SEIU Local 32BJ

Bilingual Lead Field Representative
NJ Residential

Based in Newark, NJ

 

ABOUT US 
At the forefront of building the nation’s labor movement, 32BJ SEIU is changing the narrative around important social and economic issues facing working families. Founded in 1934, 32BJ is the largest union of property service workers in the nation. We have a powerful and important mission: To build and grow a diverse, effective, politically independent and democratic organization of workers to change our lives for the better, improve our communities, and build a more just society for present and future generations.

With a commitment to building power for low-wage workers, 32BJ is engaged in winning strong contracts for members, organizing workers, supporting progressive candidates for elected office and moving a broad policy agenda, such as immigrant justice, organizing rights, affordable housing, increasing minimum wages, and expanding access to health care.

The union has approximately 450 staff in sixteen offices from Boston to Miami. 32BJ SEIU represents over 185,000 property service workers including janitors, security officers, airport workers, and food service employees in 11 states and Washington, D.C. 32BJ is an affiliate of SEIU, the Service Employees International Union, which has 2 million members dedicated to raising industry standards and making life better for all working families and communities.

32BJ SEIU’s headquarters are in New York City.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Field Representative’s primary areas of responsibility are member engagement, member leader identification and development, member representation, supporting contract campaigns, and negotiation of single site collective bargaining agreements. This position will report to the New Jersey Staff Director. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Identifying and developing Shop Stewards and member leaders in all assigned sites.
• Expanding the activist base of the Union by connecting members to a variety of district and union-wide activities.
• Developing and executing worksite or company-wide contract campaigns.
• Assisting in organizing campaigns among non-union workers in our industries.
• Connecting member leaders with the broad movement for social and economic justice.
• Serving as Lead Negotiator during numerous single site contract negotiations each year. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
The ideal candidate will be able to lead, motivate and inspire members and demonstrate initiative in all aspects of the work while working under general supervision. The applicant must be able to work independently. 

While not one candidate will possess every quality outlined for this position, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional skills and personal attributes:

• Demonstrated commitment to the social justice and labor movements.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; strong verbal and written English skills.
• Ability to cultivate respectful relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Working knowledge and understanding of collective bargaining and contract administration issues. 
• Experience drafting contract proposals, acting as Lead Negotiator, running a contract campaign.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage and prioritize deadlines in a dynamic and changing environment, both individually and as a team member.
• Must be competent in administrative skills and be able to use basic computer applications (MS Word, Excel, Internet/email functions) as well as tracking and database tools.
• Bilingual English - Spanish required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This is a full-time position that regularly requires working beyond standard business hours, including some nights, weekends and holidays. 

• This position is based in the Newark, New Jersey office.
• This position requires travel to worksites throughout the state of New Jersey. Occasional overnight travel to other East Coast locations may also be required. 
• Valid driver’s license and car with insurance required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Participation in events, marches and demonstrations, lasting 3-4 hours, is expected.
• The ability to transport and set up at least 15 lbs. of equipment as well as navigating stairs. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
The salary for Lead Field Representatives is $102,402.77. 32BJ offers a generous benefits package that includes a fully employer-paid medical, dental and vision plan (for full-time employees and their qualified dependents) and retirement benefits, including a defined benefit pension plan and 401K. 32BJ offers paid time off including three weeks’ vacation, eleven holidays, twelve sick days, and, after the first year of service, four personal days. A weekly travel allowance is also provided. The union currently offers a remote work policy of one remote day per week at the discretion of the manager.

APPLICATION:
Please send a résumé and letter of interest to: HR@seiu32bj.org. Please use “Lead Residential Field Rep– Newark, NJ” in the subject line of your email. 

32BJ is an inclusive and diverse organization, committed to advocating for social, racial, and economic justice. We promote diversity and strongly encourage applications from people who believe in our mission. We strongly encourage women and people of color to apply.