Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Bargaining Coordinator

at Service Employees International Union - SEIU

🏢 About Service Employees International Union - SEIU

SEIU is a dynamic, member-led union of nearly 2 million workers across healthcare, public sector, and property services, dedicated to building a Just Society through collective action and racial justice. Working here means joining a powerful movement that fights for economic and social equity, where your work directly impacts workers' lives and communities.

About This Role

As Senior Bargaining Coordinator, you'll lead complex contract negotiations, including first contracts and multi-employer campaigns, while training local union leaders in bargaining strategies. This role is pivotal in strengthening union power and ensuring workers secure fair wages, benefits, and respect at work.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a strategy call with a local union bargaining team, then shift to training leaders on contract campaign tactics. Afternoon could involve reviewing proposals for a multi-employer negotiation, followed by a meeting with senior staff to align priorities across campaigns. You'll constantly balance coaching, planning, and direct negotiations to build worker power.

🎯 Who Service Employees International Union - SEIU Is Looking For

  • A seasoned labor negotiator with 5-7+ years of experience leading first contracts and multi-employer bargaining, who can craft winning strategies under pressure.
  • A skilled trainer and mentor who can develop union leaders' bargaining skills and integrate racial justice into contract campaigns.
  • An expert in membership growth strategies, with a track record of increasing union density through organizing and contract campaigns.
  • A collaborative leader who can manage senior staff, prioritize multiple campaigns, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.

📝 Tips for Applying to Service Employees International Union - SEIU

1

Highlight specific examples of leading first contracts and multi-employer negotiations, including outcomes and challenges overcome.

2

Emphasize your experience training union leaders in bargaining tactics and contract campaign strategies, with concrete results.

3

Showcase your commitment to racial justice by describing how you've integrated equity into bargaining demands or campaign messaging.

4

Tailor your resume to demonstrate progressive mastery in organizing and negotiations, using metrics like number of contracts won or membership growth.

5

Research SEIU's current campaigns (e.g., Fight for $15, Long-Term Care) and mention how your skills align with their strategic priorities.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your deep experience in labor negotiations, especially first contracts and multi-employer campaigns, and how you've achieved tangible wins.", 'Your ability to train and develop union leaders, with examples of successful training programs or mentorship.', "Your alignment with SEIU's mission of racial and economic justice, and how you've advanced equity in bargaining.", 'Your collaborative approach and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, member-driven environment.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review SEIU's current national campaigns, such as the Fight for $15 and the Long-Term Care initiative, to understand their strategic focus.
  • Read SEIU's annual reports or press releases on recent contract victories to grasp their bargaining priorities.
  • Explore SEIU's racial justice framework and how it's applied in their contract campaigns.
  • Look into SEIU's leadership development programs, like the 'Rising Together' training, to see how they build member power.
Visit Service Employees International Union - SEIU's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a complex negotiation you led from start to finish, including strategy, challenges, and outcomes.
2 How do you train union leaders to become effective negotiators? Give a specific example.
3 How have you integrated racial justice into contract campaigns? Provide an example of a specific demand or tactic.
4 How do you balance multiple campaigns with tight deadlines and limited resources?
5 What's your approach to building union membership through contract campaigns and bargaining?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus solely on personal achievements without linking them to team or member outcomes; SEIU values collective action.
  • Avoid generic language about union work; be specific about your experience with first contracts and multi-employer bargaining.
  • Don't overlook racial justice; failing to mention equity in bargaining can signal a misalignment with SEIU's core values.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Service Employees International Union - SEIU!