SEIU Local 49
 

Political and Government Relations Organizer

Based in Portland, OR

 

Summary: The 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 a more just and humane society for all working families.

SEIU Local 49 is a growing union and represents over 14,000 workers throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.  With about 2 million members, SEIU is the largest and fastest growing union in the United States.  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.  

Job Description: The Political and GR Organizer will work with Local 49, State Council staff and leadership at Locals 503 and 49 and our Allies in government and reports to the SEIU 49 Political Director. 

Responsibilities include driving our legislative plans by lobbying in Salem and with local governments, implementation of issue-based campaigns of importance to SEIU members and working families in Oregon, working with state and local agency officials, coalition priorities with partner groups and participating in targeted state and federal campaigns. 

This position will often require irregular hours including many nights and weekends. An ideal candidate will be organized, energetic, able to motivate others, and committed to growing the labor movement and improving the lives of working people.  

Some specific duties shall include:

• Represent SEIU and partner organizations in lobbying and otherwise working with the state legislature, state and local agencies, and in coalitions and other public forums.
• Plan and manage multiple campaigns and projects simultaneously in a high-pressure environment requiring rapid adjustment to changing priorities and strategies.
• Work with multiple levels of staff and members to develop goals and execute plans for members’ participation in candidate interviews, lobby days, town hall meetings, elected official accountability activities, voter registration drives, vote-by-mail and GOTV activities.
• Provide support to other organizing staff for the recruitment, training, leadership development and coordination of member political activists for political fundraising, electoral campaigns, issue campaign and legislative meetings and other union activities.
• Track and support increased member participation using various database functions.
• Provide staff support to our elected and ad-hoc member leadership meetings, schedule member committee meetings, train and mentor staff, member activists to help them achieve political goals.
• Work with staff and members to integrate political strategy into planning for contract and organizing campaigns.
• Prepare and/or support the creation of member education materials.
• Empower the membership to build effective advocacy relationships with elected officials, community partners, and other stakeholders,
• 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.  

Qualifications/ Minimum Requirements:

• A demonstrated commitment to union issues and growing the labor movement.
• Knowledge of public policy that affects our members, organizing experience, and lobbying experience.
• At least 4 years’ experience running campaigns for state, local or federal office.
• Strong computer literacy including the ability to manipulate and analyze members and voter data.
• Spanish writing and speaking skills; ability to communicate with monolingual Spanish speaking members is a plus.
• Lobbying experience should include experience drafting legislation, coordination of in-the-halls lobbying campaigns and grassroots lobbying campaigns, maintenance of ongoing relationships with legislators, preparation and delivery of testimony, experience with policy analysis, and understanding of budgets and the budgeting process.
• Experience managing relationships with contract lobbyists and other consultants.
• Must have a valid driver's license and automobile for business use.

Working Environment: This position will include working in the field and traveling to events throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington with sometimes overnight stays.  In addition, evening and weekend availability is commonly required to support campaigns.  The workweek is Monday through Friday plus weekend work when specifically assigned.  The workday may begin before and extend beyond normal office hours depending on the demands of the assignment.

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.

Requirements:

• Experience as a lead staffer.
• Experience working with coalitions and working to mobilize the community in campaigns.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of personalities and organizations and under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize work and carry it through to conclusion without close supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to work with political campaigns and provide expertise on message and field in campaigns.
• Possess an understanding of the political structure and process.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Compensation: Salary ranges from $70,317.84 to $113,433.74 depending on experience.  Other benefits include a car allowance, fully paid family healthcare, vacation and sick leave, retirement plans and other benefits.

To Apply: Send résumé and cover letter to: resume@seiu49.org.

SEIU is committed to racial and economic justice and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.  Women, people of color and bi-lingual candidates encouraged to apply.