Political Coordinator

About SEIU-USWW:
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is our country’s fastest growing labor union with more than 2 million members. We have been on the cutting edge of building the power of low-wage workers in service industries and in leading the fight for social justice on issues such as health care, immigration, racial equity, gender equity, and the environment.  SEIU United Service Workers West (SEIU-USWW) represents over 50,000 property service workers across California. Our union brings together janitors, security officers, residential, stadium, arena and airport workers. Our mission is to lead the way to a more just and humane society; building power for all service workers by developing member leadership and activism, winning strong contracts, organizing unorganized service workers, building political and community power, and engaging in direct action that demonstrates our strength and determination to win.

POSITION SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITES:
Working under the direction of the Political Director & Policy Director, this individual will be part of the Political Department team, which supports and empowers workers to build their political power to make gains in the workplace and to address larger social/political issues in their communities.  This individual will be assigned to support USWW’s campaigns to organize non-union workers throughout California.  You will engage with field staff and members to plan campaigns, lobbying, and attend events for our public endorsements at a city, state and federal level.

          Examples of Duties:

• Build Political Power for workers: Drive electoral campaigns at the local and state level for union endorsed candidates, run civic engagement campaigns and member political fundraising drives.


• Assist with the development of overall strategy for building, maintaining and mobilizing community and political support on a campaign or in an area program.


• Lead our union’s COPE program, endorsement of political candidates, recruitment to build COPE Boards, assist with staff and member training to meet COPE goals and raise awareness of the COPE program.


• Identify, recruit, and develop workers to play leadership roles on campaigns and in political program.


• Outreach to elected leaders & community organizations to support campaigns or area program.


• Assist in mobilization of elected and other public officials in support of member actions, events, and issues


• Help build and maintain relationships with elected and other public officials to support the local’s and members’ contract bargaining and new organizing priorities


• Provide support on issue campaigns, contract bargaining, and other political union activities.


• Attend and/or coordinate community and political meetings and functions as a representative of the union


• Empower our members to build effective advocacy relationships with elected officials, community partners, and other stakeholders


• Coordinate union involvement in electoral and political fundraising work and function at a high level of leadership as field organizer in electoral campaigns. May serve as lead for other organizers or members.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS: Graduation from an accredited college or university in relevant field with at least Three (3) to five (5) years of related work experience or equivalent experience in labor and community organizing that would provide for the following knowledge of, skills and abilities:

• Proven commitment to social and economic justice and improving the lives of working people.


• Experience working on campaigns with a labor union, public policy, or non-profit organization.


• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in fast-paced and diverse team environment.


• Ability to drive work independently, manage assignments stay organized and meet tight deadlines.


• Demonstrated ability to clearly convey information and ideas both verbally and in writing across audiences.


• Bilingual – English & Spanish preferred


• Computer proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media platforms and teleconferencing platforms. Experience with PDI preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel in California, ability to work extended and irregular hours, and work off-site.


• Valid drivers’ license, use of a car for work, and specified automobile insurance coverage are mandatory.


• All employees are required to be fully vaccinated and report their vaccination status as a condition of employment.


• All employees must abide by USWW Safety Guidelines, including the required use of face covering while working.

SALARY & BENEFITS:

• Salary is competitive and negotiable based on experience. 


• Full benefits package including health insurance, dental, vision, a pension plan and paid time off