Special Assistant
Location: Washington, DC (HQ)
Annual salary: $118,125
Organization Overview:
We are the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), 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, 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: This position is performed in direct support of a Senior Executive. Most work is confidential and involves the accurate and timely processing of documents and information. This role is highly dynamic and requires an individual with strong logistical, organizational, and communication skills who can operate with discretion and flexibility. This position requires regular travel and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. The incumbent will often travel with the Senior Executive to provide on-the-ground support and real-time coordination. Additionally, the Special Assistant must possess working knowledge of social media platforms and be able to assist in managing the Senior Executive's social media presence in real time, particularly during travel and live engagements.
Primary Responsibilities:
Handles operational responsibilities as backup to the Assistant when accompanying the Principal.
Assist in creating and curating content for social media channels (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, TikTok) in coordination with the Communication team.
Monitor engagement, respond to comments/messages, and escalate issues as directed by the Senior Advisor.
Track performance metrics and help prepare reports on social media activity.
Collaborate with the Communication teams to ensure content aligns with brand messaging and campaigns.
Stay up-to-date on social media trends, platform updates, and best practices.
Performs various administrative duties to ensure the operational functions of the Executive Office run smoothly and cohesively, including preparing correspondence, reports, and confidential documents.
Performs other duties as required to support the Senior Executive and their team, as well as the Executive Office's mission.
Supports live event logistics and manages the Senior Executive's public-facing digital presence during travel and public engagements, including drafting or posting social media updates in coordination with the Communications team.
Maintains strict confidentiality and handles sensitive questions, complaints, and requests for information.
Contacts: Includes SEIU officers, affiliate staff, elected officials, consultants, and representatives from external labor-related entities and partner organizations.
Direction & Decision Making: Reports to the Senior Advisor. Works independently, with a high degree of discretion and confidentiality, and is trusted to make sound decisions in time-sensitive situations.
Education & Experience:
At least seven (7) years of related experience, including a minimum of five (5) years supporting a senior-level executive, elected official, or comparable leader. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered. Must demonstrate:
- Thorough knowledge of office administrative operations and modern office systems.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating complex travel logistics and providing in-person support during high-level events or engagements.
- Experience managing or supporting a professional social media presence is required.
- Familiarity with social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social, Buffer)
- Basic graphic design skills (Canva, Adobe Spark) are a plus
- Familiarity with union operations or experience in a mission-driven organization.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to be creative and attention to detail
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
- Ability to work independently and use sound judgement.
- Proven team player who is proactive
- Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite and/or Google Workspace, Zoom, and database tools like Quickbase.
- Physical Requirement: This position primarily operates in an office environment but requires regular travel. Must be able to adapt to various settings, manage a demanding schedule, and work outside traditional hours (including nights and weekends) as needed.
