SEIU Local 521

Assistant to the Chief Elected Officer

Based in San Jose, CA

 

SEIU Local 521 was founded in 2007 when 5 local unions came together in the Bay Area, Central Coast and Central Valley to form one larger, more powerful union. Together our members are building a true 21st century union fighting to empower and improve the lives of our members. We represent over 50,000 public service workers in cities, counties, courts, schools, private non-profits, special districts, and public health care.

AT SEIU LOCAL 521: Our mission is to provide our members with a voice in the workplace, in their union and in the larger community. Through our actions, we intend to create a more just and humane society. We are committed to protecting and improving the lives of workers and their families. We will work to improve and protect the services we provide to our communities. We believe that by working together as a united front, we can win better contracts and build industry power in our region.

The Assistant to the CEO is a trusted, high-level partner who plays a vital role in supporting the CEO of SEIU Local 521. This role ensures the CEO’s time, energy, and focus are aligned with the union’s most critical campaigns, relationships, and leadership priorities. It’s a dynamic role designed for someone who understands (or is eager to learn) the flow of power, political relationships, and strategic priorities inside a large, complex union.

This person keeps the CEO focused on what matters most, ensures they’re prepared and supported in high-stakes spaces, and builds strong working relationships with the assistants and staffers of other movement leaders. The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, politically curious, and highly attuned to the rhythms and realities of executive leadership in the labor movement.

The ideal candidate is flexible, politically astute, and able to travel across the Local’s regions. They understand the power dynamics within labor, can assess urgency versus importance, and are committed to keeping the CEO organized, aligned, and effective.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive Flow & Priority Management

• Help the CEO stay aligned with top-level strategic goals, campaigns, and governance responsibilities.
• Track and remind the CEO of key commitments, deadlines, and deliverables—keeping major initiatives moving forward.
• Learn and internalize the CEO’s leadership style to anticipate needs and flag potential gaps or conflicts early.
• Track and remind the CEO of important approvals (i.e. invoices, contractors, lost time)

Meeting Presence & Political Relationship Support

• Attend major internal and external meetings with the CEO (e.g., IEB, State Council, Executive Board) to provide real-time support and follow-up.
• Build strong working relationships with executive assistants and senior staff at partner locals and affiliates—acting as a liaison on the CEO’s behalf.
• Ensure follow-ups from critical meetings are tracked and completed.

 Scheduling & Travel Coordination (with strategic lens)

• Ensure the CEO travel and meeting plans reflect organizational priorities.
• Vet requests for CEO time through the lens of strategic value and power—elevate what matters most and triage the rest.
• Join the CEO on travel throughout SEIU 521’s regions and nationally as needed.

 Project & Communication Support

• Support internal communication and messaging efforts tied to CEO-led campaigns or initiatives.
• Coordinate preparation for key meetings, board reports, and staff interactions—ensuring the CEO is well-equipped for each moment.

QUALIFIFCATIONS

• 3+ years of experience in executive support, political coordination, or operations
• Familiarity with union environments or mission-driven organizations strongly preferred
• Excellent communication, time management, and organizational skills
• Proven ability to work with sensitive information and navigate complex political dynamics

REQUIREMENTS

• Politically savvy
• Knowledgeable in a union context
• Eager to learn
• Passionate with organization
• Flexible, adaptable, and works well under pressure.
• Able to travel regularly
• Attend in-person meetings/events
• Must be discreet
• Be able to remain composed, reserved and self-contained.
• Proactive and anticipatory

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of SEIU Local 521. Must possess a valid California driver’s license; must pass a DMV check and have a good driving record; must have auto insurance that covers business driving (minimum of $100,000 per person/$300,000 per incident bodily injury liability/$100,000 property coverage); and must possess an automobile for business use.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: the salary range for this role is commensurate with experience ($114,892.72 – $126,987.29). SEIU Local 521 employees enjoy top notch benefits including fully employer-paid family health, dental and vision insurance; a generous leave package; fully employer-paid defined benefit pension plan; 401(K); flexible savings accounts for annual health and childcare expenses; $200,000 life insurance plan; and other benefits outlined in the policies of SEIU 521

APPLY: https://seiulocal521.bamboohr.com/careers/122

This position is open until filled; however, the posting/acceptance of applications may close at any time.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
Local 521 is an affirmative action employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability. Local 521 works to ensure fair treatment of applicants and employees and actively enforces policies against discrimination and sexual harassment.