Variety Organiser

The Variety Organiser works under the direction of the Assistant General Secretary for Live Performance, and in close collaboration with the Industrial Official for Variety to deliver the union's recruitment, organising and campaigning strategies across the live entertainment sector. Through visiting member workplaces, you will develop relationships with our members and activists, and recruit new members who work in the area of live entertainment, most of whom are entirely self-employed and from a working-class background.
They are responsible for organising in workplaces, increasing membership density, identifying industrial, campaigning and casework issues, developing deputies (workplace reps) and local activists, at all times working in line with the Union’s democratic structures, and operating within trade union law and the Union’s own Rules.
Organisers work closely with Officials in their department and across the UK to develop and action strategies to build Equity's influence, organisation and bargaining coverage. Supporting the campaigning activity of branches and networks and training local activists is also central to these roles, alongside increasing member engagement with the wider trade union movement.
We are specifically looking for applicants who enjoy meeting members in a range of very different workplaces, from pubs and clubs, holiday camps, theme parks, Magician Conventions and the Edinburgh Fringe.
You will have a flexible approach to managing your working hours, with the majority of visits and meeting members happening outside of normal office hours when our members are at work in the nighttime economy. Although based in the London head office there will be some travel required across the UK.
Strong candidates will have experience of mobilising others to take action or have a track record of success in campaigning or organising. To be successful in this role you will have excellent interpersonal and administrative skills, be highly organised, independent, adaptable and flexible. You will be a confident public speaker, be enthusiastic about engaging with workers, and will have an ability to inspire others to act collectively to win. You will have an understanding of developing and executing campaign plans, of working in a target driven environment and have experience of using a range of communication tools. Knowledge and experience of organising self-employed or gig economy workers is highly desirable.
The role requires a commitment to the role and work of trade unions, and Equity’s Vision, Mission and Values.