishment in the following competency areas (in addition to other generally expected qualifications for any executive director.)

1. Strategic Planning/Implementation
   • Skill and experience in strategic thinking, campaign development and implementation (contract, organizing and other campaigns) and long-term planning. 
   • Ability to plan, manage and improve existing systems and drive effective implementation. 
   • Attention to meaningful innovation including being open and adaptable to generational, cultural and evolving technology needs among the membership. 
2. Leadership/Interpersonal
   • Ability to work creatively, strategically, and in consultation with union officers, member leadership, and staff to develop MAPE programs and campaigns.
   • Skill, experience and acumen in supervising staff.
   • Skill in motivating and inspiring staff; coaching, developing and evaluating staff performance. 
   • Treating staff with respect, and valuing staff input while holding them accountable. 
   • Ability to build consensus and manage conflict. 
3. Administrative Union Knowledge
   • Successful accomplishment in collective bargaining and contract maintenance as a lead negotiator/spokesperson. 
   • Experience with fiscal management; budget analysis and development; resource stewardship.
   • Knowledge and understanding of labor law and representational/organizing experience interpreting and advocating for member rights. 
4. Member Focus
   • Understanding the work in a member-led union and being driven first and foremost by the collective interests of members. 
   • Experience building a culture of member empowerment and activism that reduces reliance on staff.
   • Ability to communicate effectively with diverse member audiences using a variety of methods and platforms.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A minimum of three years of staff management experience in a union, political, nonprofit, or grassroots association. 
• Eight years of combined representational and organizing experience (internal and external) in the labor movement, labor relations, or employee advocacy groups. 
• Collective bargaining experience as a lead negotiator/spokesperson, and contract maintenance. Public sector experience a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree or any combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent. 
• Experience developing and implementing campaigns.
• Familiarity working with union officers and member-based committees. 
• Experience analyzing, developing and overseeing budgets.
• Knowledge of public sector labor law. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to establish priorities and manage multiple activities with attention to detail and accuracy.

Salary/Benefits/Location: MAPE offers a competitive benefit package, including employer paid family healthcare, vision and dental coverage, 401K retirement plan with significant employer match, and generous leave. Salary range for this position is $180,000 – $190,000 commensurate with experience. 

Application:
To be considered for this position, please provide the following:

• A letter of application, which specifically addresses how accomplishments in your career have prepared you to meet the qualifications and competencies presented in this announcement.
• A current résumé. For each position listed please include the following: 
  • Indicate the months and years of employment.
  • For each position listed, provide reasons for separation.
  • Certify your résumé by adding the following statement:
    • “I certify that the information on my résumé is true and accurate.”

Please email all materials to MAPE Search Consultant, Margolies, Potterton & Assoc., Unionsearch, LLC :  dswoboda@unionsearch.org .

For confidential inquiries, questions or to schedule a call, please email Debra Schwoch-Swoboda, dswoboda@unionsearch.org ., or Daniel Carrillo, dcarrillo@unionsearch.org

Deadline for applications: August 31, 2026 . Position open until filled.

MAPE is an Affirmative Action Employer. Women, People of Color/Native People, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information at .

Job Tags

Similar Jobs