• Job Description

  Req#: DEPUT002981

  Job Title: Deputy Political Director

  Grade: MGT G1

  Salary: $135,525.34

  Location: Washington, D.C.

  ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW:

  The 2 million members united in the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) are at the forefront of a movement to build power for working people and empower all workers to form unions, no matter what job they do. SEIU members are from every walk of life, every political party, every background, every faith. They come from communities with their own stories and strengths, and that makes the Union all the more powerful because there’s strength in numbers. SEIU members work across the healthcare spectrum providing high quality care and services. They are the workers who keep our nation’s airports running and make sure landmark buildings are clean and secure. They provide essential public services and give a foundation of learning to our youngest and brightest. SEIU members believe in and are fighting for a Just Society where all workers are valued and all people respected—no matter where they come from or what color they are; where all families and communities can thrive; and where we leave a better and more equitable world for generations to come.

  PURPOSE:

  The Deputy Political Director is responsible for the development and overall management of SEIU’s political, legislative and grassroots campaigns. The director works closely with the National Political Director, and is responsible for coordinating with SEIU’s leadership at the national, state and local level. The Deputy Political Director position is a management position that works under the supervision of the National Political Director and oversees the Political Department’s political and field teams.

  PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Oversee political planning for targeted strategic organizing and political campaigns with Local Unions, State Councils and SEIU stakeholders with clear goals and benchmarks.
  • Develop a strategic planning process in key states that includes feedback from leaders at the national, state and local level.
  • Manage the states team, which includes overseeing field staff, coordinating with other departments and staff that impact state programs and working with local political staff and leaders.
  • Work with senior staff to oversee polling, targeting and media work on behalf of the department.
  • Represent the union with national movement and political partners and coalitions.
  • Ensure there is proper communication and regular reports between the International Union and Locals on overall strategy and progress-to-date goals.
  • Establish accountability systems in the field to ensure that all campaign goals are met and provide regular campaign assessments and post-election analysis.
  • Manage and reconcile multi million dollar field budget
  • Serve as a liaison with SEIU departments and divisions on electoral work, state battles and field program planning and implementation.
  • Prepare and submit regular reports as requested.
  • Other duties as assigned by the National Political Director.

  CONTACTS:

  This position has extensive contact with SEIU Officers, division directors and deputies, department directors and deputies, local union presidents, local union and State Council senior and political staff.

  DIRECTION AND DECISION MAKING:

  This position reports to the National Political Director and the incumbent works with a high degree of independence.

  EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  Has minimum 10 years of specifically related work experience; and/or a combination of education and experience managing national field campaigns, electoral campaigns, legislative battles, or union organizing that would provide for the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  • Thorough knowledge of SEIU growth and political strategies to support rebuilding of worker political power
  • Experience managing large-scale political and electoral operations – national / multistate campaigns; operations including all aspects of political engagement
  • Thorough knowledge of strategies used in political campaigns
  • Knowledge and experience in use of polling, research, targeting, direct mail, opposition research.
  • Experience leading internal and external tables around union priorities
  • Ability to manage and develop staff
  • Knowledge and experience with coalition building and civic engagement
  • Ability to communicate effectively
  • Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships and to work in a team
  • Ability to operate in the field with state councils and local union leadership and staff
  • Ability to manage and assess multiple programs and priorities
  • Ability to manage program budget and implement plans
  • Ability to manage and help develop electoral and grassroots campaign plans, logistics and timeline
  • Ability to handle multiple priorities in different states and meet deadlines

  KNOWLEDGE AND TRAINING

  The Deputy Political Director position requires a high level of proven leadership and judgment and must demonstrate knowledge of grassroots political organizing and staff management. They must have experience in developing and implementing comprehensive political plans. Additionally, they must have the capacity to work independently with elected SEIU leaders and staff in complex political situations.

  Experience working in diverse work environments a plus. Women and people of color urged to apply. Bilingual skills a plus.

  PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  Work is generally performed in the field and long and extended hours and travel are required.

  APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

  A resume is required for all applications and a cover letter is highly suggested. Your cover letter should explain your reason for wanting to work for SEIU, an example of how you demonstrated success in a similar position and a description of how this position fits into your long-term career plan.

  VACCINATION REQUIREMENT: Candidates will be required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon commencing employment. Reasonable accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis for either a) a certain medical condition(s); or b) on the basis of sincerely held strong religious beliefs and practices; c) as otherwise required by law.

• About the company

  9 million workers in over 100 occupations in the United States and Canada.

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