SEIU Local 121RN

Political Organizer

Based primarily in Pasadena, CA
(assignments may vary across Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the Inland Empire)

 

Political Organizer

SEIU Local 121RN (www.seiu121rn.org), a powerful voice for Registered Nurses and Licensed Professionals in Southern California, is looking for an External Lead Organizer. Local 121RN represents more than 11,000 Nurses and Licensed Professionals working in hospitals in Los Angeles, Ventura and Riverside counties. Local 121RN is leading the fight to win strong contracts, enact strong workplace protections and strengthen staffing standards and laws in the health care industry.

Job Summary:
The Political Organizer reports to the Political Director or designee and is responsible for assisting with implementation of a political program that focuses on member participation and advocacy in political campaigns, issue campaigns, initiatives and events that support the growth of the Union and strengthens representation of our members’ political priorities. The Political Organizer also helps implement the Local’s Committee on Political Education (COPE) program and works closely with the Political Director or designee to build active participation in the political process.

Essential Responsibilities: 

• Assist in implementing the local's political and legislative agenda.
• Provide assistance with training of staff for the recruitment, leadership development and coordination of member political activists for political fundraising and electoral campaigns.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for political and legislative campaigns, meetings and other Union activities.
• Assist in engaging and mobilizing members into political/community action.
• Help build and maintain relationships with elected and other public officials to mobilize in support of member goals and priorities.
• Assist with carrying out political activities such as voter registration drives, vote-by-mail and GOTV activities.
• Work with the Political Director or designee, field and organizing staff to integrate political strategy and support into contract and organizing campaign plans.
• Provide staff support and assist with training to staff and COPE Committee, review COPE at Steward Council Meetings, Steward Trainings and membership meetings.
• As needed, attend Labor Councils (LA Fed, Tri-Counties, Riverside/San Bernardino (CLCs), Nurse Alliance or other meetings as assigned.
• May serve as a COPE delegate at Central Labor Council COPE Board meetings as well as a delegate to CLC’s monthly meetings. 
• Participate in community, political and other events.
• Administrative support including data entry, maintenance of COPE records and tracking political and legislative participation.
• Excellent follow-up is a must.
• All other duties as assigned.

Job Specifications and Requirements - Qualifications, Skills, Experience and Attributes:

• Minimum of one (1) year directly assisting with shaping or leading legislative and/or political organizing plans within a labor Union, or campaign work with an elected official at the local, state or federal level. No exceptions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Ability to listen actively and frame issues for members, elected and other public officials.
• Ability to evaluate and analyze information and deal with conflicting/changing priorities.
• Ability to think strategically and exercise a high level of judgment.
• Self-motivated, great attitude and strong team player.
• Proven ability to work with diverse group of people, from Union members to Union staff, leaders and elected officials to other stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook and membership databases.
• Ability and willingness to work long and irregular hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays.
• Some travel will be required.
• An automobile, valid driver’s license and automobile insurance are required. 

Typical Working Conditions:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job. Some of these include, but are not limited to:

• Regularly operate a computer, cell phone, and other general office equipment.
• Stand, walk, and/or sit for long periods of time.
• Move through the office to access file cabinets and operate office equipment
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Traverse in the office and in an outside environment during various types of events. This may include moving, or being stationary, for multiple hours, in outside conditions. Traversing may include ascending/descending stairs.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can elevate during events and campaign activities.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.
• May include exposure to large crowds.

Salary and Benefits:
This is a full-time, salaried, overtime-exempt position. The salary range for this position is between $86,470.54 and $91,763.10, which will be based on the candidate’s relevant and verifiable professional experience and qualifications. SEIU Local 121RN offers a generous benefit package including medical, dental and vision benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, a 401(K) plan as well as generous holiday and vacation policies.

To Apply:
Please send your letter of interest, résumé, and you must include three (3) professional references. You must also include two writing samples: one letter requesting support from an elected official on a priority issue, and one letter encouraging members to engage in the political process. Proof of experience will be required, and a written test will be administered. Submit all materials via email with the job title Political Organizer in the subject line to Angelica Gutierrez, Human Resources Specialist, at gutierreza@seiu121rn.org. No phone calls, please.

SEIU Local 121RN is an equal opportunity employer.

This job posting may not reflect the complete job description.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.