Special Assistant to the Executive Director Team

SEIU Local 1021; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 123,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

SEIU Local 1021 seeks a Special Assistant to the Executive Director Team in Oakland to provide executive-level administrative leadership and coordinate complex programs.

Role requires handling confidential matters, coordinating elections, and optimizing workflows while supporting strategic plans and committee work across a broad team of staff and volunteers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or High School diploma with demonstrated equivalent experience in administrative operations.
• 3+ years’ leadership experience in operations/program administration.
• 2+ years demonstrated experience managing large and complex projects, events, and/or programs.
• 2+ years demonstrated experience drafting, enforcing, administering, and/or interpreting policies/procedures.
• At least 1 year of experience conducting or supporting investigations or structured fact-finding.

Responsibilities

• Set and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards and controls for programs, events, and projects.
• Oversee, investigate, and assist in addressing and resolving member complaints and personnel matters.
• Design systems to improve workflow and problem solving, and organizational effectiveness.
• Assist in strategic vision and organizational plan development and implementation.
• Provide ongoing scheduling, travel, logistics, and other support.
• Coordinate, supervise, track and report on the conduct of union elections including project management of the local-wide election.
• Coordinate, advise and assist various committees, panels or workgroups.
• Develop, maintain, and improve standard record retention and reports.
• Track and report on representation, legal, and arbitration cases and assist in appeals process.
• Administer, enforce, develop and provide authoritative interpretation and guidance regarding organizational bylaws, policies, and procedures.
• Manage and coordinate responses to subpoenas, audits, and legal demands.
• Troubleshoot varied and complex problems applying strategic analysis.
• Prepare reports and presentations.
• Supervise, support, and train assigned staff, as assigned
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Investigating and resolving issues

Strategic analysis

Policy interpretation

Team collaboration

Excellent presentation skills

Work under pressure

Diversity and inclusion

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or higher (or equivalent experience)

Administrative operations experience

Job description

Special Assistant to the Executive Director Team
Oakland (Posted 8/19/2026)

SEIU Local 1021 was founded in 2007 when ten local unions cametogether in Northern California to form one larger, more powerfulunion. Together, our members are building a true 21st-centuryunion fighting to empower our members and improve our society. Weare 54,000 strong—organizing and representing public serviceworkers in cities, counties, courts, schools, privatenon-profits, special districts, public health care, nursing andhigher education. We are looking for energetic, hard-workingstaff who are committed to real change, who believe in the valueof work and the value of public services, and who want to be partof the team that wins for workers, their families, and theircommunities.

Location

Oakland

Job Summary

The Special Assistant provides executive administrative and operational leadership. This position plans, organizes, administers, and coordinates a variety of large and complex organizational programs, events, and projects.

Job Responsibilities

• Set and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards and controls for programs, events, and projects.


• Oversee, investigate, and assist in addressing and resolving member complaints and personnel matters.


• Design systems to improve workflow and problem solving, and organizational effectiveness.


• Assist in strategic vision and organizational plan development and implementation.


• Provide ongoing scheduling, travel, logistics, and other support.


• Coordinate, supervise, track and report on the conduct of union elections including project management of the local-wide election.


• Coordinate, advise and assist various committees, panels or workgroups.


• Develop, maintain, and improve standard record retention and reports.


• Track and report on representation, legal, and arbitration cases and assist in appeals process.


• Administer, enforce, develop and provide authoritative interpretation and guidance regarding organizational bylaws, policies, and procedures.


• Manage and coordinate responses to subpoenas, audits, and legal demands.


• Troubleshoot varied and complex problems applying strategic analysis.


• Prepare reports and presentations.


• Supervise, support, and train assigned staff, as assigned


• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Attributes

• Investigating and resolving issues.


• Progressive, strategic, bold, and creative.


• Well organized, self-motivated and organizational.


• Works effectively as part of a team.


• Excellent judgment while working under extreme pressure.


• Excellent written and oral presentation skills.


• Ability to interpret policy and contractual documents.


• Demonstrates competency working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures


• Dedication to improving the condition of working people and strengthening the role of organized labor in society through worker action and political activity.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or High School diploma with demonstrated equivalent experience in administrative operations


• 3+ years’ leadership experience in operations/program administration


• 2+ years demonstrated experience managing large and complex projects, events, and/or programs


• 2+ years demonstrated experience drafting, enforcing, administering, and/or interpreting policies/procedures


• At least 1 year of experience conducting or supporting investigations or structured fact-finding, including information gathering, interviews, and documentation.


• Experience handling confidential matters involving personnel issues or sensitive organizational matters

Preferred Experience

• Experience representing and/or supporting executive(s).


• 3+ years union and/or non-profit experience


• 2+ years’ experience coordinating with legal counsel on governance or compliance related matters


• Demonstrated ability to think and act strategically.

Special Requirements

• Willingness to work irregular and long hours, including weekends and holidays, to attend required evening and weekend events/meetings.


• Extensive travel may be required, primarily within Northern California.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The current salary range is$123,103.63 – 141,569.17 based on qualifications and experience. SEIU Local 1021 offers a competitive and comprehensive benefitspackage.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

SEIU Local 1021 is an affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability. Local 1021 works to ensure fair treatment of applicants and employees and actively enforces policies against discrimination and sexual harassment.

Please indicate in your cover letter which position you are applying for.