Job: Campaign Researcher – San Jose

The Associate Campaign Researcher conducts a wide range of research for union campaigns and projects including but not limited to: internal and external organizing campaigns, contract bargaining, post employment benefits, local and state public policy, community campaigns, basic trainings in research methods and analysis, and various Local programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the supervision of the Research Director, the Associate Campaign Researcher will:
1. Analyze the financial and quality records of public agencies and publicly-funded private agencies.
2. Creatively apply traditional and non-traditional research methods to union campaigns.
3. Conduct industry and political power analysis for strategic targeting, identifying key industry trends, and developing innovative policy or regulatory strategies.
4. Develop and implement campaign and strategic research strategies and develop appropriate research products.
5. Participate thoughtfully in developing strategic research and campaign strategy, and provide recommendations for the most effective use of research for Sr. level staff and members leaders.
6. Independently prepare professional level reports appropriate for contract negotiations, Media persuasion, member education, and presentations before public board and commissions on behalf of the members and the union.
7. Apply research findings to support communication strategies, develop communication related products such as, media “sound bites” or memorable elements pertinent for media or membership, interesting and effective presentations for beginner level member training and persuasive oriented reports and presentations.
8. Serve as the Local Union expert witness in med-arbs, arbitrations, contract negotiations, public agency and quasi public agency meetings with elected officials and high level local , state or federal government authorities.
9. Lead research trainings for members and new staff in simple research projects include budget analysis, industry-wide wage and benefit comparisons and how to develop costing analysis for contract bargaining.
10. Ability to manage the research component of large and strategic research projects; including the ability to build internal and external political relationships.

Job Qualifications:
1. Strong commitment to progressive social change and activist experience.
2. Strong research & quantitative skills. Computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, & Access and a variety of computer-based research tools. Excellent writing and communications skills a must.
3. Proven ability to utilize information from and about workers, employers, economic / financial research on company or industry to inform and develop campaign strategies.
4. Experience in budget analysis of public agency and publicly funded agency budgets including familiarity with funding streams for public services.
5. Understanding of public employee post employment benefits including retirement, healthcare and wage standards.
6. Ability to carry out assigned and required tasks independently and in a competent and professional manner in keeping with SEIU’s overall goals and expectations.
7. Ability to work well under tight deadlines and in a team environment. ·
8. Proven ability to work with research staff within a labor or progressive community organization (for Leads).
9. Firm grasp of the legal and regulatory environment within with unions and union research operates.
10. Bachelors degree in labor studies, public policy, economics, labor studies or similar field of study.
11. Driver’s license, auto insurance and automobile.
12. Willingness to work long and irregular hours and attend required evening and weekend activities.

• Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience.
• Employer-paid retirement plan & 401K.
• Fully-paid health insurance for worker and dependents (including domestic partner).
• Liberal vacation, sick leave and holiday schedule.
• Life insurance, dental, vision care and flexible spending accounts.