Organizing Director – External Organizing Department

Seiu49; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 110,149 - 113,949; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Pension plan

Paid time off

Job summary

A leading labor union based in California seeks an experienced Organizing Director to lead non-union worker organizing programs and manage a team. The candidate will design successful campaigns, supervise staff, and build community relationships. Strong qualifications include over 6 years in labor organizing and leadership. This role offers a competitive salary and full benefits package.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in labor or community organizing.
• At least 3 years in a supervisory role.
• Fluency in a language other than English preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead USWW’s non-union worker organizing programs.
• Design and implement worker organizing campaigns.
• Supervise and mentor organizing staff.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Planning and time management

Communication skills

Leadership development

Understanding of labor movement

Education

Relevant college degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Based in Alameda, CA

Location: Alameda, California
Department: External Organizing Department
Employment Type: Full‑Time
Minimum Experience: Experienced
Compensation: Salary Range: $110,149.43 – $113,949.58

About SEIU-USWW:
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is our country’s fastest growing labor union with more than 2 million members. We have been on the cutting edge of building the power of low-wage workers in service industries and in leading the fight for social justice on issues such as health care, immigration, racial equity, gender equity, and the environment. SEIU United Service Workers West (SEIU-USWW) represents over 50,000 property service workers across California. Our union brings together janitors, security officers, residential, stadium, arena and airport workers. Our mission is to lead the way to a more just and humane society; building power for all service workers by developing member leadership and activism, winning strong contracts, organizing unorganized service workers, building political and community power, and engaging in direct action that demonstrates our strength and determination to win.

POSITION SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Organizing Director will lead USWW’s non‑union worker organizing programs. Central to the role is planning and executing successful campaigns to grow our union and build enduring worker power. In addition to worker organizing, the role includes membership expansion and leadership development, as well as coordination of communications, community organizing, and legal strategies in the context of organizing campaigns. This position supervises USWW’s Organizing Team, guiding organizing strategy, and ensuring our mission is carried through all aspects of USWW’s work. The Organizing Director plays a key leadership role in the organization and collaborates closely with the Chief of Staff and the rest of USWW’s leadership team to steward USWW’s vision and ensure impact.

Examples of Duties:

Organizing Program Leadership & Strategy

• Design and implement comprehensive worker organizing campaigns that build power.
• Implement a long‑term base‑building strategy. Ensure USWW’s organizing efforts are rooted in the growth of our base and worker leadership development.
• Oversee the structure and coordination of member committees and leadership bodies.
• Support and develop USWW’s policy and community campaigns.

Supervision & Development

• Supervise, train, and mentor organizing staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability and mutual support within the organizing team.
• Develop and lead trainings for staff and leaders including organizing skills and campaign strategy.

Community Engagement & Coalition Work

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with government entities, partner and ally organizations, coalitions, and community leaders and members that move our campaigns forward. Represent USWW as assigned in coalitions, campaigns, and movement‑building spaces.
• Support advocacy and mobilization in public actions, meetings, and events.

Organizational Leadership

• Contribute to USWW’s overall strategy, planning, and program development as part of the Leadership Team.
• Collaborate across the organization to ensure alignment between the organizing program and USWW’s policy, outreach, and communications work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

Graduation from an accredited college or university in relevant field or equivalent experience in labor & community organizing that would provide for the following knowledge of, skills & abilities.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in fast‑paced and diverse team environment.
• Ability to effectively plan and implement work and manage time, as part of a team and individually.
• Demonstrated ability to clearly convey information and ideas both verbally and in writing across audiences.
• Perform the physical activities involved in common custodial work including lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• At least 6 years’ experience in labor or community organizing, with a minimum of 3 years in a supervisory role.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to establish and cultivate respectful relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to worker organizing in a multiracial context: understanding of USWW’s mission and a commitment to building power with immigrant workers and their communities.
• Experience planning and executing successful organizing campaigns, in particular workplace campaigns.
• Strong leadership development and facilitation skills.
• Knowledge of the labor movement including labor history, current organizing conditions, labor law, and workers' rights.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel to other work sites in California, ability to work extended and irregular hours, and work offsite
• Valid drivers’ license, use of a car for work, and specified automobile insurance coverage are mandatory
• Fluency in a language other than English – preferably Spanish, Tagalog, Mandarin or Cantonese.
• All employees are required to be fully vaccinated and report their vaccination status as a condition of employment.
• All employees must abide by USWW Safety Guidelines, including the required use of face covering while working.

SALARY & BENEFITS:

• Salary is competitive and negotiable based on experience.
• Full benefits package including health insurance, dental, vision, a pension plan and paid time off.

This position is open until filled; however, the posting/acceptance of applications may close at any time.