SEIU Local 509
 

Leadership Development Trainer

Based in Marlborough, MA

 

About SEIU Local 509
SEIU Local 509 is a fast-growing, progressive union representing over 20,000 state workers, human service workers, higher education faculty and graduate student workers, and family child care providers in Massachusetts. In the current political environment, the union has a steadfast commitment to increase participation and power among its rank-and-file membership.

General description of position
This position is responsible for crafting and executing a strong leadership development program for Local 509 staff, elected leaders, stewards, and other members. This position plays a key role in expanding the capacity of the union to build strong worker organization at every worksite. The staff and member development program teaches the skills to build a high participation union with respect to:

1. organizing methods 
2. contract enforcement
3. bargaining and negotiations
4. political education

Example of duties

• Improve upon the existing curricula and system of steward trainings
• Plan and implement a “Leadership Academy” for members who are committed to taking a larger role in building the strength of their union
• Support and guide staff in developing the leadership of members in their respective areas; this would involve train-the-trainer offerings for staff and member leaders, or accompanying staff & member leaders to worksites to co-facilitate workshops
• Identify and/or provide other opportunities for staff development; particular needs include: 
  • an onboarding program for new staff
  • bargaining and negotiation support for newer staff
• Improve upon existing workshops for officers on chapter boards and the Joint Executive Board
• Provide/coordinate workshops on demand
• Serve as point for planning the Local’s annual stewards assembly
• Observe and/or offer support in the field re: grievances, representation, bargaining, and organizing for the purposes of staying up-to-date and have context-specific knowledge for training and staff/member development purposes

Qualifications
Required

• A demonstrated record as a community or labor organizer in building power among members/workers (e.g., structure-based organizing);
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in staff and/or member development OR internal organizing, including organizing methods, contract enforcement, and bargaining and negotiations;
• Computer proficiency and an ability to learn new technologies.

Preferred

• Experience in leading and developing the capacity of staff organizers;
• Background in popular education, political education, and/or other interactive pedagogies preferred;
• Bilingual in Spanish and/or other languages, such as Portuguese or Haitian Creole.

The Ideal Candidate
There are many qualities that make up an ideal candidate. You might be a perfect fit for this role if this describes you: 

• Committed to the labor movement, progressive social change, and building rank-and-file power;
• Able to work effectively with limited guidance, both independently and as part of a team;
• Able to receive and offer feedback;
• Able to accurately assess priorities and balance the progress of multiple short and long-term projects;
• Excellent written and oral communication/interpersonal skills;
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills;
• Highly organized and efficient, with a meticulous attention to detail.

Supervision
You will report to the Field Director. As a trainer, you will not directly supervise other staff, but you will provide close mentorship and guidance. This may involve training, delegating, offering critical feedback, and leading special projects. You may supervise paid member organizers or interns.

Working Conditions
This job is based in our Marlborough, MA office, but may work remotely as appropriate. Frequent travel within Massachusetts and occasional out-of-state travel is required. Working long hours, evenings, and weekends is often necessary; the baseline expectation is to work 37.5 hours across 5 days each week.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Standing while attending various indoor and outdoor events, sometimes for a full working day, even in potentially uncomfortable (but not unsafe) weather.

Compensation
This is a bargaining unit position in the Local 509 Staff Union; salary and benefits are determined by the union's Collective Bargaining Agreement with SEIU Local 509. As of 2025 the range for this position is $88,426.12 to $100,172.69 / year paid biweekly. Benefits include, at no cost to the employee, health insurance with HRA, dental insurance, short and long-term disability, employer contributions to the SEIU pension plan, an optional 401k (no employer match) and FSA, and generous paid time off.

Application Process:
SEIU Local 509 is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity — women, BIPOC, LGBT candidates and candidates from other marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

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 require accommodations prior to submitting an application, please email atemple@seiu509.org or call 508-861-8938. 

To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a résumé and cover letter to: jobapplication@seiu509.org. Please include “Leadership Development Trainer” in the subject line. 

Questions about the position can be directed to vyang@seiu509.org.

Applications are reviewed as they are received. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline for priority consideration is July 31, 2025.

**SEIU Local 509 requires all employees to have at least one full course of the COVID-19 Vaccination or an approved exemption from Local 509 by the time of hire.*