Higher Education Coordinator

SEIU Local 509

About SEIU Local 509
SEIU Local 509 is a fast growing, progressive union representing over 20,000 state
workers, human service workers, higher education faculty and graduate student
workers, and family child care providers in Massachusetts.

General Description of Position
As a manager and member of our senior staff, you will have primary responsibility for
running the Higher Education Department of the Local. You will oversee all services
related to representation, bargaining, recruitment, and leadership development for
higher education employees.

Examples of Duties:
● Lead and manage departmental staff.
● Collaborate with union members to create, implement, and engage with various
campaigns.
● Direct strategic planning initiatives for the Higher Education Department and
membership.
● Ensure progress toward membership growth and political engagement among
members.
● Coordinate resources and services within the Local, especially with the
Communications, Administration, Political, Organizing, and MARC departments.
● Plan, develop, and offer leadership development for members.
● Work with the leadership of the Higher Education Chapter to lead negotiations,
develop proposals, and coordinate all bargaining-related activities.
● Consult with and advise the leadership of the Higher Education Chapter
regarding chapter and workplace issues, strategies, and tactics.
● Respond to member concerns and complaints in a timely manner.
● With and on behalf of the leadership of the Higher Education Chapter, represent
the membership in meetings with managers, government agencies, and other
external bodies as needed.
● Perform related work and union-wide duties as required.
● Specific duties may change at the direction of the Chief of Staff and the President
of the Local.

Supervision:
You will report directly to the Field Director. As a manager, you will directly supervise
internal organizers in the Higher Education Department, and may supervise paid
member organizers, interns, and other temporary employees. Supervision may include
interviewing, hiring, training, assigning, delegating, evaluating, promoting, transferring,

investigating, disciplining, and terminating, as needed. Supervision and organizational
structure may change at the direction of the Chief of Staff and the President of the
Local.

Working Conditions:
This job is based in our Marlborough, MA office, but may work remotely as appropriate.
Frequent travel within Massachusetts and occasional out-of-state travel is required.
Working long hours, evenings, and weekends is often necessary; the baseline
expectation is to work 37.5 hours across 5 days each week.

Physical Requirements:
● Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
● Attending various outdoor events, sometimes for a full working day, even in
potentially uncomfortable (but not unsafe) weather.

Qualifications:
● Required:
o A bachelor's degree.
o Experience with community or issues-based organizing or advocacy.
o Experience with management or supervision.
o Experience with the duties of internal organizing, including representation,
bargaining, and member recruitment.
o Familiarity with the work and challenges of contingent faculty and
graduate student workers.
o Knowledge of United States and Massachusetts labor laws.
o Basic computer skills and a willingness to learn new technologies.

● Preferred:
o A graduate or professional degree (such as an MA, PhD, JD, MD, etc.).
o Experience as an educator or researcher in a higher education
environment.
o Experience as a union member and/or working in the labor movement.
o Experience designing and executing a strategic issues-based campaign.
o Familiarity with the unique challenges of international students.
o Knowledge of national trends in higher education organizing.

The Ideal Candidate
There are many qualities that make up an ideal candidate. You might be a perfect fit for
this role if this describes you:
● Committed to the labor movement and progressive social change.
● Able to work effectively with limited guidance, both independently and as part of
a team.
● Able to accurately assess priorities and balance the progress of multiple short
and long-term projects.
● Excellent written and oral communication skills.
● Excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
● Discretion and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

● Highly organized and efficient, with a meticulous attention to detail.

Compensation:
Salary is determined by the Local 509 budget; as of 2024: $101,109 / year paid
biweekly. Benefits include, at no cost to the employee, health insurance with HRA,
dental insurance, short and long-term disability, a pension, an optional 401k (no
employer match) and FSA, and generous paid time off.

Application Process:
SEIU Local 509 is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity
— women, BIPOC, LGBT candidates and candidates from other marginalized
communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

We want to interview the best candidates for our organization. If you think you have the
skills to fill the role and serve our mission, even if you don't meet every qualification in
the list, please consider applying. We review all applications thoroughly and are open to
considering candidates from many different backgrounds.

If you require accommodations prior to submitting an application, please email
atemple@seiu509.org

Interested candidates should submit a résumé and cover letter to:
jobapplication@seiu509.org

Questions about the positions can be directed to mgrair@seiu509.org

Applications are reviewed as they are received; candidates are encouraged to
apply as soon as possible for priority consideration.

*SEIU Local 509 requires all employees to have at least one full course of the
COVID-19 Vaccination or an approved exemption from Local 509 by the time of hire.*