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Organizing Director

 

ORGANIZING DIRECTOR
 
 
SEIU Local 721 is a dynamic, and fast growing organization recognized as one of the largest and strongest union of publicly funded employees in the nation. We are on the forefront of local politics, defending public services in the face of budget cuts, organizing workers in the public service sectors and are key players in national reform efforts.  We have over 200 staff members covering 4 counties. Our more than 80,000 members provide public services in diverse fields, including health care, social services, special districts, private non-profits, libraries, courts, parks and recreation, public works and mental health in cities and counties throughout Southern California. Through grassroots organizing, identifying and developing leaders within our Union, and organizing worker political power, we are on the front lines of holding government accountable, ensuring efficiency, tackling waste, and improving services.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES: 
The External Organizing Director will lead a staff of 50 organizers, communicators, researchers and community/political organizers in an overall strategic plan to organize unorganized workers in growth sectors for the union.    This position reports directly to the Chief of Staff of the union and is considered a senior management position in the Local. She/he must be able to work effectively with department’s senior leadership team, the Center for Public Accountability Director, and member organizers to develop and implement external organizing plans. 
 
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
·         Develop and implement strategic plans for the Department;
·         Supervise the work and development of senior staff including coordinators and Leads;  
·         Where needed, serve as primary spokesperson in external organizing campaigns with employers, coalitions and elected officials
·         Identify and oversee implementation of legal, community and political strategies;
·         Oversee the development of a coordinated communications during external organizing campaigns;
·         Promote the importance of organizing in the unions
 
A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:
·         Commitment to building long-term power for working people.
·         Excellent strategic planning skills including ability to lead staff and members in campaign planning and implementation.
·         Proven capacity to build strong teams and develop organizers and members.
·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write reports, make presentations, facilitate meetings, and conduct training.
·         Proven strong supervisory skills, preferably including experience supervising other managers.
·         Excellent analytical and program planning skills.
·         Proven ability to manage in a manner which inspires, motivates, develops and maintains good working relations with diverse membership and staff.
·         Sophisticated knowledge of legal, political, economic and industry forces that impact organizing campaigns; preferably including experience working with elected, community groups and other potential allies.
·         Knowledge of labor laws relating to the public and private sector and non-profit industries.
REQUIREMENTS:
  • Minimum five (5) years External Organizing experience. Must include experience developing and leading external organizing campaigns, preferably in the private sector.
  • Minimum 5 years experience in supervising staff and members.   
  • Experience in private sector organizing is desired
  •  Valid California driver's license, working automobile and valid auto insurance with minimum level of coverage required by staff union contract.
  • Willingness to work long and irregular hours and participate in all union wide activities. At least two (2) years experience managing staff and members on organizing campaigns.
SEIU Local 721 offersa fully paid benefit package including medical, dental, vision and a generous life insurance, 13 paid holidays, and generous vacation. Salary is commensurate based on experience
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TO APPLY:
 
Mail, fax or e-mail a cover letter, detailed resume, and the name, job title, address, and phone number of three professional references to:
 
Lisa Dolan, Director of Human Resources
SEIU Local 721
500 South Virgil Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90020
 
Fax: (213) 380-3996
 
E-mail: careers@seiu721.org
 
 
We are an affirmative action employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability. We work to ensure fair treatment of applicants and employees and actively enforce zero tolerance policies against discrimination and sexual harassment. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
 
 
Location: 
Los Angeles, CA.