SEIU Local 509
 

Chief of Staff

Based in Marlborough, MA

 

About SEIU Local 509
SEIU Local 509 is a fast growing, progressive union representing over 20,000 state workers, human service workers, higher education faculty, graduate student workers, and family child care providers in Massachusetts.

General Description of Position
As a manager and member of our senior staff, you will have primary responsibility for coordinating the programs and strategy of the various divisions of the union, and for overseeing all fieldwork. You will assist the President of the Local in managing the daily operations of our union and in the direction of our staff.

Examples of Duties:

• Supervise management staff, as directed by the President of the Local.
• Direct strategic planning initiatives for the Local and membership.
• Periodically review the Local's programmatic structure and operational policies for efficiency and lead organizational change when appropriate.
• Coordinate with the Field Service Director to support the strategic goals of each chapter and sector and ensure continual progress.
• Work with the President to coordinate functions among all departments to ensure member engagement is fully supported.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Local, as directed by the President of the Local.
• Represent the Local in external matters as needed.
• Lead negotiations with the Local 509 Staff Union
• Collaborate with the Director of HR/Finance on managing personnel policies and the employee life cycle
• Perform related work and union-wide duties as required.
• Specific duties may change at the direction of the President of the Local.

Supervision:
You will report directly to the President of the Local. As a manager, you will directly supervise the Field Services Director and the Directors of Organizing, the Member Action Resource Center (MARC), and Communications. You share supervisory authority for all Local 509 staff, which may include interviewing, hiring, training, assigning, delegating, evaluating, promoting, transferring, investigating, disciplining, and terminating, as needed.

Working Conditions:
This job is based in our Marlborough, MA office, but may work remotely as appropriate. Frequent travel within Massachusetts and occasional out-of-state travel is required. Working long hours, evenings, and weekends is often necessary; the baseline expectation is to work 37.5 hours across 5 days each week.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Attending various outdoor events, sometimes for a full working day, even in potentially uncomfortable (but not unsafe) weather.

Qualifications

• Required:
  • Experience as a union member and/or working in the labor movement.
  • Experience with supervision and leadership development.
  • Familiarity with the basic principles of organizing, political action, and collective bargaining.
  • Basic computer skills and a willingness to learn new technologies.
• Preferred:
  • Familiarity with:
  • Massachusetts politics
  • Massachusetts geography
  • Working conditions and issues of the Local's various constituencies, including public employees, human services, family childcare, and higher education

The Ideal Candidate
There are many qualities that make up an ideal candidate. You might be a perfect fit for this role if this describes you:

• Committed to the labor movement and progressive social change.
• Able to work effectively with limited guidance, both independently and as part of a team.
• Able to accurately assess priorities and balance the progress of multiple short and long-term projects.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
• Discretion and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Highly organized and efficient, with a meticulous attention to detail.
• A leader who puts community first.

Compensation:
Salary is determined by the Local 509 budget; as of 2023: $117,009 / year. Benefits include, at no cost to the employee, health insurance with FSA and HRA, dental insurance, short and long-term disability, a pension, an optional 401k (no employer match), and generous paid time off.

Application Process:
SEIU Local 509 is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity — women, BIPOC, LGBT candidates and candidates from other marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

We want to interview the best candidates for our organization. If you think you have the skills to fill the role and serve our mission, even if you don't meet every qualification in the list, please consider applying. We review all applications thoroughly and are open to considering candidates from many different backgrounds.

If you require accommodations prior to submitting an application, please email hr@seiu509.org or call us at xxx-xxx-xxxx

To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a résumé and cover letter to: jobapplication@seiu509.org.

Questions about the position can be directed to dfoley@seiu509.org.

Applications are reviewed as they are received; candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for priority consideration.

*SEIU Local 509 requires all employees to have at least one full course of the COVID-19 Vaccination or an approved exemption from Local 509 by the time of hire.*