SEIU Local 99
External Organizer I & II
Based in Los Angeles, CA
DEFINITION
External Organizers build the union by organizing the unorganized through one-on-one conversations, house meetings and leadership development. They are focused on organizing workers to stand up for themselves and join with their co-workers to improve conditions on the job.
TYPICAL DUTIES
- Conducts house visits and phone calls to workers on assigned campaigns
- Creates, tests and utilizes organizing script or rap
- Builds complete and accurate worksite lists
- Collects complete and accurate worker information to create lists maximizing effectiveness in the field
- When assigned, raises COPE funds by educating members about how their job is connected to politics and electing their boss
- Identifies, tests and recruits leaders
- Empowers leaders and activists to take ownership of their union by assigning union building tasks and tracking results
- Creates and implements jurisdictional plans and bullet recorded
- Ensures that all workers assessments, assignments and follow-ups are updated, accurate and recorded on a daily or weekly basis as assigned
- Inoculates and mobilizes workers into action to combat anti-union employer campaign
- Gathers worksite information such as shifts, locations, etc and creates a visual depiction of it
- Understands and implements the basics of the National Labor Relations Act and other relevant laws/regulations affecting organizing campaigns
- Learn and understand the issues impacting the industry they are organizing
- Walks door-to-door, telephones or lobbies voters and/or elected officials about candidates and issues consistent with Local 99’s electoral and legislative program
- Moves the agenda and programs of SEIU, including participating in rallies and other activities supported or hosted by the Local
- Submits Local 99 administrative reports such as Activity Reports, auto insurance, HelpDesk tickets, Outlook calendar scheduling, etc.
- Other duties as assigned
LEAD DUTIES
- Creates an organizer skill development plan with the organizer with benchmarks, goals and timeline and ensures that the skills are utilized on a daily basis
- Trains, develops and reports organizer’s skills including: rap training, completing an effective house visit and meeting and identifying and developing leaders and activities
- Conducts daily debriefs with organizers to monitor the progress in their turf, collect daily numbers and identify any challenges
- Tracks organizers' results and creates a report for external organizer manager
- Mentors organizers one-on-one to correct any problems and/or praise good work
- Formulates and drives special campaign projects
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
External Organizer II has more organizing experience and expertise than the External Organizer I.
SUPERVISION
External Organizers are supervised by the External Organizing Director and the External Organizing Supervisor and are in the External Organizing Department.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Organizing methodology
- Microsoft Office Word and Outlook, Excel and Access a plus
- Office equipment (fax machines, computers, copiers, etc.)
Ability to:
- Organize workers to form a union
- Accurately assess the level of support of a worker to vote to form a union
- Listen, speak and write exceptionally well with members, member-leaders, staff and management with a professional and courteous attitude
- Think strategically and exercise a high level of judgment
- Discern priorities when faced with many tasks while working with minimal supervision
- Model and encourage positive interpersonal relations among colleagues
- Motivate co-workers while working both independently and on a team
- Efficiently organize time and work, motivate oneself to complete tasks and challenge oneself to make and meet stretch goals
- Maintain confidentiality
- Work in a high-pressure environment and meet unpredictable deadlines
- Read, write and speak in Spanish preferred
ENTRANCE QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or its equivalent a plus
- Participated in the SEIU WAVE or a similar type of organizing training, desirable
Equivalent Experience:
- 1 or 2 years experience as an Organizer in the labor movement or with a community group
REQUIREMENTS
- Strong commitment to social and economic justice of all working people
- Excellent communication skills
- Travel to other areas away from home for significant periods of time
- Work long, varied hours including evenings, weekends and holidays
- Own or lease a vehicle and maintain valid California driver’s license and insurance policy
Classification: Exempt, Salaried, Bargaining Unit
This job description is not a complete statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements. Requirements are representative of the minimum level of knowledge, skill, and abilities. Management retains the discretion to add or change typical duties of a position at any time.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Salary commensurate with experience. SEIU Local 99 employees enjoy top notch benefits including fully employer-paid family health, dental and vision insurance; generous time off benefits; benefit pension plan; 401(K); and other benefits outlined in the policies of SEIU Local 99.
Salary range: $66,560.00 – $74,913.87 per CBA negotiated rates.
To Apply:
Send cover letter and résumé to: emeline@hradvisors.com
WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information at UNIONJOBS.COM.

