SEIU Local 521

Chief of Talent and Operations

Based in San Jose, CA
(hybrid)

 

SEIU Local 521 was founded in 2007 when 5 local unions came together in the Bay Area, Central Coast and Central Valley to form one larger, more powerful union. Together our members are building a true 21st century union fighting to empower and improve the lives of our members. We represent over 50,000 public service workers in cities, counties, courts, schools, private non-profits, special districts, and public health care.

AT SEIU LOCAL 521: Our mission is to provide our members with a voice in the workplace, in their union and in the larger community. Through our actions, we intend to create a more just and humane society. We are committed to protecting and improving the lives of workers and their families. We will work to improve and protect the services we provide to our communities. We believe that by working together as a united front, we can win better contracts and build industry power in our region.

Chief of Talent and Operations is an integral member of the Union’s executive team, providing leadership, strategic thinking, and expertise in human resources (HR), organizational strategy and design, and operational excellence. The Chief of Talent & Operations has a proven track record of fighting for social justice, championing workers’ rights, and fostering workplaces that are humane and respect the inherent dignity of all people. The Chief of Talent & Operations is accountable for creatively driving, enhancing, and expanding the Union’s efforts to make this vibrant organization a fantastic place to work, grow, and thrive.

RESPONSIBILITY: The Chief of Talent & Operations at SEIU Local 521 drives all aspects of the Union’s talent and operations functions. You will:

Executive Leadership

• Partner with the Chief Elected Officer and the rest of the Executive Team, as well as staff Directors to manage the overall success of the Union.
• Contribute to shaping organizational strategy by offering insights into HR trends and practices that align with the Union’s mission and build its strength and impact

Talent

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Human Resources department to ensure the effective administration of HR services across the Union.
• Oversee all aspects of human resources administration including:
  • Compensation, benefits, and leave administration in coordination with the SEIU 521 Finance Director.
  • Employee Relations claims management, including investigations, dispute resolution, and disciplinary matters.
  • Performance management, including training, staff/management development, and performance evaluation systems and tracking.
  • Collective bargaining with SEIU 521 employee representatives, including grievance process; ensures organizational compliance with CBAs.
  • Compliance with federal, state and local employment laws and regulations; develops, reviews, modifies and implements policies and practices to maintain compliance.
  • HRIS software and technology solutions utilized for employee records and data management, reporting and analytics.
  • Workplace health and safety policies and procedures, programs, training and communications.
  • Recruitment and talent acquisition, including applicant reviewing, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, orientation and training.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive Union-wide talent recruitment, management and retention program designed to foster a dedicated, high quality, and diverse staff throughout the organization.
• Spearhead strategies to foster a positive organizational culture, including incorporating meaningful organizational equity and inclusion programs and ongoing staff development.
• Lead teams and coordinate with key stakeholders to facilitate organizational change initiatives within the HR domain.

Operations

• Manage, develop and improve systems and processes to allow the union to meet its mission, including
  • Electronic travel systems
  • Approval workflows
  • Visa processing and documentation
  • Short-term member onboarding
• Develop systems to review, revise, implement and monitor operations and administrative policies.
• Supervise office managers and organization-wide administrative assistants.

Facilities

• Oversee and management of the 5 local union offices, leased and owed.
• Supervise facilities manager, office managers and organization-wide administrative assistants.
• Develop and maintain major facilities, and operations vendor relationships.
• Oversee and management of the physical plants and leases of the 5 local union offices.

Information Technology

• Provide leadership in aligning IT initiatives with organizational goals, ensuring reliable infrastructure, cybersecurity, and technology support for staff.
• Supervise two in-house IT staff, set priorities, monitor performance, and coordinate with an external IT consultant to enhance system capabilities and troubleshoot complex issues.
• Develop and oversee the IT budget, approve technology purchases, and manage vendor relationships to ensure cost-effective solutions and service agreements that meet organizational needs.

LEADERSHIP STANDARDS:

• Shared unity of purpose
• Openness to questions and willingness to learn
• Acting with the courage of our convictions
• Working together with accountability
• Commitment to equity and inclusion
• Servant leadership as a value

REQUIREMENTS:

• 8+ years senior human resources/talent leadership experience, with a deep understanding of California HR laws and requirements.
• 8+ years in senior operations, including the oversight of IT, vendor management, and facilities
• Experience building and leading teams and developing staff; strong ability to unite diverse leadership and staff in a large geographic area, including 7 Regional Offices.
• Clear, strategic thinking, planning, and coordination, including in systems development and project management.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and resolve HR and operational issues as well as develop creative solutions.
• Exemplary at interpersonal communication, listening, conflict resolution, and organizing persuasion with members, staff and allies.
• Past experience in labor unions or similar progressive non-profit environments is a strong preference, including collective bargaining and contract administration.
• A demonstrated commitment to the mission of SEIU.

JOB DEMANDS: Salaried position, some evening and weekend meetings, and travel between offices, sometimes requiring overnight stays.

REQUIREMENTS: Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of SEIU Local 521. Must possess a valid California driver’s license; must pass a DMV check and have a good driving record; must have auto insurance that covers business driving (minimum of $100,000 per person/$300,000 per incident bodily injury liability/$100,000 property coverage); and must possess an automobile for business use.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: the salary range for this role is commensurate with experience, ranging from $141,000-$148,000. SEIU Local 521 employees enjoy top notch benefits including fully employer-paid family health, dental and vision insurance; a generous leave package; fully employer-paid defined benefit pension plan; 401(K); flexible savings accounts for annual health and childcare expenses; $200,000 life insurance plan; and other benefits outlined in the policies of SEIU 521.

TO APPLY:
Apply by submitting your application with a thoughtful cover letter and résumé here: https://seiulocal521.bamboohr.com/careers/114

This position is open until it is filled; however, the posting/acceptance of applications may close at any time.
This position is open until filled; however, the posting/acceptance of applications may close at any time.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
Local 521 is an affirmative action employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability. Local 521 works to ensure fair treatment of applicants and employees and actively enforces policies against discrimination and sexual harassment.