Political Organizer I

Job Details: Job Location: Oakland

• Oakland, CA, Position Type: Exempt, Salary Range: $74341.09 - $78104.60Salary/year, SEIU Local 2015 – Political Organizer Location: California – Assigned Geographic Turf Department: Political Reports To: Assigned Political Lead, Coordinator, Deputy Director, or Political Director Status: Full-Time About SEIU Local 2015 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 worker power and stronger communities. Our mission is to unleash the collective power of long-term care workers, their families, and their communities to advance 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 an energetic, relationship-driven, and mission-aligned Political Organizer to help long-term care workers build political power and win meaningful improvements for workers, families, and communities throughout California. This is an entry-level political organizing position designed for individuals beginning or developing their careers in political, labor, electoral, community, or issue-based organizing.

Working at the grassroots level and under direct supervision, the Political Organizer engages members in home care, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living centers; identifies and develops member leaders; builds political teams; supports legislative, policy, contract, and electoral campaigns; and connects members to the union’s broader political vision and priorities.

The Political Organizer is responsible for meeting measurable goals related to Committee on Political Education (COPE) participation, membership sign-up, member outreach, leadership development, campaign activity, and data reporting. The position also coordinates political education, lobby visits, endorsement processes, phone banking, canvassing, community events, and other field activities at the local, state, and federal levels.

The ideal candidate is comfortable meeting people where they are, listening to their concerns, communicating a compelling vision for change, and helping members grow into confident political activists and leaders. Success in this role requires strong planning, persistence, adaptability, teamwork, and a willingness to work long and irregular hours in the field.

