Assistant Director for Policy

Employer: Service Employees International Union (SEIU)

Location: Washington, D.C.

JOB TITLE: Assistant Director of Policy

GRADE: MGT F1

ANNUAL SALARY: $132,301.48

LOCATION: Washington, DC

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW: We are the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), a union of about 2 million diverse members in healthcare, the public sector, and property services. We believe in and fight for our Vision for a Just Society: where all workers are valued and all people respected—no matter where we come from or what color we are; where all families and communities can thrive; and where we leave a better and more equitable world for generations to come. We are an anti-racist union determined to check corporate power and uproot structural racism through unions—worker power and collective action—and government—legislative and political action. We fight for Unions for All and a Government that Works for All so that all of us, across race and place, can have power together in unions and participate fully in our democracy.

PURPOSE: The Assistant Policy Director plans, develops, and implements the International’s public policy positions, under the direction of the Director of Strategic Initiatives.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with officers, leaders and senior staff to develop and drive the federal public policy programs, publications and strategies on legislative and regulatory issues related to industries, including early childhood education and child care, higher education, budget policy, economics, and taxes.
• Provide oversight and guidance on broad policy priorities of relevance union-wide on issues such as workforce development, anti-trust policy, climate issues, and trade.
• Direct, review and develop analysis, testimony, correspondence and other materials on the International’s Legislative and Executive Branch and other public policy positions ensuring timely and high-quality products.
• Directly advocate and coordinate advocacy with key federal, state and local government agencies and representatives, as needed, in coordination with our Government Relations program.
• Develop and present the International’s positions before internal and external conferences, government groups, national commissions and public forums and before the media around the country.
• Develops relationships with strategic partners, including with the labor movement, to drive a common agenda.
• Represents SEIU and the labor movement on critical public policy issues as member of federal commissions.
• Works closely with other teams in the Strategic Initiatives Department, the Government Relations Department, and with senior staff in other Divisions and departments of the union.
• Manage professional staff and coordinate with divisional and Strategic Initiatives staff who do policy issues work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

CONTACTS: Include SEIU International and local union division leaders and officers, Government Relations staff, elected officials, congressional staff, leaders of allied organizations, academics and other experts in public policy.

DIRECTION AND DECISION MAKING: This position reports to the Director of Strategic Initiatives and works independently.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelors degree, masters degree preferred, in public administration, public policy, labor relations or political science; or at least 3 - 5 years of supervisory experience and 5-7 years of work related experience in policy analysis including issues development in a political context or a combination of education and experience that would provide for the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Knowledge of unions and other advocacy groups.
• Thorough understanding of public sector issues, including federal and state budget funding, non-profit funding streams, and the various federal and state laws and regulations governing the operation of public sector programs.
• Knowledge of public sector policy analysis related to employment in multiple sectors including federal, state, local government, higher education, child care, and K-12.
• Policy analysis and issue development.
• Development of strategy and ability to lead complex national campaigns that require coordination of the work of multiple departments, disciplines and external allies.
• Ability to monitor public sector industry trends at the federal, state and local level in financing, privatization, quality public service issues and workforce issues.
• Ability to analyze data and make sound, logical conclusions and develop strategy.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to make presentations.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and meet established deadlines
• Ability to make presentations and conduct trainings
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Ability to resolve conflicts while maintaining important and effective relationships
• Skill in the use of personal computer and associated software used to perform analysis.

Physical Requirements: Work is generally performed in an office setting, but may also occur in a variety of settings that are conducive to advancing the goals of the organization which may include settings such as driving, worker meetings, rallies, or other union activities. Must be available for frequent travel with overnight stays and able to work long and irregular hours.

Testing Requirements: Writing sample and policy exercise required.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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