External Union Organizer, SEIU Wisconsin

Service Employees International Union•Washington, DC

71d•Onsite

About The Position

SEIU Wisconsin is Wisconsin's largest and fastest-growing healthcare and property services workers union. We represent over 7,000 workers across the State. In these tough economic times, there has been no stronger advocate - for safe jobs with good wages and benefits for workers in Wisconsin. SEIU members believe in and are fighting for a Just Society where all workers are valued and all people respected-no matter where they come from or what color they are; where all families and communities can thrive; and where we leave a better and more equitable world for generations to come. PURPOSE: External Union Organizers at SEIU Wisconsin are responsible for bringing new members into the union either through external or internal organizing and campaigning. This position is a 6-month project position, with potential to remain on permanent staff.

Requirements

Experience as an Organizer or demonstrated ability to carry on the responsibilities of the job.
Excellent interpersonal skills as demonstrated by the ability to relate, establish and cultivate respectful relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
Committed to learning about leading and motivating workers in necessary struggles.
Dedication to workers' rights and social justice.
Skilled at managing and meeting many and varying deadlines.
Effective demonstrable oral, written and listening skills in English; bilingual skills highly desirable.
Excellent analytical and judgment skills as demonstrable by the ability to assess information and evidence and act strategically.
Excellent organizational and prioritizing skills showing flexibility as needed; adept at dealing with conflicting/changing priorities.
Effective facilitating and organizing meeting skills.
Ability to work and organize independently and as part of a team.
Working knowledge of computer programs including Word, Excel, e-mail, accessing the internet, and databases.
The ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment.
Personal commitment to the mission and goals of SEIU and to the specific program of SEIU Wisconsin and to the struggle for economic, social, and racial justice.
Excellent, proven Communication skills.
Ability to take and incorporate feedback.
Excellent listening skills.
Possession of a valid driver's license, automobile insurance and a reliable automobile.
The ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment.

Nice To Haves

bilingual skills highly desirable

Responsibilities

Implement organizing campaigns, with supervision, to win Union recognition for unorganized workplaces, building organizing committees, identifying issues, leadership identification and development, and preparing workers for NLRB, and other elections, and/or strategic and recognition campaigns.
Implement internal organizing campaigns to sign up new members, mobilize members around bargaining and political campaigns, develop internal team leader structures and mobilize the community and others to pressure employers.
Educate workers and others on how power relationships work and how workers can/should use that knowledge.
Communicate with workers including listening, framing issues and motivating them to participate actively.
Visit work sites on a regular basis covering all shifts.
Organize rallies and demonstrations; provide strike support including organizing workers and members involvement, support actions, pressure campaigns on employers and building community support.
Lead workers in community issues and build relationships with relevant people/groups/organizations outside the Union.
Represent the Union as assigned in community and labor coalition activities.
Attend and participate in staff meetings.
Complete all required administrative tasks (i.e., activity forms, expense forms, etc.) in a timely manner.
Maintain accurate record keeping.
Other duties as assigned.