SEIU (Service Employees International Union)
National Political Director
Washington, DC (HQ)

ORGANIZATIONAL 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:
SEIU’s National Political Director directs the political program for the Service Employees International Union. SEIU’s political program builds power for workers as part of a wider movement to win a more just society, and is one of the largest and most successful political programs in the country.

The National Political Director works with SEIU’s elected leaders to develop strategies and drive programs that:

• Mobilize, strengthen and leverage the political power of our local unions and members to hold power at the national, state and local level, including expanding our base of activists, building our internal political fundraising program including the ability to leverage small dollars, and improve the political skills of our staff and members.
• Build independent political power for SEIU and our partners in the wider movement by developing sustainable civic engagement programs through partnerships with local political organizations, particularly in communities of color.
• Drive our program to elect champions for working families and shift the political debate to focus on an agenda that improves the lives of workers and their families and communities.
• Support campaigns to win economic, racial, immigrant, and environmental justice at the federal, state and local level, and hold elected officials accountable in support of those issues.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: (Examples provide a general summary of the work required and should not be treated as a complete list of expected duties and responsibilities).

• Engage and collaborate with both local elected leaders and International Board Committee  to develop and drive programs that recruit and develop political activism among SEIU’s membership.
• Work with the Officers, local union leaders, and other senior staff to help shape and set the overall agenda for SEIU’s political program.
• Manage the Department’s plan, staff, and budget. 
• Serve as a liaison to other department directors to assist them in decision making around key strategies.
• Align with the Government Relations Director and other staff leaders to support issue campaigns.
• Work in partnership with SEIU State Council directors and local union political directors to drive an aligned national political program in the states. 
• Work in partnership with the union’s data and communications team to develop effective strategies to communicate with members and  core constituencies. 
• Coordinate with the Government Relations Director to develop and implement International candidate evaluations, political endorsements and contribution processes for candidates and allied organizations.
• Represent the International Union and Officers on Boards, commissions and national committees when requested.
• Perform other duties as required.

CONTACTS:
President and Officers, Division/Department Directors, local union leaders.  Candidates and key political party leaders and staff; senior political staff at key partners, including other unions, coalition partners and allies and national organizations, outside counsel and consultants, policy and academic representatives and the press.

DIRECTION & DECISION MAKING:
This position reports to the President and Chief of Staff.

COMPENSATION:

The expected salary range for this position is $150-169k.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
A minimum of 10 years’ experience in political, organizing, fundraising or campaign-related work. Degree from an accredited four-year college or university is preferred, or experience that is equivalent. The following knowledge, skills, abilities are also required:

• Knowledge of the labor movement and its partner organizations.
• Knowledge of electoral campaign strategy, metrics and tactics both on the national and local level.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain a variety of high level relationships both internally and the broader movement.  
• The ability to manage staff at various levels and problem solve decisively and quickly. Ability to hire, supervise and develop staff at all levels.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and keep track of a variety of projects.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills, including strategic planning.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, including the ability to make presentations, plan and develop materials and conferences.
• Ability to inspire confidence in others with personal authority, leadership skills and a collegial work style.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Most work is performed in an office setting, but may be required to work in other settings conducive to performing the tasks required to complete assignments. Substantial travel and extended hours required.