Key Responsibilities

Member Political Engagement & COPE Development Conduct consistent one-on-one outreach with members through home visits, worksite visits, organizing meetings, political team meetings, telephone calls, text outreach, and other approved organizing methods Educate members about the union’s political program and connect public policy, legislative decisions, electoral outcomes, workplace issues, and contract campaigns to members’ lives and communities Recruit members to participate in the union’s Committee on Political Education and meet assigned COPE fundraising and participation goals Conduct membership sign-up conversations and meet assigned membership enrollment goals Frame issues clearly and communicate SEIU Local 2015’s political vision, values, goals, and priorities Listen to members’ concerns, identify opportunities for engagement, and move members from initial interest to meaningful political action Maintain accurate records of member conversations, commitments, follow-up needs, COPE participation, membership activity, and campaign engagement Member Leadership Development Assess, identify, recruit, and develop members who have the potential to become political activists, team members, and leaders Build and support member political teams within an assigned geographic turf under the direction of department leadership Develop individualized follow-up plans that help members take increasing ownership of political and campaign activities Prepare members to participate in lobby visits, legislative hearings, candidate interviews, endorsement meetings, community events, electoral activities, and public actions Conduct or support basic trainings that provide members with the knowledge, skills, tools, and confidence needed to lead Coach members in telling their stories, speaking with elected officials, mobilizing coworkers, facilitating meetings, and taking responsibility for campaign assignments Create opportunities for experienced member leaders to mentor and develop other members Recognize barriers to participation and work with members and supervisors to identify practical solutions Political Team Building & Turf Development Build, staff, organize, and support political teams within assigned turf under direct supervision Develop relationships with members across home care, skilled nursing facility, and assisted living center settings Create and carry out daily, weekly, and monthly work plans based on assigned goals, campaign priorities, geographic needs, and organizational objectives Recruit members for meetings, trainings, political actions, phone banks, canvasses, legislative visits, endorsement activities, and other union events Track participation, leadership growth, relationship development, and campaign progress within assigned turf Identify emerging political issues, member concerns, community dynamics, and organizing opportunities and communicate them to department leadership Collaborate with organizing, communications, research, policy, regional, and other departments to support coordinated member and political campaigns Electoral, Legislative & Issue Campaigns Implement assigned components of electoral, legislative, policy, contract-support, and community campaign plans Coordinate political field activities, including canvassing, phone banking, text banking, voter education, turnout, public meetings, rallies, community events, and other mobilization activities Support campaigns involving city, county, state, and federal government and other decision-making bodies affecting long-term care workers Schedule and coordinate lobby visits, including recruiting participants, preparing logistics, training members, developing materials, and supporting follow-up Help members understand proposed legislation, policy decisions, ballot measures, electoral races, and other political developments relevant to SEIU Local 2015’s mission Carry out campaign assignments with clear goals, strategies, benchmarks, timelines, and reporting expectations Adjust field plans and outreach strategies in response to changing campaign conditions, emerging opportunities, and supervisor direction Represent the union professionally and responsibly in political, legislative, community, and public settings Endorsements & Political Processes Support the planning, staffing, and execution of SEIU Local 2015’s candidate endorsement process and the SEIU One Voice process Recruit and prepare members to participate meaningfully in candidate interviews, endorsement meetings, and political decision-making Coordinate schedules, logistics, outreach, materials, participant communication, and follow-up for endorsement activities Prepare meeting agendas, talking points, flyers, emails, presentations, sign-in materials, and other communication tools as assigned Ensure endorsement and political-process activities are completed in accordance with organizational procedures, timelines, and direction Maintain accurate documentation of participation, outcomes, commitments, and required follow-up Community & Political Relationship Building Develop and maintain relationships with community partners under direct supervision, including elected officials, legislative staff, other unions, nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, faith leaders, and community-based organizations Support coalition-building activities that advance shared policy, legislative, electoral, and community priorities Attend community meetings, political events, public hearings, coalition activities, and organizational functions as assigned Track relationships, commitments, opportunities, and follow-up activities within assigned turf Communicate SEIU Local 2015’s mission and priorities clearly while maintaining respectful, professional, and accountable partnerships Identify potential allies and opportunities for collaboration and share recommendations with department leadership Planning, Data & Accountability Develop and execute daily, weekly, and monthly work plans aligned with assigned quantitative and qualitative goals Maintain accurate and timely records of member outreach, leadership assessments, COPE activity, membership sign-ups, campaign participation, community relationships, and other required data Enter information into designated databases, spreadsheets, and reporting systems according to established standards and deadlines Review progress toward goals, identify gaps, and adjust outreach or organizing plans in consultation with the assigned supervisor Provide regular verbal and written updates regarding field activity, member development, campaign progress, challenges, and recommended next steps Manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and complete administrative responsibilities while maintaining a strong field presence Protect confidential member, political, campaign, and organizational information Perform other duties and campaign assignments as required to support the Political Department and the mission of SEIU Local 2015 Required Qualifications Experience participating in political campaigns, electoral campaigns, labor organizing, community organizing, advocacy, member engagement, voter outreach, or a related activity; relevant volunteer, internship, leadership, and community experience will be considered Demonstrated interest in political organizing, worker rights, long-term care, racial and economic justice, or community power building Ability to connect with members around the union’s political vision, priorities, and goals Ability to identify, recruit, develop, train, and support member political leaders and activists Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with people from different cultures, backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences Ability to communicate complex political, policy, legislative, and organizational issues in clear and accessible language Strong personal planning, organization, time-management, and follow-through skills Ability to develop and execute work plans with measurable goals, benchmarks, timelines, and accountability Ability to meet quantitative and qualitative organizing, fundraising, membership, outreach, and participation goals Ability to work independently in the field while remaining collaborative, communicative, and accountable to a team Ability to balance competing demands, respond to changing campaign needs, and work effectively under pressure Basic computer literacy and the ability to use email, spreadsheets, databases, virtual meeting platforms, and Windows-based programs for campaign data management and administrative work Ability to prepare basic written materials, including emails, agendas, flyers, outreach messages, reports, and meeting materials Ability to exercise discretion and protect confidential member, campaign, political, and organizational information Willingness and ability to work long and irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on campaign and organizational needs Willingness and ability to travel throughout California, including overnight travel when required Valid driver’s license, reliable access to a vehicle for work, and current automobile insurance as mandatory conditions of employment for this role Commitment to demonstrating SEIU Local 2015’s values and advancing equity, anti-racism, worker power, and social and economic justice An equivalent combination of relevant work, volunteer, internship, campaign, community, educational, and lived experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience conducting one-on-one organizing conversations, member outreach, voter contact, canvassing, phone banking, text banking, or fundraising Experience supporting electoral, legislative, issue-based, contract, or community campaigns Experience working with union members, caregivers, healthcare workers, low-wage workers, immigrant communities, older adults, people with disabilities, or other historically underrepresented communities Experience recruiting participants for meetings, trainings, public actions, campaign events, or community activities Experience developing volunteers, activists, member leaders, or community leaders Familiarity with COPE or other political fundraising programs Familiarity with candidate endorsements, legislative visits, public hearings, voter engagement, or coalition work Experience using voter, membership, campaign, or customer relationship management databases Experience working for a labor union, nonprofit, advocacy organization, community-based organization, political campaign, or other mission-driven organization Knowledge of California political institutions, electoral processes, legislative issues, and communities Core Competencies The successful Political Organizer will demonstrate: Member Engagement Ability to listen closely, build trust, connect members’ experiences to collective action, and motivate people to participate in the union’s political program.

Leadership Development Ability to recognize leadership potential and help members build the skills, confidence, knowledge, and accountability needed to lead others. Political & Campaign Execution Ability to understand campaign goals, carry out assigned strategies, monitor benchmarks, and adapt field activity to achieve measurable results.

