POSITION TITLE:

Political Coordinator

ASSIGNMENT:

Political Action

AREA

Florida

REPORTS TO

Director

CLASSIFICATION:

Permanent

NO. OF POSITIONS

1

About 1199 SEIU 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.

 Job Summary

The Political Coordinator is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing the Union’s Political and Legislative Program for the Florida Division. The primary goals of the Political and Legislative Program include building the political power of the members of 1199SEIU and advancing the Political Action programs of the Union. The Political Coordinator aids support mobilizations and Union wide campaigns.  The Political Coordinator will work with the Florida Division Director, officers and organizers from the Division and the Union’s Political Action Department to carry out his/her responsibilities and develop his/her skills. 

 

Responsibilities

 

Builds and maintains positive and respectful relationships with Union officers, elected officials, community and labor leaders, and other potential coalition partners. Effectively advocates the Union’s positions. Monitors the legislative process to identify legislation that impacts members of 1199SEIU, the patients they care for and working families in Florida. Develops member mobilization strategies to oppose or advance legislation, often but not exclusively in coordination with the Florida SEIU State Council. Oversees the recruitment and training of members for grassroots lobbying, legislative hearings and other activities related to the Union’s program. Identifies electoral races where the outcome will impact the Union’s goals and programs. Coordinates and leads the state’s electoral efforts. Supports chapter and new organizing campaigns in developing strategies to gain the support of elected and community leaders. Tracks and manages regular member voter registration and PAC sign-up campaigns. Provides briefings and education materials for staff and members around legislative and electoral work. Oversees the recruitment, training, and participation of “lost time” MPOs and member volunteers in election campaigns. Oversees the development of a permanent cadre of member activists. Takes initiative, following direction and completing assigned tasks successfully and on time. Prepares adequately and arrives on time for meetings. Maintains an appropriate professional appearance.

 

Qualifications

 Relevant political experience or college degree must have experience in managing political, labor, government, or advocacy programs.  Candidates should have experience with electoral campaigns, targeting and field experience preferred. Excellent written and verbal communications skills required. Must be a team player, organized, able to handle multiple priorities and work well under pressure with critical deadlines. Must have demonstrated ability to lead and manage staff. Commitment to social justice and labor unions is a must.  Ability to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends. Candidates must maintain a valid state driver license.

 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:

Cover letter and resume. Three references.

 

All applicants should submit the above to jobs@1199.org with the job title on the subject line.

 1199/SEIU is an equal opportunity employer.