Description
Position Summary:
The Government Relations Organizer/Advocate in the Political Department reports to the Political Director and is responsible for a broad range of program objectives to advance SEIU-UHW's strategic goals by navigating the regulatory process, legislative advocacy, and coalition building.
Requirements
Areas of Responsibility:
•Advocate for SEIU-UHW's legislative, budget, and administrative priorities;
•Track and analyze legislation, with particular focus on healthcare, labor, and workforce development;
•Draft legislative language with support from legal team and Legislative Counsel;
•Cultivate and maintain organizational relationships with state legislators and their staff;
•Recruit coalition partners for legislation and to support SEIU-UHW's other political priorities;
•Work with SEIU-UHW staff and members to integrate legislative, budget, and administrative strategies into SEIU-UHW's priorities;
•Plan and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a high-pressure environment;
•Prepare and/or support the creation of materials related to SEIU-UHW's legislative priorities for diverse audiences including legislators, SEIU-UHW members, coalition partners, and the public;
•Represent and testify on behalf of SEIU-UHW in legislative and informational hearings,
•Collaborate with other departments, including Research and Communications, within SEIU-UHW
•Represent SEIU-UHW's interests at stakeholder tables;
•Empower SEIU-UHW's membership to build effective advocacy relationships with elected officials, community partners, and other stakeholders; and,
•Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Requirements:
•Minimum of three years legislative, advocacy, political organizing, or campaign experience with an elected official, labor union, state or local agency or association, or non-profit community organization;
•Superior oral and written communication skills;
•Ability to travel and willing to work long hours and weekends, as needed;
•Outstanding interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to motivate, lead, build strong working relationships and hold others accountable;
•Demonstrated ability to contribute to creating a positive work environment that encourages personal responsibility, initiative and innovation;
•Self-motivated, ability to work independently, great attitude and strong team player;
•Strong sense of professionalism and integrity;
•Proven ability to work with diverse group of people, from union members to union staff and leaders to elected officials to other community and issue stakeholders;
•Thorough knowledge of MS Office programs;
•Relationships with legislators, legislative staffers, and advocates desirable;
•Knowledge of California's healthcare industry is desirable; and
•Previous experience in speech writing, media work, and other communication/public relations fields is desirable.