SEIU Local 1 has been on the forefront of building power for low-wage workers and fighting in larger struggles for social justice on issues such as health care, immigration reform as well as racial and environmental justice.

We are now hiring a Research Director to oversee research activity in support of organizing, bargaining, and related policy efforts in the Divisions as well as develop metrics of success within the local.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, develop, and direct overall research strategy for organizing, bargaining, issue initiatives and campaigns with the divisions, writing and strategic support for such projects in concert with divisions, union leaders and staff.
• Supervise & be proficient in daily staff research activity for the division on a project basis.
• Recruit, hire, train and develop staff on research methods and techniques, specific industry issues, research project management skills, and organizational context of work. Build a coordinated team across the areas of research that can share lessons and strengthen staff capacity.
• Ability to conduct deep research on public and private corporations and their principals.
• Knowledge of local political environments and how they affect organizing and bargaining and ability to design research which influences political and civic leaders.
• Coordinate activities with other departments within the local as well as with International staff.
• Assists in member mobilization, coalition building, and public relations efforts associated with organizing and first contract negotiations.
• Develops industrial, geographical, and corporate organizing targets and strategies.
• Perform in-depth research to determine sources of leverage for potential organizing targets.
• Present at public forums and meetings involving other labor organizations, coalition groups and public/private companies.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Labor Relations, Economics, or related field.
• At least seven (7) year experience in union and/or political campaigns, community organizing or other activist work.
• Thorough understanding of public and private sector organizing and collective bargaining.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. Advanced Excel skills are strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace/G Suite programs.
• Experience with LexisNexis.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills are a must.
• Ability to apply strategic thinking and quantitative skills to identify organizing opportunities.
• Ability to quickly gather and digest large amounts of data.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines in a team-oriented environment.
• Willingness to work long, irregular hours and travel as required by campaigns.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity as well as social and economic justice.
• Familiarity and direct experience with progressive causes.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to influence, combined with a roll-up-your-sleeves approach and the ability to execute.

SALARY & BENEFITS

• The salary is competitive and negotiable.
• The full benefits package includes employer-paid health insurance, dental, vision & prescription insurance.
• Additional benefits include a traditional defined benefit pension plan, paid vacation, as well as tuition reimbursement and other benefits.