Political Organizer

Pasadena

Job Summary:

The Political Organizer reports to the Political Director or designee and is responsible for assisting with implementation of a political program that focuses on member participation and advocacy in political campaigns, issue campaigns, initiatives and events that support the growth of the Union and strengthens representation of our members’ political priorities. The Political Organizer also helps implement the Local’s Committee on Political Education (COPE) program and works closely with the Political Director or designee to build active participation in the political process.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in implementing the Local's political and member engagement program.
• Provide assistance with training of staff for the recruitment, leadership development and coordination of member political activists for political fundraising and electoral campaigns.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for political and legislative campaigns, meetings and other Union activities.
• Assist in engaging and mobilizing members into political/community action.
• Help build and maintain relationships with elected and other public officials to mobilize in support of member goals and priorities.
• Assist with carrying out political activities such as voter registration drives, vote-by-mail and GOTV activities.
• Work with the Political Director or designee, field and organizing staff to integrate political strategy and support into contract and organizing campaign plans.
• As needed, provide staff support and assist with training to staff and COPE Committee, review COPE at Steward Council Meetings, Steward Trainings and membership meetings.
• Responsible for maintaining COPE goals and COPE engagement in conjunction with staff and member leaders.
• As needed, attend Labor Councils (LA Fed, Tri-Counties, Riverside/San Bernardino (CLCs), Nurse Alliance or other meetings as assigned.
• May serve as a COPE delegate at Central Labor Council COPE Board meetings as well as a delegate to CLC’s monthly meetings.
• Participate in SEIU State Council and International political campaigns, as needed, as well as community and other events or programs.
• Administrative support including data entry, maintenance of COPE records and tracking political and legislative participation.
• Maintain political calendar.
• Excellent follow-up is a must.
• All other duties as assigned.

Job Specifications and Requirements - Qualifications, Skills, Experience and Attributes:

• Minimum of one (1) year directly assisting with shaping political organizing plans within a labor Union, or campaign work with an elected official at the local, state or federal level. No exceptions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Ability to listen actively and frame issues for members, elected and other public officials.
• Ability to evaluate and analyze information and deal with conflicting/changing priorities.
• Ability to think strategically and exercise a high level of judgment.
• Self-motivated, great attitude and strong team player.
• Proven ability to work with diverse group of people, from Union members to Union staff, leaders and elected officials to other stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook and membership databases.
• Ability and willingness to work long and irregular hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays.
• Some travel will be required.
• An automobile, valid driver’s license and automobile insurance are required.

Other Requirements:

• Proficiency using email, Word, Excel and membership databases.
• A commitment to often work long and irregular hours to prepare for and attend events and Union activities on weekends, evenings and some holidays (e.g., Labor Day), or to complete assignments that cannot be completed in a regular workday or during the week.
• Get out the Vote events (All Staff): Participate in occasional neighborhood canvassing events.
• Civic Actions (All Staff): Support our nurses during civic events through attendance and participation. This may include, but is not limited to, annual events such as May Day and other Labor-events including marches or parades; or strikes, lawful protests and rallies, or other civic actions and activities.
• Some cross-over work with legislative program.

Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job. Some of these include, but are not limited to:

• Regularly operate a computer, cell phone, and other general office equipment.
• Stand, walk, and/or sit for long periods of time.
• Move through the office to access file cabinets and operate office equipment
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Traverse in the office and in an outside environment during various types of events. This may include moving, or being stationary, for multiple hours, in outside conditions. Traversing may include ascending/descending stairs.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can elevate during events and campaign activities.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.
• May include exposure to large crowds.

Compensation:

Salary range is between $79,760 and $81,355 annually, depending on experience. Local 121RN provides a generous benefits package that includes fully-paid medical, dental, and vision plans, generous paid time off and a defined benefit retirement plan.

To apply, please submit a resume and a cover letter to Astine Suleimanyan at suleimanyana@seiu121rn.org indicating your interest in working for SEIU Local 121RN. You must include three (3) professional references as well as a sample letter asking support from an elected official for a priority issue and one directed at members for engagement in the political process. Proof of experience will be required and a written test will be administered. No phone calls.

SEIU Local 121RN is an Equal Opportunity Employer