Program Manager, Research & Strategy

Role Description

SEIU is seeking an experienced applied researcher and strategist to deepen the union's understanding of the racial histories, economic conditions, policies, institutional practices, and industry trends shaping the sectors where SEIU members work and organize.

The Senior Coordinator will lead race-class, historical, sector, and emerging-issues research; develop clear findings and strategic analysis; and connect that work to Racial Justice Center priorities, campaigns, programs, organizational decision-making, and efforts to build worker power.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead applied research into the sectors and industries where SEIU operates, with attention to racial history, economic conditions, labor structures, and implications for workers and organizing.
• Analyze laws, policies, economic systems, institutional practices, and industry trends that have created or reinforced racial exclusion, disinvestment, occupational segregation, and racial wealth and income gaps.
• Develop race-class analysis that connects historical and current conditions to campaigns, programs, organizational priorities, and opportunities to build worker power.
• Research emerging racial- and economic-justice issues affecting SEIU members, sectors, campaigns, and communities.
• Examine barriers and opportunities related to cross-racial solidarity, collective action, and worker organization across employers, industries, sectors, and geographies.
• Produce research reports, sector analyses, briefing materials, presentations, and other products that clearly communicate findings, implications, and strategic considerations.
• Work with the Director and RJC colleagues to frame research questions and develop evidence-based recommendations for campaigns, programs, and organizational strategy.
• Collaborate with SEIU departments, centers, local unions, and campaign teams to identify research needs, interpret findings, and apply race-class analysis to their work.
• Build relationships with scholars, researchers, movement organizations, and external experts to strengthen the union's analytical depth and remain current on relevant research and thinking.

Qualifications

• Five to seven years of experience conducting applied research related to racial justice, economic justice, labor, public policy, industry conditions, social movements, or comparable subject matter, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience advancing racial or economic justice in a union, worker organization, movement organization, research institution, policy organization, or comparable social justice setting.
• Demonstrated experience conducting historical, sector, industry, policy, economic, qualitative, or quantitative research and connecting findings to current strategy or decision-making.
• Deep knowledge of racial and economic justice theory and practice, including the ability to apply race-class analysis to institutions, industries, policies, and worker experiences.
• Working knowledge of labor, unions, worker organizations, or worker-led campaigns; direct union experience is preferred.
• Strong analytical judgment and the ability to develop clear, well-supported conclusions from complex, incomplete, or competing sources of information.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce substantive research products and explain complex findings to varied internal audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple research projects, work across functions, and build productive relationships with staff, leaders, local unions, scholars, and external partners.
• High emotional intelligence, cultural competence, and political judgment, particularly when researching or discussing sensitive racial, historical, economic, or organizational issues.

Physical Requirements

Work is generally performed in an office setting, but may be required in other settings conducive to performing the work required to complete the assignment, such as field assignments. Long and extended hours and travel required.

Compensation & Benefits

• A comprehensive, employer-sponsored health benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• A defined benefit pension plan.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Additional benefits consistent with a mission-driven workplace.