SEIU Local 721

Director of Member Benefits and Employer Relations

Based in Los Angeles, CA

 

WHO WE ARE:
SEIU 721 is a dynamic and fast-growing labor organization recognized as one of the largest and strongest unions of publicly funded employees in the nation. We represent over 98,000 members and have over 180 staff employees covering 6 counties in Southern California, including Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties and numerous cities in these regions. Our 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. They care for the sick, protect the quality of the drinking water, keep records in the courts, administer benefits for poor people, maintain the libraries, help run the jails, protect our communities' most vulnerable members, maintain the streets, work with parolees, groom and maintain the beaches, and provide many other services to keep counties and cities running. They are the frontline workers who defended us from the pandemic.

SEIU 721 is on the forefront of local politics, defends public services in the face of budget challenges, organizes workers in the public and private sectors, and serves as key players in national reform efforts. Through grassroots organizing, identifying, and developing leaders within our Union, and organizing worker political power, we are on the front lines of holding government accountable, ensuring efficiency, tackling waste, and improving services.

SEIU 721 represents public service workers across Southern California who is committed to their communities’ health and safety.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Director of Member Benefits and Employer Relations will report directly to the Executive Director and lead specialized research and policy analysis regarding union-negotiated employer-sponsored health and welfare benefits and/or union-sponsored health and welfare benefits offered through a Union benefits trust. Under general supervision, this position evaluates employer benefit proposals across all divisions, determines benefit plan rate renewal strategies, ensures strong pensions for members, and manages and expands the Union Benefits Trust. This position is responsible for strengthening the Benefits Unit’s employee benefits practices and knowledge base and providing professional guidance and technical analysis to the Union’s negotiators and leadership bodies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Evaluating benefit contract provisions, benefit plan designs, and employer financial health to advise collective bargaining efforts in securing strong benefits for our members
• Play a leading role in developing and maintaining relationships with key government benefits, retirement, and Human Resources staff, benefits industry representatives, legislative staff working on related benefits and pension issues, and other key stakeholders
• Monitoring and reporting the relevant actions of regulatory agencies as well as legislative policy governing health and welfare plans
• Researching emerging policy issues and trends in the employee benefits arena and communicating to membership in partnership with Member Connection
• Oversee and coordinate work of other staff and members working on health and welfare issues.
• Analyzing annual rate renewal proposals and proposed plan design changes in conjunction with actuarial and legal partners
• Preparing reports and presentations
• Performs other related duties as required

Union-negotiated, Employer-sponsored benefit plans

• Attend joint labor-management benefit committees and retirement system board meetings
• Testify on the Union’s behalf and advocate the Union’s position

Union-sponsored benefits – Union Benefits Trust

• Engage new employers to expand the reach of the Trust
• Analyze benefit carrier proposals, including annual rate renewal submissions and plan design changes in coordination with the Trust consultants and Trust counsel
• Promote increased participation among members

Member Pension Funds

• Analyze retirement system actuarial valuations and actuarial reports and provide recommendations to the bargaining team
• Monitor all pension boards for any activity and provide input in public comments
• Lead discussion around key assumptions and external factors with key employers to ensure stability with pension funds
• Participate as a member of and engage with all relevant deferred compensation

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and building power for workers via the labor movement;
• Ability to communicate, work effectively and relate respectfully with a diverse membership and staff;
• Ability to work independently and respond quickly to shifting priorities and rush deadlines;
• Proven ability to lead, inspire, motivate, and communicate effectively with staff;
• Ability to lead and develop Member Benefits and Employer Relations staff members;
• Ability to serve as a successful participant on the executive management team that provides organizational leadership and direction;
• Ability to interact effectively with the Local’s Executive Board;
• Ability to effectively multi-task and management time efficiently;
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; including the ability to write reports, make presentations, facilitate meetings, and conduct trainings;
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Windows environment. Must include Excel and skills in database management and record keeping;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Basic knowledge of worker’s rights;
• Willingness to work long and irregular hours and participate in all union wide activities;
• Willingness to travel and work in different locations for determined periods of time;
• Valid driver’s license, working automobile and valid auto insurance with minimum level of coverage required by the union;
• Advanced oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and coaching skills.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Human Resources, Business, Organization Development preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred and/or combination of education and experience in a related field such as employee benefits, investments, or retirement planning;
• Minimum five (5) years’ experience in employee benefit plans or benefits trust administration, or comparable experience in related fields such as employee benefits, investments, or retirement planning;

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

• Annual Salary Range is between $115,000.00 and $130,000.00.
• Fully paid benefit package including medical, dental, vision and a generous life insurance.

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:

Human Resources Department
SEIU Local 721 Suite 100
1545 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Fax: (213) 402-3590

E-mail: careers@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.

Position will remain open until filled.