Political Organizer – Political Action : District of Columbia, Maryland

1199SEIU
United Healthcare Workers East

Political Organizer
Political Action

Covering Washington DC & Southern Maryland

POSITION TITLE: Political Organizer – Political Action
ASSIGNMENT: Political Action – Maryland/DC
AREA: Washington DC & Southern Maryland
REPORTS TO: MDDC Political Director

QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidates should have a background in union organizing, progressive politics and/or political campaigns with an emphasis on field organizing. It is essential that candidates be a quick study of electoral districts and representatives. Candidates should have experience with event turnout, volunteer recruitment and mobilization. Candidates should have a strong grasp on contemporary political, legislative and labor issues and current events. It is preferred that candidates have basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel. Candidates should have adequate written and verbal communication skills including public speaking abilities. Experience working with local government bodies is a plus as well as experience with the healthcare community. Ability to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends. Candidates must maintain a valid state driver license.

JOB SUMMARY:
The primary focus of the Political Organizer includes:

• Organizing and tracking voter registration and Political Action Contribution (PAC) sign-up campaigns
• Providing support to Organizing staff during contract and organizing campaigns
• Educating and mobilizing 1199SEIU members around political issues, legislative and electoral campaigns
• Recruiting, training, and growing a cadre of Member Political Organizers (MPOs) and rank and file activists
• Advocating on behalf of 1199SEIU members with the offices of elected officials and community groups; building community coalitions on behalf of the Union

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Political Action Fund Organizing & Voter Registration:

• Coordinate PAC and voter registration activities with 1199SEIU organizing staff – PAC institution blitzes, PAC sign up at ratification votes, membership meetings and other union activities.
• Contract & Organizing Campaign Support:
• Educate and mobilize members, in conjunction with division Officers and Organizer, through institutional outreach to attend meetings with elected officials, activist committees, union events, etc.
• Issue, Legislative and Electoral Campaigns:
• Plan and execute member mobilization activities in support of 1199SEIU endorsed candidates, legislation and issue campaigns. Assist organizers with institutional recruitment of members to work on political campaigns.
• Direct member mobilization field activities including door-to-door canvassing, phone banking and retail campaigning.
• Work with the Communications Coordinator to recruit and prepare members to speak on behalf of the Union at legislative hearings, press conferences, electoral campaign events and other political activities.
• Help manage in-district lobby activities.
• Attend local political and government meetings. Work with local government (ie. District of Columbia) elected officials and agencies to pass progressive measures and support workers.
• Leading teams of members during release programs or campaigns – track members’ work, assist in evaluating, support, Lead teams.
• Community Coalition Building:
• Work with division staff to identify members involved in local community organizations and educate members on connecting healthcare issues with their community work.
• Meet with local elected officials and other key political/community activists to establish political agenda and build coalitions. Attend relevant meetings of community organizations, labor unions, etc.

GENERAL INFORMATION:
1199SEIU is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.

To Apply
All interested persons meeting the minimum qualifications are encouraged to submit a résumé and cover letter to Pat Lippold, Vice President/Political Director, 1199SEIU, 611 North Eutaw Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 or patl@1199.org.