External Union Organizer, SEIU Wisconsin

SEIU Wisconsin is Wisconsin's largest and fastest-growing healthcare and property services workers union. We represent over 7,000 workers across the State. In these tough economic times, there has been no stronger advocate - for safe jobs with good wages and benefits for workers in Wisconsin. SEIU members believe in and are fighting for a Just Society where all workers are valued and all people respected—no matter where they come from or what color they are; where all families and communities can thrive; and where we leave a better and more equitable world for generations to come.

PURPOSE:

External Union Organizers at SEIU Wisconsin are responsible for bringing new members into the union either through external or internal organizing and campaigning. This position is a 6-month project position, with potential to remain on permanent staff.

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.

• →Implement organizing campaigns, with supervision, to win Union recognition for unorganized workplaces, building organizing committees, identifying issues, leadership identification and development, and preparing workers for NLRB, and other elections, and/or strategic and recognition campaigns
• →Implement internal organizing campaigns to sign up new members, mobilize members around bargaining and political campaigns, develop internal team leader structures and mobilize the community and others to pressure employers
• →Educate workers and others on how power relationships work and how workers can/should use that knowledge
• →Communicate with workers including listening, framing issues and motivating them to participate actively
• →Visit work sites on a regular basis covering all shifts
• →Organize rallies and demonstrations; provide strike support including organizing workers and members involvement, support actions, pressure campaigns on employers and building community support
• →Lead workers in community issues and build relationships with relevant people/groups/organizations outside the Union
• →Represent the Union as assigned in community and labor coalition activities
• →Attend and participate in staff meetings
• →Complete all required administrative tasks (i.e., activity forms, expense forms, etc.) in a timely manner
• →Maintain accurate record keeping
• →Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications:

• →Experience as an Organizer or demonstrated ability to carry on the responsibilities of the
  job
• →Excellent interpersonal skills as demonstrated by the ability to relate, establish and cultivate respectful relationships with people from diverse backgrounds
• →Committed to learning about leading and motivating workers in necessary struggles
• →Dedication to workers’ rights and social justice
• →Skilled at managing and meeting many and varying deadlines
• →Effective demonstrable oral, written and listening skills in English; bilingual skills highly
  desirable
• →Excellent analytical and judgment skills as demonstrable by the ability to assess information and evidence and act strategically
• →Excellent organizational and prioritizing skills showing flexibility as needed; adept at dealing with conflicting/changing priorities
• →Effective facilitating and organizing meeting skills 
• →Ability to work and organize independently and as part of a team
• →Working knowledge of computer programs including Word, Excel, e-mail, accessing the internet, and databases
• →The ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment

• Personal commitment to the mission and goals of SEIU and to the specific program of
  SEIU Wisconsin and to the struggle for economic, social, and racial justice.
• Excellent, proven Communication skills.
• Ability to take and incorporate feedback.
• Excellent listening skills.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license, automobile insurance and a reliable automobile.
• The ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment.

• Willingness to work long and varying hours including weekends, nights and holidays.
• Regular worksite visits, home visits and canvassing are required