Arena Careers

Job Title: Special Assistant

Grade: MGT E

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: (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.)

• Primary responsibility is scheduling, in coordination with the Director of Scheduling, identifying conflicts or other opportunities to advance the union’s mission.
• Performs various administrative duties to ensure the operational functions of the Executive Office run smoothly and cohesively, including preparing correspondence, reports, and confidential documents.
• Assists with Organizing and managing speaking requests and engagements; serves as the primary point of contact between requestors and the Executive Office.
• Assists in planning and preparation for special projects and initiatives led by the Senior Executive.
• 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 union operations or experience in a mission-driven organization.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and use sound judgement.
• 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.