Research Associate - SEIU

SEIU (Service Employees International Union)

Job Title: Research Associate (PS1A) - Strategic Initiatives

Grade: PS1- A

Annual Salary: $68,768.18

Location: Washington, DC

Organizational Overview: SEIU is a union of about 2 million diverse members in healthcare, the public sector, and property services. We believe in and fight for our vision for a just society: where all workers are valued and all people respected—no matter where we come from or what color we are; where all families and communities can thrive; and where we leave a better and more equitable world for generations to come. We are an anti-racist union determined to check corporate power and uproot structural racism through unions—worker power and collective action—and government— legislative and political action. We fight for Unions for All and a government that works for all so that all of us, across race and place, can have power together in unions and participate fully in our democracy.

Purpose: SEIU’s Strategic Initiatives Department seeks a Research Associate (PS1A) to join its Team. This person will provide research that supports organizing campaigns, collective bargaining, and other activities: 1) within the Department, 2) across SEIU's industries and campaigns, and 3) alongside SEIU Local Unions and Affiliates. This position is based in Washington, DC.

We may be looking for you if:

• You consider yourself curious about the world; you pride yourself on digging for answers and asking follow-up questions.
• You are interested in applying research findings to form insights, strategies, and ways to take action.
• You are drawn to the idea of using various research methods to understand and confront corporate and political power on behalf of working families.

Primary Responsibilities: 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.

• Researches, compiles, presents, and summarizes data on industries, companies, individuals, issues, and other topics in support of SEIU’s programs.
• Responds to requests for information from Local Unions and appropriately defines and develops them; makes referrals as necessary.
• Synthesizes relevant facts/issues from a large amount of information/data.
• Works with Local Union staff to gather and provide information in a timely fashion.
• Develops and implements their weekly work plan; meets deadlines.
• Demonstrates the capability to learn and develop new skills.
• Performs other duties as required to support the Department and its mission.

Contacts: SEIU staff and others related to research issues.

Direction and Decision Making: This position reports to an SEIU Senior Research Coordinator and Assistant Research Director.

Education & Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree involving social inquiry, such as business, economics, journalism, labor relations, and statistics, or a related field, and two years of experience in research, with demonstrated abilities in quantitative or qualitative research, even as a student.

Equivalency: A combination of education and experience that would provide the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of research techniques and processes.
• Knowledge of quantitative techniques and analysis.
• Skilled in the use of personal computers, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs, and online research services.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Strong consideration given to proficient or fluent speakers of a language other than English (Spanish strongly preferred).

Application Process: The successful candidate will complete three interviews to assess their interest in the position, applicable skill sets, and critical thinking. Candidates invited to continue past the second interview will be asked to complete a case study exercise that will be reviewed and deliberated during a third interview, which will include a panel of SEIU managers.

Physical Requirements: Work is generally performed in an office setting. Long and extended hours and travel are required.

Probationary Period: Employees who hold the position of Research Associate are considered probationary for the duration of the position. No employee may serve more than twelve months as a Research Associate, and by the end of the probationary period, the employee must qualify to advance to Research Analyst.