Assistant Director of Legislation - SEIU

SEIU (Service Employees International Union)

JOB TITLE: Assistant Director for Legislation

GRADE: MGT F

ANNUAL SALARY: $135,609.02

LOCATION: Washington, DC (Headquarters)

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW: The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is a union of more than 2 million diverse members in healthcare, the public sector, and property services. SEIU envisions a Just Society: where all workers are valued and all people respected-no matter where they come from or what color they are; where all families and communities can thrive; and where the Union can leave a better and more equitable world for generations to come. SEIU is anti-racist union determined to check corporate power and uproot structural racism by harnessing worker power and collective action, including legislative and political action. SEIU fights for Unions for All and a government that works for all so that everyone, across race and place, can have power together in unions and participate fully in the country's democracy.

PURPOSE: The Assistant Director is responsible for aspects of the Union's legislative, regulatory and political activity designed to achieve SEIU goals including, but not limited to: lobbying members of Congress and Executive Branch officials on policy and legislation, including developing strategy and related activities.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: (Any one position may not include all of the specific duties and responsibilities listed. Examples provide a general summary of the work required and should not be treated as a total and complete list of expected duties to be performed by employees in the classification.)

• Works with the Legislative Director in developing strategies and materials for lobbying activities
• Assists with building the International Union's relations with congressional committees, staff and Members of Congress to advance SEIU's legislative priorities on Capitol Hill
• At the direction of the Legislative Director, assists in leading staff in the development and approval of various legislative documents- including but not limited to target lists, correspondence and reports
• Acts as a liaison and advocates on behalf of union members on legislative issues
• At the direction of the Legislative Director, takes a lead role in the research, analyzing of proposed legislation, preparing of testimonies and other relevant materials
• Coordinates SEIU federal legislative strategies with other unions, contract consultants, AFL-CIO, congressional allies, national state and local coalitions, allied organizations, and other SEIU departments as appropriate
• Assists in the development and coordination of SEIU projects as they relate to targeted federal legislative and grassroots campaigns including policy development, polling, and media
• Participates in SEIU's grassroots infrastructure for legislative and political campaigns, including political and legislative action efforts with SEIU regional, state council and local political & legislative leaders
• Develops with the Directors for Legislation and Government Affairs strategies for representation by the International at national events, demonstrations, conventions, conferences and other forums on legislative priority issues
• Plans and develop legislative education, training and related materials for Division leadership and staff
• Represents the International President and Division on boards, commissions and national committees, where appropriate
• Performs other duties as assigned in support of the work of Government Affairs, Legislation Department and as required by the Director

CONTACTS: Include SEIU and affiliate staff, congressional staff, and other unions' relevant administration officials.

DIRECTION AND DECISION MAKING: This position reports to the Director for Legislation. The incumbent will also work independently.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Public Policy or related field (Politics, History, Economics) and five-to-seven (5-7) years of experience in direct lobbying of elected officials or government agencies and drafting legislation or eight (8) years of experience as a legislative assistant for a Member of Congress, Congressional committee or regulatory agency. Four (4) years prior experience working in issues campaigns, political action and election campaigns at a senior level, policy analysis, community advocacy or drafting of legislation or regulations in relevant issues areas. All applicants/incumbent must have a combination of education and experience that would provide for the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of congressional legislative process or government agencies and drafting legislation.
• Thorough knowledge of working in issue campaigns, political action and election campaigns at a senior level, policy analysis, community advocacy or drafting of legislation or regulations in relevant issues areas.
• Thorough knowledge of the office workings of a legislative office for elected official and regulatory agencies.
• Thorough knowledge of information systems for lobbying activity.
• Knowledge of unions and their issues.
• Knowledge of training and educational methods.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to make formal presentations and write advocacy papers.
• Ability to use a personal computer, including carrying out on-line research services.
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Ability to conduct formal research, analyze data and make sound, logical conclusions.
• Ability to handle multiple "priority" projects and meet established timelines.
• Ability to work effectively with elected leaders and staff in complex and sometime political situations.
• Ability to conduct training sessions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is generally performed in an office setting, but may require work in other settings. Travel and long and extended hours are required.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: SEIU offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our values as a labor organization and our commitment to the well-being and long-term security of our staff. Benefits include:

• A comprehensive, employer-sponsored health benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• A defined benefit pension plan
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Additional benefits consistent with a mission-driven workplace

SEIU believes that workers deserve dignity, stability, and the ability to plan for their futures, and our benefits are designed to support that belief.