Political Organizer & Researcher

The Culinary Union (Local 226) is recruiting a full-time Political Organizer & Researcher to conduct research, develop strategy, and move campaigns with hospitality industry service workers who are fighting to win justice. Our political team conducts member political education to increase political activism and encourage members to run for office, lobbies state and local elected officials, and runs political field campaigns. Our campaigns build power for hospitality workers by advancing pro-worker policies, electing advocates for the working-class, and developing the next generation of labor leaders.

The Culinary Workers Union (Local 226) is the largest local affiliate of UNITE HERE (www.unitehere.org), representing 60,000 hospitality workers in Nevada. (https://www.culinaryunion226.org/).

Job responsibilities will include:

• Conduct research on political candidates, issues, and legislative developments relevant to hospitality workers
• Help develop and deliver political education programs for union members
• Support lobbying efforts by tracking legislation, attending public meetings, and preparing materials for meetings with elected officials
• Assist in planning and executing political field campaigns, including canvassing, phone banking, and voter outreach
• Support efforts to recruit and prepare union members to run for public office or take on leadership roles in political campaigns
• Assist with campaign logistics, data entry, and administrative tasks as needed
• Communicate and build relationships with a wide variety of players including community organizations, company officials, customers, government staff and elected leaders
• Work with UNITE HERE members, organizers, regional staff and elected leaders; assist in moving campaigns forward through organizing and leading actions, as needed.

Desired Qualifications include:

• Passion for, and commitment to, fighting for workers' rights
• BA degree or relevant political and/or activist experience (labor, research, urban planning, or community/campus)
• Strong interpersonal/organizing, analytical, writing, and computer skills
• Willingness to travel extensively, to work long and sometimes irregular hours, and relocate as necessary
• Familiarity with database and word processing software
• Ability to effectively manage a workload with competing priorities and deadlines
• Ability to spend long hours outdoors in summertime temperatures in Las Vegas during political campaigns
• Reliable car and driver’s license

Current Political Organizers and Researchers have worked in the past as community and union organizers, urban planners, journalists, teachers, and researchers elsewhere.

Salary: $67,700

Benefits: The Culinary Union offers a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits include family medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, retirement funds, and generous paid time off.