Organization Overview: We are the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), a union of about 2 million diverse members in healthcare, the public sector, and property services. We believe in and fight for our Vision for a Just Society: where all workers are valued and all people respected—no matter where we come from or what color we are; where all families and communities can thrive; and where we leave a better and more equitable world for generations to come. We are an anti-racist union determined to check corporate power and uproot structural racism through unions—worker power and collective action—and government—legislative and political action. We fight for Unions for All and a Government that Works for All so that all of us, across race and place, can have power together in unions and participate fully in our democracy.
Purpose: The Director of Government Relations oversees the federal, state and local legislative campaigning for the Service Employees International Union, a 2 million member organization dedicated to improving the lives of workers and their families. SEIU’s legislative programs aim to build a more just society, including efforts to raise wages and build power for working people, to win racial justice, to win immigrant justice and to take on the impact of excessive corporate power on our democracy, economy and environment.
Primary Responsibilities:
Leads work with the Officers and local unions to develop and drive the union’s legislative agenda.
Ensure SEIU’s agenda supports the union’s plan to grow and build power for working people.
Oversees communication and advocacy with federal and state elected officials on the International Union’s legislative and policy program, including with White House staff, federal agencies, Members of Congress and their staff, and state and local officials.
Develop and drive issue campaign efforts, developing strategy, coordinating tactics, including field, press, digital, and policy materials.
Coordinate with key strategic partners on campaigns and state and local infrastructure, including other labor unions, advocacy organizations and community organizing networks.
Lead the Department’s staff development and organizational equity work, including planning staff meetings, training, and development.
Manage or represent the Department on union-wide projects, such as annual member and staff conferences or Conventions.
Recruit and supervise staff and consultants; oversee, develop, and evaluate individual work plans; manage and promote staff development.
Oversees the department’s budget.
Coordinate with the Political team to develop and implement SEIU political strategies, including evaluation, political endorsement, and contribution process for candidates.
Act as spokesperson and representative for the Union on legislative and policy matters.
Performs other duties and special projects as assigned in support of the work of the department.
Contacts: President and other Officers, department and Division directors and local union leaders. White House and agency officials, Members of Congress and other elected officials, staff, and political party leaders, candidates. Partners, including other unions, outside counsel and consultants, policy and academic leaders, and the press.
Direction and Decision Making: This position reports to the Director of the Politics and Government Relations Hub and works independently.
Education and Experience:
Degree from an accredited four year college or university is preferred, or equivalent
A minimum of 10-12 years of experience in legislative and policy work, union leadership, organizing or campaign related work.
Knowledge of public policy legislative process on a federal, state and local level, and a proven ability to advocate for legislative and policy change with the government.
Knowledge of the labor movement and its partners and allied
Proven ability to develop and maintain a variety of relationships on a variety of
Experience with legislative, organizing or political
Ability to hire, develop and manage staff on various levels, with proven experience building an equitable and inclusive staff.
Ability to manage
Excellent planning and organizational skills, including strategic planning, including the ability to manage multiple priorities in a timely manner and keep track of a variety of
Ability to analyze issues, define problems and propose creative solutions in political and legislative environments
Excellent oral and written communications skills, and ability to make presentations, plan and develop materials and conferences (including leadership and staff training)
Ability to inspire confidence in others with personal authority, leadership skills and a collegial work style.
Physical Requirements: Work is generally performed in an office setting, but may be required to work in other settings conducive to performing the tasks required to complete assignments. Some travel extended hours are required.
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