UNITE HERE Local 25

Campaign Researcher

Based in Washington, DC

 

UNITE HERE is leading the fight to organize thousands of low-wage hospitality workers in D.C., Virginia and Maryland. Local 25 represents over 7,000 workers – cooks, dishwashers, cashiers, room attendants, bellman, and servers. Local 25 members have fought for and won some of the best hotel contracts in the country, and are now helping non-union workers throughout the region organize and win the union. We’ve done this by identifying and challenging worker leaders to organize their coworkers to collectively confront their employers, often at great personal risk.

Our research team conducts industry, corporate, real estate and political research and analysis to develop and carry out campaigns focused on winning economic justice for low wage, primarily immigrant hospitality workers. Our campaigns organize non-union workers and secure improved standards for existing union members in the food service, gaming and casino, and hotel industries.

Campaign researchers work long and irregular hours to support these organizing efforts.

Job responsibilities will include:
Research & Campaigning:

• Research companies using a wide variety of sources, including published databases and online sources.
• Conduct local and field research on companies, industries and/or real estate development projects.
• Develop company analyses and adapt them for various audiences (e.g. leadership & staff, workers, stockholders, political & regulatory bodies, the public).
• Identify and analyze new development projects in our industries and represent the union during the planning & political approval process.
• Build relationships with a wide variety of players including community organizations, company officials, customers, government staff and elected leaders.
• Develop and carry out campaign strategies and tactics.
• Work with UNITE HERE Local 25 members, organizers, regional staff and elected leaders; assist in moving campaigns forward through organizing, leading actions, doing political work, as needed.

Communications:

• Train worker spokespeople for press interviews and public speeches.
• Produce press releases, social media posts, videos, and other multimedia products for public distribution.
• Represent the Union as a press spokesperson as needed by the campaign.
• Photograph and record videos of workers and supporters for use in campaign materials.
• Create campaign materials (leaflets, email blasts, online actions) for internal and external audiences.

Worker Organizing

• Organize and run picket lines, rallies, and other union actions.
• Meet with workers at their workplaces and homes to conduct interviews, record statements, and gather documentation about workplace issues.
• Perform administrative tasks necessary for worker organizing such as maintaining databases, producing materials, and correspondence.

Desired Qualifications include:

• Passion for, and commitment to, fighting for workers' rights
• BA degree or relevant research and/or activist experience (labor, political, urban planning, or community/campus)
• Strong analytical, writing, computer and interpersonal/organizing skills
• Willingness to travel extensively, to work long and sometimes irregular hours, and relocate as necessary
• Familiarity with database and word processing software
• Ability to effectively manage a workload with competing priorities and deadlines
• Reliable car and driver’s license
• Spanish language skills highly desired

Current UNITE HERE Local 25 Campaign Researchers have worked in the past as community and union organizers, urban planners, communications professionals, and researchers elsewhere.

Women and People of Color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Salary range is $50,000 - $60,000, commensurate with experience. Positions include excellent health and retirement benefits.

To Apply:
Interested applicants should send a cover letter and résumé to Benjy Cannon at bcannon@local25now.org.