Assistant Director of Policy

SEIU (Service Employees International Union)

JOB TITLE: Assistant Director of Policy
GRADE: MGT F
ANNUAL SALARY: $135,609.02
LOCATION: All USA (Remote) or Washington, DC / New York, NY (Hybrid)

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, 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 Director of Policy plans, develops, and implements the International’s public policy positions, under the direction of the Policy Director.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Any one position may not include all of the specific duties and responsibilities listed. Examples provide a general summary of the work required and should not be treated as a total and complete list of expected duties to be performed by employees in the classification.

• Work with officers, leaders, and senior staff to develop and advance federal public policy programs, publications, and legislative and regulatory strategies that address working people’s needs and support SEIU’s union organizing priorities.
• 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.
• Works closely with other teams in the Government Relations and Politics Hub, and with senior staff on other teams of the union.
• Manage professional staff and coordinate with staff who do policy issues work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

CONTACTS: 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 & DECISION MAKING: This position reports to the Policy Director and works independently.

QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

• Education and Experience: Candidates must meet one of the following:
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Public Policy, Political Science, or a related field; master’s degree or other graduate degree preferred; or
• At least three to five (3–5) years of supervisory experience and five to seven (5–7) years of work-related experience in policy analysis, including issue development in a political context; or
• A combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined below.
• Ability to develop creative policy solutions that address working people’s needs and support SEIU’s union organizing priorities.
• Ability to research and analyze policy, monitor relevant policy and industry developments, and prepare or review clear, accurate analysis, testimony, correspondence, and other policy materials.
• Working understanding of federal politics and legislative and regulatory processes, including the ability to assess policy proposals in their political context.
• Experience managing professional staff and coordinating policy work across teams and external partners.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally, including presenting policy positions to varied audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures and resolve disagreements while maintaining productive relationships.
• Proficiency with computer applications and software used for policy research and analysis.
• Knowledge of public sector employment policy at the federal, state, or local level, or policy affecting private sector service and care industries preferred.
• Knowledge of unions, the labor movement, and other advocacy organizations preferred.
• Experience developing strategy and leading complex national campaigns involving multiple departments, disciplines, and external partners preferred.
• Legislative drafting experience preferred.
• Experience developing and conducting trainings preferred.

WORK LOCATION EXPECTATIONS: Candidates based in the Washington, DC or New York City areas will be required to work on a hybrid basis from the corresponding SEIU office location, including regular weekly in-office attendance and designated in-office days.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is generally performed in an office setting, but may be required to work in other settings conducive to performing the work required to complete the assignment, such as field assignments. Must be available for frequent travel with overnight stays and able to work long and irregular hours.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: SEIU offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our values as a labor organization and our commitment to the well-being and long-term security of our staff. Benefits include:

• A comprehensive, employer-sponsored health benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• A defined benefit pension plan
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Additional benefits consistent with a mission-driven workplace

SEIU believes that workers deserve dignity, stability, and the ability to plan for their futures, and our benefits are designed to support that belief.