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Strategic Researcher

About 509

SEIU Local 509 is a fast-growing, progressive union representing over 23,000 state workers, human service workers, higher education faculty, and family child care providers in Massachusetts. This position is part of the Local’s Strategic Campaigns department. In the current political environment, the union has a steadfast vision to increase participation and power among its rank-and-file membership.

SEIU Local 509 is part of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), one of the largest and fastest-growing labor unions in the United States.

Job Description

SEIU Local 509 is hiring a full-time Strategic Researcher. In close collaboration with other Union staff and member leaders, the Strategic Researcher will assist in the development and implementation of a broad spectrum of strategic plans to advance campaigns and interests of Local 509 members.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

  • Advance Local 509’s mission as a leading advocate for quality services, family-supporting jobs, and strong communities 
  • Coordinate with member organizer/leaders and staff to gather pertinent information and conduct original research in preparation for contract negotiations, policy advocacy, and new organizing
  • Develop resources to track industry trends in support of our organizing work
  • Help disseminate, present, and utilize research for contract negotiations and member advocacy
  • Work with other sectors/teams to help develop and execute strategic plans for both urgent action and long-term planning related to contract negotiations, new organizing, and member advocacy
  • Drive projects in collaboration with other sectors/teams to keep plans on track, coordinate work, and assess needs of campaign
  • Train and support staff and members in the field to execute complex campaign plan
  • Perform additional assignments as required. Candidates should be strategic, creative thinkers, and skilled multi-taskers with an understanding of union organizing and contract negotiation

 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Reports to the Strategic Campaigns Director

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • At least 2 years’ experience in research roles with unions, union staff positions, progressive candidates/elected officials, or grassroots organizations
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrable success distilling complex issues into digestible public-facing messages
  • Thorough understanding of search engines, data analysis, and translating complex financial data
  • Ability to incorporate research into strategic campaign plans
  • Willingness to work with and teach a diverse workforce in a multitude of industries
  • Commitment to the labor movement and overall progressive social change, including but not limited to addressing systemic racism, gender parity, income inequality, immigrant rights, and LGBTQIA+ issues (see our Solidarity Principles)
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in rapid response situations
  • A willingness to learn and support different staff roles
  • Willingness to work nights and weekends, including travel throughout the state and some out of state travel
  • Must have a driver’s license, vehicle registration, and/or intent to purchase a vehicle. Our main office is located in Marlborough, MA, and the position will require travel around the state
  • Team player


PREFERRED SKILLS:

  • Organizing and bargaining experience is a plus
  • Strong technology skills
  • Bilingual skills are a plus (English/Spanish)

Salary & Benefits

This is a full-time bargaining unit position based in Marlborough, MA, with some flexibility for local remote work. The salary range for this position is $91,078.91 – $103,177.87 depending on experience. Benefits include, at no cost to the employee: health insurance with FSA and HRA, dental insurance, short and long-term disability, a pension, an optional 401k, and generous paid time off.

Must have a driver’s license, vehicle registration, and/or intent to purchase a vehicle. Our main office is located in Marlborough, MA, and the position will require travel around the state.

SEIU Local 509 requires new employees to have a record of COVID-19 vaccination or a valid accommodation at the time of hire.

How to apply

To apply to this position, please submit an updated resume and a thoughtfully written cover letter to jobapplication@seiu509.org and indicate “Strategic Researcher” in the subject line. The application deadline is 9/23/2026

Candidates who advance should expect initial in-person interviews at our Marlborough, MA headquarters beginning in September followed by a second round interview and a final interview with union leadership. 

We want to interview the best candidates for our organization. If you think you have the skills to fill the role and serve our mission, even if you don’t meet every qualification in the list, please consider applying. We review all applications thoroughly and are open to considering candidates from many different backgrounds.

If you would like to request accommodation during the interview process, please email kburkart@seiu509.org. Accommodation requests will be handled confidentially. Please do not send inquiries about the status of your application.

SEIU Local 509 is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, cultural heritage, ancestry, political belief, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability or veteran status. SEIU Local 509 is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and we are committed to making special accommodations for your interview or work as a member of our team.