WORKSITE ORGANIZER
GENERAL SERVICES II DIVISION

WHO WE ARE: 

Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 721 is an 80,000-member Southern California regional public employee union whose members provide public services in diverse fields, including health care, social services, special districts, private non-profits, libraries, courts, parks and recreation, public works and mental health in cities and counties throughout Southern California. SEIU Local 721 is a dynamic and growing organization recognized as one of the largest and strongest public employee unions in the nation.  We are committed to building a 21st century union with an emphasis on developing leadership to improve the lives of members, strengthen communities and raise the quality of public services in the region. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Under the supervision of the Division Director, the Worksite Organizer is responsible for developing worksite leadership structures; recruiting new members; supporting members in exercising political power; participating in organizing and political campaigns; and negotiating union contracts. Also responsible for organizing new groups of workers interested in union representation and/or internal organizing and bargaining support campaigns. Responsible for preparing work plans, calendars, files, reports and other records. This is not a 9 to 5 job - long and varied hours, with early morning, evening and weekend work, as necessary.

This opening is for our General Services II Division.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Recruitment: Accountable for working with union leadership and stewards and recruiting new members to participate in union activities and political campaigns. Regular one-on-one contact with members will be required.
• Leadership Development: Develop and maintain effective worksite leadership structures through the recruitment, training, and support of stewards and other union leaders. Build stewards' councils, issue committees, and other leadership structures.
• Communication: Maintain regular and effective communication with workers in assigned jurisdictions through personal visits, flyers, newsletters, phone calls, mailings, bulletin board postings, and meetings. Respond to telephone messages in a timely manner.
• Issue Campaigns: Participate in the development and implementation of effective industry strategies and coordinated activities to raise standards. Identify significant worksite and/or departmental issues and develop strategies and tactics to effectively address them, including petitions, group grievances, work actions, media events, and legal actions.
• Legislative and Electoral Campaigns: Participate in and recruit members to participate in legislative and electoral campaign activities, including lobbying, phone banking, letterwriting, door-to-door canvassing, and other activities.
• Administration: Maintain a calendar which accurately documents past, present, and future activities, visits, and appointments in connection with work as a worksite organizer. Maintain accurate records, including activity reports.                                                                                                                                   

 SKILLS, APTITUDE, AND COMMITMENT:                                                                                               

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• High level ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• Analytical skills necessary to interpret contract language.
• Ability to work under pressure and with minimal supervision; must be well-organized and self-motivated.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discern priorities.
• Ability to make effective use of resources available to the union.
• Dedication to improving the position of working people and strengthening the role of organized labor through work actions, community relations, and legislative and political activity.
• Ability to work effectively with members and staff from diverse ethnic, social, and economic groups.

EXPERIENCE:

• Prior union organizing and negotiations experience is highly desirable, but not required.
• Prior labor experience is preferred, but not required.
• Related experience will be given consideration as will steward and rank-and-file experience.

REQUIREMENTS:

• You must possess a valid California driver’s license, auto insurance, and an automobile for business use.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

• Salary range as of July 1, 2009: $53,023.62 (entry) to $76,313.38 (10+ years).
• Fully paid benefit package including medical, dental, vision and a generous life insurance.
• The Worksite Organizer is an UUP bargaining unit position subject to a staff union contract.

TO APPLY:

Mail, fax or e-mail a cover letter, detailed résumé, two-page writing sample and the name, job title, address, and phone number of three professional references to:

Lisa Dolan, Human Resources Director
SEIU Local 721
500 South Virgil Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90020

Fax: (213) 380-8260
E-mail: lisa.dolan@seiu721.org

SEIU Local 721 is an affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability. SEIU Local 721 works to ensure fair treatment of applicants and employees and actively enforces zero tolerance policies against discrimination and sexual harassment.

WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information online at UNIONJOBS.COM. Do not just say the Internet.