JOB TITLE: Lead Organizer, SEIU Wisconsin State Council

LOCATION: Madison, Wisconsin

Job Summary: As the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded, health care workers have been pushed to the limit. Heralded as heroes, we work on the front lines of a public health crisis while hospital corporations and governments fail to respect us or protect us. As the pandemic lays bare the inequities of our economic and social systems, working people bear the brunt. Through organizing and power-building, we intend to emerge from this pandemic with a stronger voice, and be treated with the respect that we deserve.

The SEIU Wisconsin State Council represents over 10,000 health care, public sector and property services employees in WI and coordinates SEIU locals' legislative, political and organizing programs to build a more powerful voice in our workplaces and in the halls of government.  The SEIU Wisconsin State Council is working on a special organizing project with SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin and is seeking a full-time Lead Organizer for Growth.

Lead Organizers are responsible for bringing new members into the union through external organizing and campaigning.  This position is a 6-month project position, with potential to remain on permanent staff.

The role of the Lead Organizer is to provide leadership, direction and development to external organizing staff as it relates to carrying out the vision, goals and respective campaigns of the union.

Job Duties:

Note: Due to COVID-19 safety protocols, some of the following duties and requirements are temporarily altered or modified to account for a mostly-virtual and remote work environment.

Implement organizing campaigns, with supervision, to win Union recognition for unorganized workplaces, building organizing committees, identifying issues, leadership identification and development, and preparing workers for NLRB, MMBA and other elections, and/or strategic and recognition campaigns Work with organizers to drive the program; articulate a positive vision of the campaign and of the union. Drive the recruitment, development and maintenance of a worker leader committee. Develop and execute her/his/their own monthly work plan; Monitor, mentor and support Organizers on organizing fundamentals, including 1:1 meetings; identifying new worker leaders, committee development, planning and executing actions; lead by example, setting high standards in work ethic and conduct. Assure the accuracy of lists, records, databases and wall charts related to campaign assignments. Communicate with workers including listening, framing issues and motivating them to participate actively Visit work sites on a regular basis covering all shifts Organize rallies and demonstrations; provide strike support including organizing workers and members involvement, support actions, pressure campaigns on employers and building community support Lead workers in community issues and build relationships with relevant people/groups/organizations outside the Union Represent the Union as assigned in community and labor coalition activities Attend and participate in staff meetings Complete all required administrative tasks (i.e., activity forms, expense forms, etc.) in a timely manner Work within the framework and processes of the organization to resolve internal disputes and issues Other duties as assigned Qualifications: Excellent interpersonal skills as demonstrated by the ability to relate, establish and cultivate respectful relationships with people from diverse backgrounds Dedication to workers’ rights and social justice; Committed to leading and motivating workers in necessary struggles Skilled at managing and meeting many and varying deadlines Effective demonstrable oral, written and listening skills in English; bilingual skills highly desirable Excellent analytical and judgment skills as demonstrable by the ability to assess information and evidence and act strategically Excellent organizational and prioritizing skills showing flexibility as needed; adept at dealing with conflicting/changing priorities Effective facilitating and organizing meeting skills Ability to work and organize independently and as part of a team Working knowledge of computer programs including Word, Excel, e-mail, accessing the internet, and databases The ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment   Key Requirements: An in-depth understanding of worker organizing based on prior work experience; 2+ years of experience in union or community organizing and leading a team of at least 2 or more staff. Personal commitment to the mission and goals of SEIU and to the specific program of SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin and to the struggle for economic, social, and racial justice. Excellent, proven Communication skills. Ability to take and incorporate feedback. Excellent listening skills. Possession of a valid driver’s license, automobile insurance and a reliable automobile. Willingness to work long and varying hours including weekends, nights and holidays. Regular worksite visits, home visits and canvassing are required (ordinarily, but curtailed during COVID). Regular worksite visits, home visits and canvassing are required

Salary is commensurate with experience, starting at the mid $50,000 annually. SEIU Wisconsin State Council  offers a generous benefits package including health insurance benefits.