POSITION TITLE: Political Director
AREA: Boston, Mass
CLASSIFICATION: Permanent/Exempt
REPORTS TO: EVP
SALARY: $119,509.00

About 1199SEIU UHWE
With over 450,000 members throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Florida, and Washington, DC, 1199SEIU is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in the nation. Since our founding in 1932, our mission has been to stand up for quality healthcare, good jobs and social justice for all. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called 1199 his favorite union and referred to us as “the authentic conscience of the labor movement." Over the years 1199 has won some of the highest standards for healthcare workers in the country, including good wages and benefits, safe staffing, paid time off, secure retirement, model childcare and education benefits and a real voice work in the workplace. Our members are highly politically engaged and active, so we have the strength to advocate with government and elected officials for our patients, families and communities. We are affiliated with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) which has over 2 million members and is the largest labor union in North America.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Political Director is responsible for working with the Unionwide Political Director to plan and implement the Union’s Political and Legislative Program for the Boston Region.  The primary goals of the Political and Legislative Program include building the political power of the members of 1199SEIU.  The Political Director assists with contract and political campaigns both internally and externally.  The Political Director will work with the Unionwide Political Director, Division Directors, Officers, and Organizers and the Union’s Political Action Department to carry out his/her responsibilities and develop his/her skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Plans and implements political field campaigns for the Union, including legislative and electoral campaigns, PAC and voter registration drives, and member activist building on a chapter level. Supervises Political Organizers and Members Political Organizers in all field and chapter work. Helps plan and build an on-going activist program that enables leadership development and year-round, comprehensive member engagement in political and legislative work within the larger community and member chapters. Works closely with Area Directors and Division Directors to integrate chapter work and chapter hallmarks into the political action program.  Works with political action team to assist and assess contract campaign support and specific chapter programs to build strong, readily mobilized worksites. Assists New Organizing with campaigns, events, and gaining support from elected officials and allies. Assists Political Director in building and maintaining relationships with like-minded allies to win legislative and electoral campaigns. Helps execute major union mobilization efforts and events. Helps shape the overall press messaging and directs political communications in conjunction with the communication coordinators.

 

QUALIFICATIONS Candidates must have experience in managing legislative, electoral and/or organizing campaigns.   Candidates must demonstrate the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.  Candidates must have experience writing and executing a plan of work, while holding staff and colleagues accountable.  Candidates must have experience managing staff and diverse teams of people.  Candidates are strongly preferred to have a background in the labor movement and/or progressive politics.  Experience with the healthcare community a plus. Excellent computer, written and verbal communications skills required.  College degree or equivalent professional experience required.  Candidates must maintain a current driver’s license and be willing to work long and irregular hours, including nights and weekends.

GENERAL INFORMATION:       

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this title.  They do not include all job duties performed by employees in the title and every position does not necessarily require the same duties.

All interested persons meeting the minimum qualifications are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter to damicka.johnson@1199.org

APPLICATION MUST BE RECEIVED BY: 04/28/2024

1199/SEIU is an equal opportunity employer.