Internal Organizing

INTERNAL ORGANIZER

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.

INTERNAL ORGANIZER will be assigned to work with members in one or more organized jurisdictions in the 521 jurisdictions. SEIU Local 521 represents clerical, blue collar, professional and service workers in the public and private sector, including healthcare.

RESPONSIBILITIES: All duties listed are required but not limited to and may or may not be continuously performed or ongoing at any specific time. 
•    Identify, recruit, train, develop stewards, officers, and leaders.
•    Lead and assist in developing plans for worksite campaigns for specific issues including public  budget issues, contract negotiations, safety, etc.
•    Create or assist members in creating communication systems; write and edit leaflets, proposals, newsletters, etc.
•    Negotiate or assist in contract negotiations, from proposals through strike preparation.
•    Monitor stewards and officers in their representational duties, including grievances and disciplinary appeals. Follow through where necessary.
•    Meet timelines and procedures related to labor contracts, union bylaws, and   policies.
•    Encourage participation in political and lobbying activities. Help members hold elected officials accountable.
•    Participate in and learn to lead residual organizing campaigns, and recruit members.
•    Lead staff members or community-based committees; serve as a spokesperson.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
•    Willingness to travel frequently and/or for extended period of time within the local’s jurisdiction, based on work assignments. 
•    Willingness to work long and irregular hours, often including nights and weekends.
•    A strong commitment to social and economic justice and the commitment to organize the unorganized through the labor movement
•    At least one year of experience as a full-time external organizer or equivalent community or rank and file member organizing experience.
•    Strong written and verbal communication skills. Good listening skills are a necessity. 
•    Ability to create and execute detailed organizing plans.
•    Ability to establish rapport with and organize workers across diverse ethnic, social, economic, and occupational groups.
•    Good judgment and ability to discern priorities when faced with many important tasks.
•    Ability to think strategically and respond to rapidly changing situations.
•    Basic computer literacy and a willingness to use technology where needed. 
•    Ability to work effectively and harmoniously as part of a team.
•    Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred but not required.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:  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: Salary commensurate with experience. 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.

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.