Administrative Specialist

Summary: Working under the direction of the Clerical & Facilities Supervisor or an Administrative and Operations Coordinator, the position provides senior-level administrative support and programmatic assistance to field and program activities to meet SEIU’s goals and to support the transformation of our Local. Administrative Specialists are self-motivated individuals who enjoy working with a passionate and collaborative team, providing outstanding service to our members, and continually contributing to the Local’s organizational processes and culture. 

Essential Responsibilities: This position’s essential responsibilities are to provide program, event, administrative, and team/colleague support to the Local. The Administrative Specialist duties listed below are representative of the position:

 Program Support 

• Provide logistical and staff/member support for union strikes, actions, member meetings, trainings, events and conferences  
• Assists in the coordination of political and legislative support activities

• Use professional communication skills to compose both internal and member communications

• When required, attend and participate in department meetings, assisting in agenda preparation, taking, typing and distributing minutes
• Assist in orienting staff understanding of and compliance of the Local’s administrative requirements such as Activity reports and expense report filing
• Ability to locate, retrieve, cross-reference, and assess reliability of a wide variety of information both internally and externally 
• Participate in problem solving   to identify systemic (organizational, processes, and systems) problems/issues, and define and present solutions
• Promote the Local by actively outreaching to staff and act as a resource   on MRC tools and resources  

Meeting & Logistical Support 

• Assist in the research and coordination of logistics and data for event planning, meetings and travel

• Consult with supervisor to assess and understand the needs for the event; areas of discussion and consultation include technical needs, staffing, meeting rooms, hotel rooms, catering, signage, programs, display areas, and other specialized requirements

• Provide event and meeting planning support, including pre/post-event task
• Approach work with effective organizational skills and attention to detail in order to meet multiple, often quickly moving deadlines
• Successfully, collaboratively and efficiently organize/prioritize multiple assignments, demonstrate flexibility in a positive, productive manner, and identify needs for additional support

• Coordinate compilation and distribution of written and other materials and supplies for meetings
• Coordinate the travel arrangements and expense protocols for participating staff 

Administrative Support

a variety of correspondence, reports, flyers, pamphlets or other documents; maintain the control of department files and records

• Proofread a variety of written materials for typographical, grammatical and stylistic errors
• Schedule, coordinate, and maintain calendar appointments

• Support the on-boarding and general orientation of new staff

• Establish and maintain hard copy and/or electronic filing system
• Screen/route telephone calls, independently answer inquiries, accurately record messages; and ensure appropriate staff members receive messages and inquiries
• Receives and screen visitors; determines needs and personally handles routine inquiries or requests
• Distribute incoming mail and packages to designated drop points as well as office supplies and fax transmissions; collects and prepares outgoing mail.
• Responsible for using all copier equipment including high volume copy machines, fax services, postage meter, and personal computer to support assigned department
• Maintain centralized supply ordering, contract expiration tracking, campaign tracking and day-to-day facilities maintenance 
• Set up and maintain presentations, reports or spreadsheets; copyedit documents, as needed

Technical Support

General Operations

• Assist in enhancing work flow processes to increase productivity and service to members
• Manage and complete special projects as assigned, including research and planning
• Responsible for interacting and providing professional level administrative support to Local management and union members
• Respond to member inquiries including the necessary coordination and calculation of time required to complete the requested task
• Provide input and recommendations to enhance the operation and effectiveness of the department
• Participate in meetings, actions, presentations and trainings
• Assist in the coordination and participation in labor union activities such as encouraging non-members to become members by assisting with new member sign up and COPE campaigns 
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities and proactively seeks ways to stay informed on cutting edge trends that could benefit the department
• May provide cross-training to other Operations staff
• Perform other duties as assigned  

Minimum Qualifications and Special Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree or High School diploma with a minimum of three years’ experience in an office-based clerical setting
• Secretarial and administrative knowledge and experience including accurate keyboarding, editing, grammar, and proofreading skills; advanced knowledge of office procedures, techniques, and methods
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite; intermediate computer skills including using a database and calendaring software, and have the ability to learn new software quickly
• Outstanding data entry skills
• Accurate typing skills over 45 words a minute
• Effective organizational skills, attention to detail, accuracy and follow through
• Experience working under limited supervision, in an environment of rapidly changing priorities, deadlines, and frequent interruptions. 
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills necessary to interact professionally with culturally and linguistically diverse staff
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills necessary to identify and make recommendations for administrative problems
• Ability to be self-motivated and flexible, exercising discretion and mature judgment in handling union information, as well as personnel interactions
• Excellent punctuality and attendance
•  Applicants must successfully complete a clerical skills assessment test

Core Competencies:  The following competencies have been identified as critical for success in the role and will be referred to during the selection process 

• Commitment to helping our members’ current and future needs.  Always providing prompt and courteous service
• Willingly shares expertise and important or relevant information with team members   
• Clearly conveys information and ideas to individuals and groups through a variety of communication methods 
• Continually seeks to improve work processes.        Demonstrates the ability to use systems and technology to improve ways of working
• Strives for excellence and efficiency  
• Ability to adjust priorities.  Approaches change positively and adjusts behaviors accordingly.

Salary and Benefits:  Hourly wage starts at $29.4263 and is based on qualifications and experience. SEIU Local 1021 offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package. Including fully employer-paid family health coverage (including domestic partners), life insurance, a defined-benefit pension plan, 401(k) plan, and generous paid leave time.   This position is represented by OPEIU Local 29.

To Apply: Visit our online Career Center found HERE to apply. You must include a detailed résumé, cover letter indicating the position you are applying for, and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three (3) references. This position is open until filled; however, the posting/acceptance of applications may close at any time. No phone calls please.

Hiring: We are committed to hiring staff who reflect our membership and model the unity and equity that we seek to create in our country. For example, women, LGBTQI, people of color, and immigrants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer:  SEIU Local 1021 is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all races, ethnicities, ages, sexes, sexual orientations, marital statuses, religions, or who have a disability. Local 1021 is committed to ensuring fair treatment of applicants and employees and actively enforces policies against discrimination and sexual harassment.