SENIOR MEMBER CONTRACT SPECIALIST AD, SEIU WISCONSIN

SENIOR MEMBER CONTRACT SPECIALIST AD
Member Support Team
DATE: August 2023
REPORTS TO: Director of Collective Bargaining and Representation
FLSA STATUS: Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:
The incumbent of this position works with the leadership of the Union in the negotiation,
administration, and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements. The incumbent of this
position must independently and effectively be able to negotiate complex contract campaigns,
recognize and overcome union-busting activities on the part of employers, bargain complex
contracts for various chapters at the same time, and provide technical assistance to Internal
Organizers and other Grievance and Contract Specialists. The incumbent of this position has the
experience; knowledge, skills, and ability to work independently with several complex and/or
large chapters at the same time. The incumbent looks for ways to build an effective
organizational structure for the Union both at the Local and Bargaining Unit level. The
incumbent contributes to a culture focused on achieving long-term power for workers and
communities in Wisconsin.

Location: Variable
Task & Duties:
1. Demonstrated ability to perform all tasks required of the Member Support and Contract
specialist position.
a. Meet or exceed all performance indicators of the Member Support and Contract specialist
position as defined in the position description.
b. Participate in negotiations as a lead bargainer or in the capacity assigned by the Director
of Collective Bargaining and Representation.
c. Contribute to the overall union strategy to enforce, administer, and negotiate collective
bargaining agreements.
d. Help support and train the work of other team members.

2. Assist and support contract negotiations.a. Participate in negotiations as a lead bargainer or in the capacity assigned by the Director
of Collective Bargaining and Representation.
b. Work with bargaining committees to prepare bargaining proposals.
c. Work with the Internal Organizers on contract campaign plans and goals.
d. Prepare, review and properly write concise contract language.
e. Accurately interpret management language proposals.
f. Assist in the development of minimum standards set by Local for contracts.
g. Become familiar with all Bargaining Unit issues, past grievances, etc.
h. Conduct research to assist in contract campaigns.

3. Coordinate contract enforcement through grievance arbitration for assigned Bargaining
Unit(s).
a. Analyze and interpret union contract language.
b. Write an effective statement of grievance and remedy sought.
c. Prepare accurate and complete grievance forms.
d. Ensure proper documentation and grievance investigation to meet requirements of our
duty of fair representation, including, but not limited to, notes of conversations, notes of
meetings, email and other correspondence, steward notes, grievances filed, extensions
granted, movement through the steps, etc..
e. Communicate effective arguments for grievance meetings.
f. Communicate effectively with management to resolve grievances and other workplace
issues.
g. Assist stewards with grievances at lower level steps.
h. Participate as needed in grievance steps prior to arbitration.
i. Keep up-to-date grievance files in the office as well as up-to-date tracking on the
electronic database.
j. Prepare witnesses and conduct umpire and expedited grievance arbitrations as necessary.
k. Assist consulting attorney with arbitration preparation and hearings.
l. Prepare and file Unfair Labor and/or Prohibited Practice complaints and assist consulting
attorneys with hearings.

4. Train, support, lead and evaluate a member-centered contract enforcement team for the
Local.
a. Involve members in the review and next steps for grievance and other contract
enforcement.
b. Help increase member education on contract and labor rights.
c. Develop, implement, and conduct a training program for member leaders to write, file,
investigate, process, and lead grievance meetings.
d. Train and empower members with grievances or contract questions to understand and
participate in the grievance process.
e. Encourage Bargaining Unit leaders to attend SEIU and other Union functions.
f. Help with Local training efforts.

5. Other Duties include but are not limited to;
a. Contribute to a healthy workplace culture focused on building power for SEIU Wisconsin
members.
b. Participate in new organizing efforts of workers to help grow the union. (as time permits).
c. Participate in political action activities and, as necessary, lobbying.
d. Serve as staff support on assigned Local committees.
e. Complete regular reports such as timesheets, expense reports, and other documentation
requested by the Executive Director and/or their designee.
f. Stay current on issues of importance in the healthcare profession, property services
profession, and labor relations as well. Participate in SEIU (includes International, Local,
and State Council) activities as assigned.
g. Other duties as assigned by the Director of Collective Bargaining and Representation or
Executive Director

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
 At least 5 years of experience in a staff position for a labor organization/union, with
experience in the lead bargainer role.
 Commitment to membership empowerment.
 Creative and innovative ideas on problem-solving, willingness to attempt new approaches to
internal organizing, bargaining, and grievance handling.
 Good, effective communication skills: oral and written.
 Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
 Ability to analyze and interpret complex union contract language.
 Ability to effectively and efficiently manage numerous complex tasks in a short period of
time.
 Ability to gain the respect of and motivate a professional, well-educated membership.
 Computer proficiency, ability to learn contract costing.
 Community organizing, coalition building, labor union experience.
 Ability to function and work effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced, stressful environment.
 Ability to work weekends, evenings, and nights as needed and assigned.
 Ability to drive a car, travel long distances and overnights.
 Maintain vehicle liability insurance.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
 Knowledge and/or experience in organizing, bargaining, representation, and/or arbitration.
 Knowledge and/or experience bargaining and/or organizing when opposed by union busters
preferred.
 Knowledge and/or experience in the organizing model of servicing.
 Knowledge and/or experience servicing large (500 ) bargaining units.
 Health care background or experience.
 Relevant professional and/or educational degrees.

 Bilingual.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: 
● Starting salary of $70,000 with potential for higher compensation based on experience and
qualifications
● Company-paid benefits include health, dental, vision insurance, pension plan, paid time off,
and paid holidays.

Send cover letter and résumé to:
SEIU Wisconsin
Email: info@seiuwi.org
33 Nob Hill Road
Madison, WI 53705
Fax 608-270-2025

Salary : $70,000