LEAD RESEARCHER/NEW DEVELOPMENT

At the forefront of building the nation’s labor movement, 32BJ SEIU is changing the narrative around important social and economic issues facing working families. Founded in 1934, 32BJ is the largest union of property service workers in the nation. We have a powerful and important mission: To build and grow a diverse, effective, politically independent and democratic organization of workers to change our lives for the better, improve our communities, and build a more just society for present and future generations.

With a commitment to building power for low-wage workers, 32BJ is engaged in winning strong contracts for members, organizing workers, supporting progressive candidates for elected office and moving a broad policy agenda, such as paid sick days, expanding access to health care and the Fight for $15. 

The union has approximately 425 staff in sixteen offices from Boston to Miami. 32BJ SEIU represents over 175,000 property service workers including janitors, security officers, airport workers, and food service employees in 11 states and Washington, D.C. 32BJ is an affiliate of SEIU, the Service Employees International Union, which has 2 million members dedicated to raising industry standards and making life better for all working families and communities.

32BJ SEIU’s headquarters are in New York City.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

32BJ’s Research & Policy Department plays a vital role in the Union’s efforts to strengthen the employment standards of building service workers and ensure that good jobs are created by responsible development. Work includes serving as a resource and partner to campaign leadership, and performing industry, company and individual research. Responsibilities include:

·       Supporting the Union’s organizing campaigns and work related to residential and commercial development projects, rezonings and housing and development policy in NYC and NJ. Supervising, training, and developing research staff.

·       Coordinating with senior union officers and staff across union departments to ensure the effective implementation of campaigns and the integration of research work across the union’s operations.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

The ideal candidate will be self-directed, proficient in research, analysis, and campaign strategy, and have a proven ability to lead others. While a candidate may not possess every quality outlined for this position, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional skills and experiences:

·       At least four years of professional work experience in the labor movement, racial or immigrant justice organizations, government, non-profit, non-governmental organizations, political or advocacy organizations, corporate or ESG research, or other relevant work.

·       The ability to develop and execute strategic campaigns to achieve organizational goals such as worker organizing, collective bargaining, policy and legislation or other objectives.

·       Excellent political and internal organizational skills

·       The proven ability to lead, mentor, develop, and supervise researchers and/or strategic campaign staff.

·       Strong technical research skills, in areas such as corporate research, data analysis, financial analysis, employment law, or investigative journalism.

·       Exceptional writing skills and the ability to communicate persuasively with diverse stakeholders.

·       The ability to work well under tight deadlines and in a team environment.

·       Strong commitment to progressive social change and strengthening the labor movement.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This Lead Researcher will divide their time between our New York City and Newark, NJ offices.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position is largely computer/office based, with in-person and Zoom meetings. There will be some required off-site meetings and campaign activities such as bargaining meetings, membership meetings, hearings, rallies, and other events.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

The salary for this role is $81,822. 32BJ offers a full benefits package that includes an employer-paid medical, dental and vision plan (for full-time employees and their qualified dependents) and retirement benefits, including a defined benefit pension plan and 401K.

APPLICATION:

Please send combined into a single document a résumé, letter of interest, and a brief writing sample to HR@seiu32bj.org. Please label the document as follows, “Your Name_Lead Researcher 32BJ SEIU”, and use “Lead Researcher” in the subject line of your email.

Please note 32BJ has implemented a Covid vaccine mandate. Bona fide religious and ADA exemptions are permitted with additional safety measures.

32BJ is an inclusive and diverse organization, committed to advocating for social, racial and economic justice. We promote diversity and strongly encourage applications from people who believe in our mission. We strongly encourage women and people of color to apply.