SEIU Local 521 is a union of 40,000 public- and nonprofit, private-sector workers in Central California. We are committed to building power in the workplace and in our communities to bring about greater justice for workers and for the communities we serve. We understand that the change we seek can only be won by building real organization and mobilizing thousands of members to fight against the entrenched powers that seek to control an ever-increasing share of society’s wealth while the majority face deterioration in their standard of living, health, and environment. Whether it is the tech giants of Silicon Valley or entrenched agribusiness in the Central Valley, those are the forces that our members must take on and expose in order to win justice for themselves and the communities we serve. We are looking for energetic, hardworking staff that wants to join this fight and be part of the team that wins for workers, families, and our communities.

The Campaign Researcher conducts a wide range of research for union campaigns and projects including but not limited to: internal and external organizing campaigns, contract bargaining, post-employment benefits, local and state public policy, community campaigns, basic trainings in research methods and analysis, and various Local programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the supervision of the Research Director, the Campaign Researcher will:

• Analyze the financial and quality records of public agencies and publicly-funded private agencies.
• Creatively apply traditional and non-traditional research methods to union campaigns.
• Conduct industry and political power analysis for strategic targeting, identifying key industry trends, and developing innovative policy or regulatory strategies
• Develop and implement campaign and strategic research strategies and develop appropriate research products.
• Participate thoughtfully in developing strategic research and campaign strategy, and provide recommendations for the most effective use of research for Sr. level staff and members leaders
• Independently prepare professional level reports appropriate for contract negotiations, Media persuasion, member education, and presentations before public board and commissions on behalf of the members and the union.
• Apply research findings to support communication strategies, develop communication related products such as, media “sound bites” or memorable elements pertinent for media or membership, interesting and effective presentations for beginner level member training and persuasive oriented reports and presentations.
• Serve as the Local Union expert witness in med-arbs, arbitrations, contract negotiations, public agency and quasi-public agency meetings with elected officials and high level local , state or federal government authorities
• Lead research trainings for members and new staff in simple research projects include budget analysis, industry-wide wage and benefit comparisons and how to develop costing analysis for contract bargaining.
• Ability to manage the research component of large and strategic research projects; including the ability to build internal and external political relationships.

Who We Are: SEIU Local 521 is part of SEIU, Service Employees International Union. Our local represents about 57,000 workers in Central California. Our membership includes thousands of public service workers in the Central Valley. Our mission is to improve the lives of all workers through economic justice.

The Service Employees International Union is an organization of 2.1 million members united by the belief in the dignity and worth of workers and the services they provide. SEIU is dedicated to improving the lives of workers and their families and creating a more just and humane society. Learn more about SEIU International. Our local is also part of SEIU, California State Council.

Job Qualifications:

• Strong commitment to progressive social change and activist experience.
• Strong research & quantitative skills. Computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, & Access and a variety of computer-based research tools. Excellent writing and communications skills a must
• Proven ability to utilize information from and about workers, employers, economic / financial research on company or industry to inform and develop campaign strategies.
• Experience in budget analysis of public agency and publicly funded agency budgets including familiarity with funding streams for public services.
• Understanding of public employee post-employment benefits including retirement, healthcare and wage standards.
• Ability to carry out assigned and required tasks independently and in a competent and professional manner in keeping with SEIU’s overall goals and expectations.
• Ability to work well under tight deadlines and in a team environment. ·
• Proven ability to work with research staff within a labor or progressive community organization (for Leads).
• Firm grasp of the legal and regulatory environment within which unions and union research operates.
• Bachelor’s degree in labor studies, public policy, economics, labor studies or similar field of study.
• Driver’s license, auto insurance and automobile.
• Willingness to work long and irregular hours and attend required evening and weekend activities.

Salary and Benefits

• Annual salary depending on experience
• Fully paid dependent health, vision, dental, disability, and life insurance
• Employer paid SEIU pension plan
• Liberal vacation, sick and comp time

To Apply:
Send cover letter and résumé to:

SEIU Local 521
2302 Zanker Road
San Jose, CA 95131
Email: job[at]seiu521[dot]org
Fax: 408-954-1538
No phone calls please

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.