Political Organizer

Overview

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 with the healthcare community is a plus. 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

• Leading teams of members during release programs or campaigns
• 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 as needed.
• 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:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being

performed by people assigned to this title. They do not include all job duties performed by

employees in the title and every position does not necessarily require the same duties.