Political Director

SEIU California State Councilis seeking a Political Director. 


The Political Director position is responsible for managing the State Council's field program by working with locals on member participation, electoral, legislative, grassroots advocacy, and capacity building activities. The Political Field Director also assists staff in building coalitions for electoral and issue campaigns. The position requires strong leadership, management, organizing, communication and technical skills. The Political Field Director works under the direction of the Executive Director or designee.


Required Skills, Abilities and Experience:

1. Knowledge of strategic planning process and experience in implementation of programs and campaigns.
2. Ability to analyze complex issues quickly and accurately, and to develop and execute effective strategies on many issues at the same time.
3. Strong ability to analyze quantitative data.
4. Demonstrated ability in developing and managing budgets.
5. Working knowledge of campaign finance, with member and non-member programs.
6. Ability to garner consensus and move a statewide program.
7. Experience managing consultants.
8. A thorough understanding of how to work with elected leaders with a diverse group of people including; union members, staff and leaders, elected officials and other State Council staff.
9. Outstanding interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to motivate, lead and supervise others.
10. Combined education and work experience which would enable you to perform these tasks effectively and efficiently after a short break in period. This would normally take 5 years of political organizing and campaign experience, including 2 or more years working in a union environment and 2 years of management experience.
11. Strong personal commitment to the State Council's mission and values.
12. Self-motivated, great attitude and strong team player.
13. Outstanding writing and verbal communication skills.
14. Demonstrated ability to contribute to creating a positive work environment that encourages personal responsibility, initiative and innovation.
15. Ability to act with a strong sense of professionalism and integrity.
16. Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality of information related to and part of the necessary work of the organization.
17. Willingness to work long and unusual hours, including weekends as necessary.
18. Working Knowledge of Voter files, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
19. Thorough understanding of California's political landscape preferred.
20. B.A. or B.S degree preferred.
21. Bilingual skills a plus.

Opportunities for Growth and Development:
SEIU California State Council is committed to providing staff development opportunities and resources. It is recognized that the majority of a Political Field Director's skill development happens through on the job experience. The SEIU California State Council is committed to becoming a leader in development and growth of both staff and member leaders.


Essential Functions, Duties and Responsibilities(Including, but not limited to:)

1. Ensures that the work of the Political Department reflects the mission and priorities of the State Council.
2. Works with the Local leaders and staff to set and communicate performance standards that are specific and measurable.
3. Coordinate with Local, International Union and State Council leaders and staff to plan and implement Local member issue, coalition, electoral and legislative program goals.
4. Garner Local Union and coalition buy-in and participation in State Council electoral and legislative campaigns.
5. Plan, direct and evaluate all aspects of the State Council's member participation program, including member-to-member issue advocacy programs, voter registration.
6. Coordinate with other State Council managers and staff to develop and support effective issue teams involving the State Council, Locals and the International Union as appropriate.
7. Plan and direct training programs to support program implementation and capacity building.
8. Prepare and manage the State Council's Member Participation Budget.
9. Manage SEIU's candidate endorsement process.
10. Plan and direct all aspects of electoral and legislative issue campaigns, including ballot measures and independent expenditure voter contact programs.
11. Coordinate political program activities with the International Union, the California Labor Federation, Central Labor Councils and SEIU's allies.
12. Manage the statewide SEIU membership database and voter file.
13. Represent the State Council and SEIU in all public activities such as with members, elected officials, community allies and the larger labor community.
14. Fiscal Responsibilities: Responsible for use of organizational credit accounts as assigned and accurate accounting of personal business expenditures and expense reporting process. Responsible for creating and managing annual budgets. Responsible for knowledge of accurate state campaign reporting requirements and processes.
15. Comfortable with repeated, extensive, and constant public contact on behalf of the State Council.
16. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Working Conditions and Environment:
This is a statewide position. Possessing a valid driver's license and owning and operating an automobile are absolutely essential to the job. Statewide travel, as well as travel elsewhere, and willingness to work long hours including nights and weekends is required.  Ability to maintain professionalism and productivity in a high-pressure environment.

Scope and Nature of Supervision:
This position reports to the Executive Director or designee, supervises field staff and coordinates Local Political Directors.