Communication Ability to explain issues clearly, tell a compelling story, prepare members for public participation, and represent the organization professionally. Planning & Accountability Ability to organize daily work, prioritize competing demands, maintain accurate data, meet deadlines, and take ownership of assigned goals.

Relationship & Coalition Building Ability to build respectful and productive relationships with members, coworkers, elected officials, political staff, unions, nonprofits, faith leaders, and community partners. Teamwork & Collaboration Ability to contribute to a strong team culture grounded in communication, shared responsibility, mutual support, and accountability.

Adaptability & Resilience Ability to remain focused, flexible, and solutions-oriented when campaign priorities, schedules, tactics, or conditions change quickly. Equity & Cross-Cultural Effectiveness Ability to work effectively across cultures and differences and to organize in ways that advance inclusion, anti-racism, dignity, and justice.

Ethics & Discretion Ability to maintain high ethical standards, use sound judgment, protect confidential information, and represent SEIU Local 2015 responsibly. Success in This Role A successful Political Organizer will: Consistently meet assigned COPE, membership, outreach, participation, and campaign goals Build sustainable political teams and increase meaningful member participation within assigned turf Identify and develop members who take increasing responsibility as political activists and leaders Execute electoral, legislative, policy, contract-support, and community campaign assignments accurately and on time Prepare members to participate confidently in lobby visits, candidate endorsements, public meetings, phone banks, canvasses, and political actions Maintain accurate, timely, and useful organizing data and activity reports Develop trusted relationships with members, coworkers, political partners, elected officials, community organizations, and other allies Demonstrate reliability, initiative, sound judgment, teamwork, and alignment with SEIU Local 2015’s mission and values Work Environment & Physical Requirements This is a field-based position that requires frequent interaction with members, elected officials, political partners, community organizations, and members of the public.

Work may take place in members’ homes, worksites, union offices, campaign offices, government buildings, community locations, public events, and outdoor settings throughout an assigned geographic area. The position requires long and irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on campaign schedules, member availability, legislative activity, elections, and organizational priorities.

Frequent travel within the assigned turf and travel throughout California are required. Overnight travel may occasionally be necessary. The role requires the ability to remain stationary or move throughout the field for extended periods; operate a computer and mobile device; communicate in person, by telephone, and through virtual platforms; and transport campaign and meeting materials.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This job posting describes the primary responsibilities of the role but is not intended to include every activity, duty, or responsibility that may be assigned. Commitment to Equity SEIU Local 2015 is committed to building an anti-racist organization and advancing equity, justice, inclusion, and solidarity across differences.

We strongly encourage candidates from historically underrepresented backgrounds and communities to apply. Equal Opportunity Employer SEIU Local 2015 is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to maintaining an inclusive, equitable, and accessible workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Don’t Meet Every Qualification? Please apply anyway. Research shows that women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, people with disabilities, and candidates from other historically underrepresented communities may be less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. SEIU Local 2015 values relevant work, volunteer, campaign, community, and lived experience—not only formal educational credentials.

If you are excited about this opportunity, possess relevant transferable skills, and share our commitment to economic and social justice, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or another opportunity with SEIU Local 2015.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications Experience participating in political campaigns, electoral campaigns, labor organizing, community organizing, advocacy, member engagement, voter outreach, or a related activity; relevant volunteer, internship, leadership, and community experience will be considered Demonstrated interest in political organizing, worker rights, long-term care, racial and economic justice, or community power building Ability to connect with members around the union’s political vision, priorities, and goals Ability to identify, recruit, develop, train, and support member political leaders and activists Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with people from different cultures, backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences Ability to communicate complex political, policy, legislative, and organizational issues in clear and accessible language Strong personal planning, organization, time-management, and follow-through skills Ability to develop and execute work plans with measurable goals, benchmarks, timelines, and accountability Ability to meet quantitative and qualitative organizing, fundraising, membership, outreach, and participation goals Ability to work independently in the field while remaining collaborative, communicative, and accountable to a team Ability to balance competing demands, respond to changing campaign needs, and work effectively under pressure Basic computer literacy and the ability to use email, spreadsheets, databases, virtual meeting platforms, and Windows-based programs for campaign data management and administrative work Ability to prepare basic written materials, including emails, agendas, flyers, outreach messages, reports, and meeting materials Ability to exercise discretion and protect confidential member, campaign, political, and organizational information Willingness and ability to work long and irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on campaign and organizational needs Willingness and ability to travel throughout California, including overnight travel when required Valid driver’s license, reliable access to a vehicle for work, and current automobile insurance as mandatory conditions of employment for this role Commitment to demonstrating SEIU Local 2015’s values and advancing equity, anti-racism, worker power, and social and economic justice An equivalent combination of relevant work, volunteer, internship, campaign, community, educational, and lived experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience conducting one-on-one organizing conversations, member outreach, voter contact, canvassing, phone banking, text banking, or fundraising Experience supporting electoral, legislative, issue-based, contract, or community campaigns Experience working with union members, caregivers, healthcare workers, low-wage workers, immigrant communities, older adults, people with disabilities, or other historically underrepresented communities Experience recruiting participants for meetings, trainings, public actions, campaign events, or community activities Experience developing volunteers, activists, member leaders, or community leaders Familiarity with COPE or other political fundraising programs Familiarity with candidate endorsements, legislative visits, public hearings, voter engagement, or coalition work Experience using voter, membership, campaign, or customer relationship management databases Experience working for a labor union, nonprofit, advocacy organization, community-based organization, political campaign, or other mission-driven organization Knowledge of California political institutions, electoral processes, legislative issues, and communities Core Competencies The successful Political Organizer will demonstrate: Member Engagement Ability to listen closely, build trust, connect members’ experiences to collective action, and motivate people to participate in the union’s political program.

