SEIU Higher Education Organizers (Boston, MA)

[Jason A. Stephany]

ABOUT SEIU LOCAL 509
SEIU Local 509 represents more than 18,000 human service workers and educators throughout Massachusetts. We provide a variety of social services to elders, at-risk children and people with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities — as well as educational services in both public and private sector settings. From mental health clinicians and social workers to early childhood educators and university lecturers, Local 509 members are united in our mission to raise living standards for working families while improving the quality and affordability of the services we provide.

SEIU Local 509 is part of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), one of the largest and fastest-growing labor unions in the United States.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION
Local 509 is hiring organizers in the union’s Higher Education chapter. The successful candidate will coordinate campaigns among contingent faculty at private institutions of higher education – contacting faculty and allies, developing leads and organizing committees. Work will primarily take place in the Greater Boston area, though occasional travel throughout the state may be necessary.

 

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

• Assess faculty and ally interest in union organizing
• Maintain consistent contact with unorganized workers
• Develop organizing leads
• Maintain accurate organizing lists and related files
• Develop recommendations on specific targets and strategies
• Recruit member organizers to support relevant campaigns
• Build support for external organizing among existing SEIU 509 members
• Attend applicable staff meetings and trainings
• Perform work in a timely fashion
• Assist other union locals with organizing efforts, as requested

 

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Candidates must have previous experience organizing faculty in higher education settings and experience leading contract campaigns
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (listening, speaking and writing)
• Strong commitment to the labor movement
• Ability to work both independently and part of a team
• Ability to work under pressure and with people from diverse backgrounds
• Willingness to work long and irregular hours, including nights and weekends (required)
• Possession of an insured, registered vehicle and a valid driver’s license

 

SUPERVISION
Organizers work under the Organizing Director (or designee) – who reviews work for effectiveness, timeliness and accuracy in accordance with the needs of the campaign.

 

SALARY & BENEFITS
SEIU Local 509 offers competitive salaries (commensurate with experience) and a generous benefits package – including car allowance.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS
SEIU Local 509 is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity – women, people of color and LGBT candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Interested candidates should submit a résumé and cover letter to:

Jeremy Thompson, Director of Higher Education
SEIU Local 509
100 Talcott Avenue, 2nd Floor
Watertown, MA 02472

Email: jtho...@seiu509.org

Fax: (617) 924-8248

The deadline for application is July 24, 2105. No phone calls please.