Deputy Political Director

About Us

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 & Responsibilities

The Deputy Political Director (DPD) is one of three DPDs in the department, reporting to the union’s Political Director. The DPD will work with the Political Director and Officers of the union to develop and implement electoral, legislative strategy and membership-driven campaigns throughout their jurisdictions. The DPD will oversee all aspects of the union’s political work in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C. and Florida, as well as support its ambitious organizing program in other states the South. In this role, the DPD will be responsible for the overall management and supervision of a minimum of three staff whose responsibilities cover all aspects of the political program in their regions.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Work closely with the Political Director, State Political Directors, and elected leaders of Local 32BJ, to create plans for all political activity and design strategies for implementation.
  • Provide high-level strategic advice to the Political Director on all matters in jurisdiction including on budgeting, elections, strategic campaigns and endorsements.
  • Work closely with the Department Directors and other staff and leaders, to set political goals in each state.
  • Directly supervise state Political Directors, including providing oversight on work plans, campaign strategies and member engagement programs
  • Provide tactical support on union events and activities, including mobilization events.
  • Identify opportunities for political activity to support the member engagement, contract and organizing campaigns of the union.
  • Communicate frequently with staff and elected leaders of 32BJ, ensuring that campaigns reflect union priorities.
  • Represent 32BJ as needed with internal and coalition partners.

Qualifications & Experience

The ideal candidate will be will be very organized, assertive and a self-starter, as well as a strong multi-tasker who is able to pivot easily from issue to issue or from campaign to campaign.
While no one candidate will possess every quality outlined for this position, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional skills and experiences:

  • 7+ years of experience in labor, political, or community organizing;
  • Ability to design and implement powerful and effective political programs;
  • Experience successfully managing staff in a team setting;
  • Comprehensive knowledge of legislative and electoral processes;
  • Excellent communications skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with stakeholders across the union; and
  • A strong commitment to social justice issues and to the work of 32BJ.

Work Environment

  • This position is a full time position that occasionally requires hours outside normal business hours, including some nights, weekends and holidays.
  • This position is based in the New York City office.
  • This position requires frequent travel to other states throughout the union’s jurisdiction.

Physical Demands

  • This position is largely computer/office based, with many in-person and Zoom meetings.
  • This position requires traveling to political/legislative hearings and events, and participating in union events, marches and demonstrations.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary for this role is $112,199. 32BJ offers a generous benefits package that includes a fully 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. 32BJ offers paid time off including three weeks’ vacation, eleven holidays, twelve sick days, and, after the first year of service, four personal days. The union currently offers a remote work policy of one remote day per week at the discretion of the manager.

Application

Please send a resume and letter of interest to HR@seiu32bj.org. Please use “Deputy Political Director” in the subject line of your email.
Please note 32BJ has implemented a 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.


Apply Now


Apply Now

  • New York City
  • $112,199
  • Full Benefits
  • Equal Opportunity

Please send a resume and letter of interest to HR@seiu32bj.org. Please use “Deputy Political Director” in the subject line of your email.

Please note 32BJ has implemented a 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.