Senior Special Assistant to the President

SEIU Local 2015; West Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

SEIU Local 2015 is looking for a Senior Special Assistant to the President in West Sacramento, California. The ideal candidate will support the President with strategic decision-making and managing complex engagements. Responsibilities include scheduling, managing projects, and ensuring alignment with the union’s goals.

This hybrid role is crucial for driving high-impact initiatives and requires at least 5 years of experience in similar environments. Applicants must have strong organizational skills and the ability to work under pressure, in alignment with SEIU's mission of equity and social justice.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of experience supporting senior executives.
• Experience in labor, political, advocacy, or mission-driven environments.
• Strong understanding of California's political landscape preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the President.
• Manage and optimize the President's calendar and priorities.
• Coordinate engagement with political leaders and community organizations.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Political awareness

Project management

Written and verbal communication

Organizational skills

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Workspace

Job description

SEIU Local 2015 – Senior Special Assistant to the President

SEIU Local 2015 is the largest union of long-term care workers in California, representing more than half a million home care, skilled nursing facility, and assisted living center workers across the state. Our members are united in their commitment to caring for California’s older adults and people with disabilities while building power for workers and their communities. Our mission is to unleash the collective power of long-term care workers, their families, and their communities to drive lasting economic and social justice. We are committed to building an anti-racist organization grounded in equity, justice, and cross-difference solidarity. To learn more, visit seiu2015.org.

About The Role

SEIU Local 2015 is seeking a highly strategic and execution-focused Senior Special Assistant to the President to support the President across organizational leadership, political engagement, and high-priority initiatives. This position reports to the Chief of Staff and operates as a trusted partner within the Executive Office. Due to the dynamic nature of the President’s portfolio, priorities and project direction may shift frequently based on organizational, political, and external demands. This role is not a traditional administrative position. It is a hybrid strategic and operational role responsible for ensuring the President’s time, priorities, and engagements are aligned with the union’s highest-impact work. The Senior Special Assistant serves as a key execution partner, providing real-time decision support, managing complex logistics, and driving cross-functional coordination across the organization. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and brings a rare combination of political acumen, executive presence, and operational discipline.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Strategy & Advisory Support

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the President on key priorities, initiatives, and external engagements
• Anticipate needs and provide real-time decision support in meetings, events, and day-to-day operations
• Prepare briefing materials, talking points, and background documents to ensure readiness
• Align internal and external messaging with organizational priorities in coordination with leadership

Executive Operations & Time Management

• Partner closely with scheduling staff to manage and optimize the President’s calendar and competing priorities
• Ensure alignment between the President’s time, strategic priorities, and organizational goals
• Proactively identify and resolve scheduling conflicts, access issues, and competing demands
• Serve as a gatekeeper when necessary to protect focus and ensure effective use of time

Political & External Engagement Coordination

• Support the President’s engagement with political leaders, community organizations, and labor partners
• Coordinate with internal teams (Political, Organizing, Communications, Executive Office) to ensure alignment
• Represent the President in select meetings or follow-ups as appropriate
• Track key relationships, commitments, and follow-through actions

Project Management & Cross-Functional Execution

• Lead and manage high-priority projects on behalf of the President from planning through execution
• Track deliverables, timelines, and accountability across departments
• Identify risks, elevate critical issues, and ensure timely resolution
• Drive coordination across multiple stakeholders to ensure alignment and execution

Travel, Events & On-the-Ground Support

• Travel with the President as needed to provide real-time coordination and support
• Ensure seamless execution of meetings, events, and public engagements
• Manage logistics, materials, and situational needs during travel and appearances
• Support preparation and follow-up for high-level events and engagements

Administrative Leadership & Executive Office Coordination

• Oversee key administrative workflows supporting the President’s office, ensuring consistency and quality
• Coordinate preparation of correspondence, reports, and confidential materials
• Maintain strict confidentiality while handling sensitive information and high-level communications
• Ensure operational excellence across executive office functions

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of experience supporting senior executives, elected officials, or organizational leadership
• Demonstrated experience in labor, political, advocacy, or mission-driven environments
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and competing priorities simultaneously
• Strong understanding of California political and legislative landscape preferred
• Experience coordinating executive-level travel, events, and high-level stakeholder engagement
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of executive-level materials
• Ability to operate with high discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and collaboration tools

The Ideal Senior Special Assistant Will Demonstrate

• Strategic thinking and sound judgment
• Political awareness and relationship management
• Executive presence and professionalism
• Strong organizational discipline and follow-through
• Ability to operate independently in high-pressure environments
• Adaptability and responsiveness to shifting priorities
• High level of discretion, confidentiality, and trust

Work Environment & Travel Requirements

This position operates in a fast-paced, high-demand environment where work schedules may extend beyond standard business hours, including evenings and weekends as needed to support the President’s schedule and organizational priorities. Frequent travel is required, including in-state and occasional out-of-state travel, often accompanying the President to provide direct support during engagements. This job description outlines the primary responsibilities of the role but is not intended to include every duty that may be assigned.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SEIU Local 2015 is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to building an inclusive, equitable, and accessible workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other protected characteristic.