New England Health Care Employees Union
District 1199 SEIU

Rhode Island State Council Director

Based in Providence,  RI

 

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is the nation's largest and fastest growing union. The Local SEIU Unions in the Rhode Island State Council together represent over 8,000 workers in the public sector at the state, health care, home care, child care and other service industries. The State Council is responsible for developing and implementing (in coordination with the Locals and the International) joint issue, legislative and electoral campaign plans that incorporate aspects of field, lobbying, communications, research, coalition-building, and member-leadership development.

Purpose of Position:
The State Council Director will guide and direct the council to develop and execute strategic plans that reflect the goals of the Local Unions in the Rhode Island Council.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Bringing the Local unions together in a common external program to build political power in our industries and influence issues of joint concern.
• Winning issue and electoral campaigns of strategic importance at the Local, state and federal level.
• Leading the development of electoral tools, tactics, and materials that Locals can use to educate and mobilize SEIU voters in Rhode Island elections.
• Assisting Locals in developing political capacity through volunteer member political organizer programs, fundraising programs and PACs, staff development, voter registration, and list management.
• Serving as a registered lobbyist for the Rhode Island State Council.
• Developing working relationships with and holding politicians accountable on issues and commitments, in conjunction with each Local.
• Building coalitions with other issue, community, and labor organizations.
• Coordinating earned and paid media campaigns in the Council’s issue, legislative, and electoral campaigns.
• Supervising staff hired by the State Council.
• Coordinating major actions and events, as directed by the Council.
• Organizational operations and development, including budget management, financial and other reporting requirements, research, writing, public speaking, preparation of reports and staffing the Council Executive Board.

Scope and Nature of Supervision:
The Director will report to the State Council President, and is accountable to, the State Council Executive Board. The Director position is salaried and serves at the discretion of the State Council Executive Board.

Educational Background (or experience in lieu of educational background):
Successful candidates for this position must demonstrate excellence in verbal and written communication, well-developed analytical skills, critical thinking skills and the ability to excise professional judgment independent of daily oversight. A "B.A." or advanced degree is not a requirement of this position, but will be favorably considered in the application process.

Previous Work Experience(s):
At least five (5) years, of professional experience in organizing, politics, campaign management, strategic communications, and/or development with a labor union, non-profit organization, or progressive elected official is required. Specific and successful experience in the following areas is preferred:

• Lobbying, including working with elected officials and staff
• Familiarity with Rhode Island's political and legislative environment
• Issue campaign management
• Electoral and candidate campaign management
• Small-donor fundraising
• Communications, including social media, paid and earned media

Demonstrated skill and effectiveness in the following is required:

• High level of leadership and judgement. Ability to work independently and in consultation with organizational leaders in complex political situations.
• Understanding of grassroots organizing techniques, membership organizations, and political power
• Work as part of a coalition and build agreement around goals, plans and commitments.
• Manage staff, including an ability to train, develop, supervise and hold staff accountable to plans and goals.
• Develop and maintain a budget and other administrative responsibilities. Properly complete reporting and other legal requirements by deadlines.
• Excellent computer skills (above the level of basic literacy).

Salary and Benefits:
Competitive salary depends on experience. This job includes a generous benefits package including pension and health insurance.

Application Procedure:
Please submit a résumé which includes your practical and formal background and experience, references (including phone numbers. We will not call them before we speak to you.) A writing sample will be required. The Connecticut State Council encourages applications from a wide spectrum of gender, ethnic and racial groups.

To Apply:
E-mail résumé, references, and cover letter to Jesse Martin, SEIU Rhode Island State Council President, via kbordonaro@seiu1199ne.org