Assistant Director of Legislation - SEIU

SEIU (Service Employees International Union)

JOB TITLE: Assistant Director for Legislation

GRADE: MGT F

ANNUAL SALARY: $135,609.02

LOCATION: Washington, DC (Headquarters)

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW: The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is a union of more than 2 million diverse members in healthcare, the public sector, and property services. SEIU envisions a Just Society: where all workers are valued and all people respected—no matter where they come from or what color they are; where all families and communities can thrive; and where the Union can leave a better and more equitable world for generations to come. SEIU is anti-racist union determined to check corporate power and uproot structural racism by harnessing worker power and collective action, including legislative and political action. SEIU fights for Unions for All and a government that works for all so that everyone, across race and place, can have power together in unions and participate fully in the country’s democracy.

PURPOSE: The Assistant Director is responsible for aspects of the Union’s legislative, regulatory and political activity designed to achieve SEIU goals including, but not limited to: lobbying members of Congress and Executive Branch officials on policy and legislation, including developing strategy and related activities.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: (Any one position may not include all of the specific duties and responsibilities listed. Examples provide a general summary of the work required and should not be treated as a total and complete list of expected duties to be performed by employees in the classification.)

• Works with the Legislative Director in developing strategies and materials for lobbying activities


• Assists with building the International Union’s relations with congressional committees, staff and Members of Congress to advance SEIU’s legislative priorities on Capitol Hill


• At the direction of the Legislative Director, assists in leading staff in the development and approval of various legislative documents- including but not limited to target lists, correspondence and reports


• Acts as a liaison and advocates on behalf of union members on legislative issues


• At the direction of the Legislative Director, takes a lead role in the research, analyzing of proposed legislation, preparing of testimonies and other relevant materials


• Coordinates SEIU federal legislative strategies with other unions, contract consultants, AFL-CIO, congressional allies, national state and local coalitions, allied organizations, and other SEIU departments as appropriate


• Assists in the development and coordination of SEIU projects as they relate to targeted federal legislative and grassroots campaigns including policy development, polling, and media


• Participates in SEIU’s grassroots infrastructure for legislative and political campaigns, including political and legislative action efforts with SEIU regional, state council and local political & legislative leaders


• Develops with the Directors for Legislation and Government Affairs strategies for representation by the International at national events, demonstrations, conventions, conferences and other forums on legislative priority issuesPlans and develop legislative education, training and related materials for Division leadership and staff


• Represents the International President and Division on boards, commissions and national committees, where appropriate


• Performs other duties as assigned in support of the work of Government Affairs, Legislation Department and as required by the Director

CONTACTS: Include SEIU and affiliate staff, congressional staff, and other unions’ relevant administration officials.

DIRECTION AND DECISION MAKING: This position reports to the Director for Legislation. The incumbent will also work independently.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy or related field (Politics, History, Economics) and five-to-seven (5-7) years of experience in direct lobbying of elected officials or government agencies and drafting legislation or eight (8) years of experience as a legislative assistant for a Member of Congress, Congressional committee or regulatory agency. Four (4) years prior experience working in issues campaigns, political action and election campaigns at a senior level, policy analysis, community advocacy or drafting of legislation or regulations in relevant issues areas. All applicants/incumbent must have a combination of education and experience that would provide for the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of congressional legislative process or government agencies and drafting legislation.


• Thorough knowledge of working in issue campaigns, political action and election campaigns at a senior level, policy analysis, community advocacy or drafting of legislation or regulations in relevant issues areas.


• Thorough knowledge of the office workings of a legislative office for elected official and regulatory agencies.


• Thorough knowledge of information systems for lobbying activity.


• Knowledge of unions and their issues.


• Knowledge of training and educational methods.


• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to make formal presentations and write advocacy papers.


• Ability to use a personal computer, including carrying out on-line research services.


• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.


• Ability to conduct formal research, analyze data and make sound, logical conclusions.


• Ability to handle multiple “priority” projects and meet established timelines.


• Ability to work effectively with elected leaders and staff in complex and sometime political situations.


• Ability to conduct training sessions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is generally performed in an office setting, but may require work in other settings. Travel and long and extended hours are required.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: SEIU offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our values as a labor organization and our commitment to the well-being and long-term security of our staff. Benefits include:

• A comprehensive, employer-sponsored health benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage


• A defined benefit pension plan 


• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays


• Additional benefits consistent with a mission-driven workplace

SEIU believes that workers deserve dignity, stability, and the ability to plan for their futures, and our benefits are designed to support that belief.