Leadership Development Ability to recognize leadership potential and help members build the skills, confidence, knowledge, and accountability needed to lead others. Political & Campaign Execution Ability to understand campaign goals, carry out assigned strategies, monitor benchmarks, and adapt field activity to achieve measurable results.

Communication Ability to explain issues clearly, tell a compelling story, prepare members for public participation, and represent the organization professionally. Planning & Accountability Ability to organize daily work, prioritize competing demands, maintain accurate data, meet deadlines, and take ownership of assigned goals.

Relationship & Coalition Building Ability to build respectful and productive relationships with members, coworkers, elected officials, political staff, unions, nonprofits, faith leaders, and community partners. Teamwork & Collaboration Ability to contribute to a strong team culture grounded in communication, shared responsibility, mutual support, and accountability.

Adaptability & Resilience Ability to remain focused, flexible, and solutions-oriented when campaign priorities, schedules, tactics, or conditions change quickly. Equity & Cross-Cultural Effectiveness Ability to work effectively across cultures and differences and to organize in ways that advance inclusion, anti-racism, dignity, and justice.

Ethics & Discretion Ability to maintain high ethical standards, use sound judgment, protect confidential information, and represent SEIU Local 2015 responsibly. Success in This Role A successful Political Organizer will: Consistently meet assigned COPE, membership, outreach, participation, and campaign goals Build sustainable political teams and increase meaningful member participation within assigned turf Identify and develop members who take increasing responsibility as political activists and leaders Execute electoral, legislative, policy, contract-support, and community campaign assignments accurately and on time Prepare members to participate confidently in lobby visits, candidate endorsements, public meetings, phone banks, canvasses, and political actions Maintain accurate, timely, and useful organizing data and activity reports Develop trusted relationships with members, coworkers, political partners, elected officials, community organizations, and other allies Demonstrate reliability, initiative, sound judgment, teamwork, and alignment with SEIU Local 2015’s mission and values Work Environment & Physical Requirements This is a field-based position that requires frequent interaction with members, elected officials, political partners, community organizations, and members of the public.

Work may take place in members’ homes, worksites, union offices, campaign offices, government buildings, community locations, public events, and outdoor settings throughout an assigned geographic area. The position requires long and irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on campaign schedules, member availability, legislative activity, elections, and organizational priorities.

Frequent travel within the assigned turf and travel throughout California are required. Overnight travel may occasionally be necessary. The role requires the ability to remain stationary or move throughout the field for extended periods; operate a computer and mobile device; communicate in person, by telephone, and through virtual platforms; and transport campaign and meeting materials.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This job posting describes the primary responsibilities of the role but is not intended to include every activity, duty, or responsibility that may be assigned. Commitment to Equity SEIU Local 2015 is committed to building an anti-racist organization and advancing equity, justice, inclusion, and solidarity across differences.

We strongly encourage candidates from historically underrepresented backgrounds and communities to apply. Equal Opportunity Employer SEIU Local 2015 is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to maintaining an inclusive, equitable, and accessible workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Don’t Meet Every Qualification? Please apply anyway. Research shows that women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, people with disabilities, and candidates from other historically underrepresented communities may be less likely to apply unless they meet every listed qualification. SEIU Local 2015 values relevant work, volunteer, campaign, community, and lived experience—not only formal educational credentials.

If you are excited about this opportunity, possess relevant transferable skills, and share our commitment to economic and social justice, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or another opportunity with SEIU Local 2015.