SEIU Local 49
 

Internal Organizer
Healthcare

Based in Portland, OR

 

Summary:  Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 49 is now accepting resumes from smart, motivated individuals who have a passion for helping workers fight for better working conditions, dignity on the job, and improvements in healthcare for all working families.

SEIU Local 49 is a 14,000-member local union based in Portland, Oregon.  The Local represents and organizes janitors, security officers, and health care workers throughout Oregon and southwest Washington.  We are committed to helping workers fight for social and economic justice on the job and in the community. This position will be focused on our Healthcare members. 

Job Description: 
Local 49’s member leadership has adopted an aggressive internal organizing and representation program that includes recruiting and developing worksite leaders, building workers’ political power, and strongly representing our members through direct action and organizing.  

Some specific duties shall include:

• Identify, recruit, and develop worksite leaders and move workers into action;
• Develop and implement effective contract campaign plans;
• Motivate and inspire workers to build their union in the face of heavy employer opposition;
• Analytical skills necessary to interpret contract language, investigate and process grievances, prepare contract proposals and bargain, and assist in joint employer/union committees; 
• Engaging workers to support our union’s political program and our external organizing program;
• Lead & conduct demonstrations, pickets, marches, trainings, meetings, and other events/actions;
• Working long and irregular hours, often including nights and weekend and travel;
• Work in an environment of supportive and challenging supervision that focuses on both winning for our members and developing staff’s skills and potential as an integral part of what we do;
• Work on a team that builds the most possible power for our members and conduct internal organizing campaigns that require you to stretch your skills and grow as an organizer;
• Developing worksite leaders’ skills to do all of the above.
• Actively participate in other union activities, political organizing (including canvassing/walking neighborhoods) and solidarity actions
• Other duties as necessary to win as part of a movement of working people, and as assigned  
• SEIU 49 is committed to developing the capacity of staff to take on growing roles and responsibilities and will review additional duties with successful candidates.

Qualifications:

• Passionate dedication to improving the quality of life of working people and enthusiasm to participate in a wide range of activities including external organizing and politics;
• Excellent interpersonal & communication skills, including the ability to successfully relate to people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures;
• Enthusiasm and energy for working with worker leaders to develop their confidence, hope, and skills as worksite leaders; 
• Ability to solve problems creatively and think on your feet;
• Must have strong judgment and strategic sense;
• Must be able to perform successfully in both independent and team settings;
• Must be able to succeed in an environment of accountability in meeting the goals of the campaign and Union;
• Must be willing to participate in a strong program of staff development that fosters and challenges you to develop your skills, experience, and leadership.
• Internal union experience: contract enforcement, bargaining, and experience with grievance procedures

Requirements:

• Minimum one year of experience in mobilizing or recruiting others in a union or comparable social justice organization; minimum 6 months experience working in an internal setting 
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to have access to an automobile for work use;
• Computer literacy;
• Some travel regionally may be required 

Compensation: 
Salary ranges from $66,969.37 to $103,877.05 depending on experience. Other benefits include a car allowance, fully paid family healthcare, vacation and sick leave, retirement plans and other benefits. 

To Apply:
The job will be open until filled.  If this interests you, email cover letter and resume to resume@seiu49.org 

SEIU Local 49 is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, people of color and bi-lingual candidates encouraged to apply. SEIU is committed to racial and economic justice and an Affirmative Action/equal opportunity employer.