United Food and Commercial Workers
 

Research Assistants

Based in Washington, DC
ufcw.org

 

The UFCW is seeking curious, open-minded researchers to use well-researched information to develop and execute comprehensive campaigns and to provide research and analysis that advances the interests of the Union in our industries.

The Research Assistant will be provided a range of assignments and training for researching public and private companies and conducting industry analysis in order to provide information for the development and execution of programs to build the Union and confront corporate power. Assignments and training will consist of rigorous work on active priorities through the Research Assistant Staff Development Program including regular feedback, training, and evaluation to support development in the required core skills of a Research Associate with the expectation of acquisition and demonstration of core skills competency progressing over 12 months. Successful completion of the program will lead to advancement to the Research Associate job classification and pay grade.

This position is onsite.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts in-depth, ongoing research on public and private companies focused on gathering and analyzing large amounts of information using a wide array of sources.  Will begin under close supervision and rigorous training by senior staff and progressively advance toward frequent reporting and direction.
• Conducts industry-level and other research and analysis to advance the priorities of the Union under exacting parameters set by senior staff.
• Deals in facts with rigorous accuracy at all times.
• Performs the granular tasks fundamental to meticulously producing, proofreading, publishing, and distributing highly accurate campaign material, under close editing and direction by senior staff.
• Performs the granular tasks fundamental to meticulously producing, editing, maintaining, and communicating reference information, including as needed writing and speaking to UFCW International and Local Union officers, staff, and members.
• Reports findings to Department and, if directed, to other UFCW International staff.
• Communicates clearly and tailors' activity to meet varied audience needs.
• Manages competing priorities and meets tight timelines.
• Supports bargaining, including contract costing and financial analysis as needed.
• Supports campaigns and priorities of the Union, including political work as needed, in collaboration with varied stakeholders.
• Conducts interactions with the highest integrity and discretion.
• Travel and extended hours are required.

Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, in the UFCW’s discretion. UFCW employees function as a team and, occasionally, and on a temporary basis, employees may be required to perform tasks usually performed by others. This might occur if a team member is absent or unavailable to complete a project and the team is responsible for the deadline. Because employees are required to work as a team, you are required to step up and fill in for a team member who is absent or needs assistance from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA degree from college or university required, or equivalent rigorous relevant research and/or activist experience required. Experience with labor or community action activities preferred.
• Ability to use and learn data and natural language processing tools and software to gather, clean, explore, and analyze customized datasets and code. Training will be provided to supplement basic skills.
• Excellent communication, writing, and computer skills. Must be able to represent the union in various settings.
• Must be able to discern facts, evaluate sources, and understand information systems to fulfill research tasks.
• Ability to create research plans in support of union campaigns.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and communicate complex analysis using a wide range of data sets.
• Must have initiative and follow intricate instructions. Is motivated to solve problems and not intimidated or frustrated by detailed and technical tasks.
• Must be able to balance conflicting demands and changing priorities and anticipate future needs.
• Ability to effectively manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Must be able to use discretion, handle a wide range of sensitive situations and recognize when to refer to a higher level.
• Works with meticulous and accurate attention to detail under pressure and deadlines.
• Must be able to work professionally with staff at all levels of the organization.
• Constant curiosity. Knows how to ask questions.
• Maintains an open mind, remains skeptical, and does not jump to unsubstantiated conclusions.
• Demonstrated passion and commitment to confronting and changing power.
• The basic belief that economic inequality is a pernicious problem, and the labor movement is the primary force for making change is deemed a necessary personal characteristic to serve as a foundation for success in the job.

Compensation
The UFCW provides a very generous benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Life insurance provided with ability to purchase supplemental life insurance at favorable rates.
• Retirement Savings Account.
• 401(k) plan with employer matching.
• Pension plan.
• Dependent care reimbursement account program.
• Health care reimbursement account program.
• Transportation program benefits.
• Three weeks of paid vacation, 12 days of paid short-term sick leave, Extended Sick Leave program, paid parental leave.
• Prepaid Legal Plan (for DC/MD/VA only).

Job Demands
Travel may be required sometimes at the last minute. Some irregular or unpredictable hours are required. Work often is performed with multiple projects occurring simultaneously under deadline. Valid driver's license is required.

Vaccination Requirement:
UFCW policy requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment, consistent with applicable law. Any requests or questions may be submitted to: hrcovid@ufcw.org.

To Apply
Submit cover letter and résumé at: http://jobs.localjobnetwork.com/j/71235497.

We believe our success rests on recruiting and retaining a diverse staff. UFCW is an equal opportunity employer. Women and people of color are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided pursuant to applicable state and federal laws.