United Food and Commercial Workers

Senior Research Associate

Based in Washington, DC
(on-site)
ufcw.org

 

Organization:
The UFCW is a dynamic union with members in all 50 states, U.S. territories and Canada. Our members work in grocery stores, non-food retail, food processing, meat processing, distillery and cannabis industries, as well as have footprint in state and local government, healthcare, light manufacturing and warehouses. UFCW members face fights for workplace safety, healthcare, higher wages, fair scheduling and paid sick days/paid leave. We work aggressively to advocate for our members’ benefits at the local, state and national levels.

Location:
Washington, DC (on-site)

Position Description:
The Senior Research Associate is responsible for researching public and private corporations with minimal supervision, in order to develop and execute strategies for confronting corporate power under the guidance and direction of senior staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-depth, ongoing research on public and private companies focused on gathering and analyzing large amounts of information using a wide array of sources with minimal supervision.
• Deal in facts with rigorous accuracy at all times.
• Meticulously produce, proofread, publish, and distribute highly accurate material with close editing and direction by senior staff.
• Communicate clearly and tailor activity to meet varied audience needs.
• Manage competing priorities and meet tight timelines.
• Support campaigns and the priorities of the Union, including political work as needed, in collaboration with varied stakeholders.
• Develop good working relationships with organizers, Local and regional staff, elected leaders, external allies and other stakeholders.
• Conduct interactions with the highest integrity and discretion.
• Travel and extended hours are required.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience
Minimum 3 to 5 years relevant work experience or equivalent. BA degree from college or university, or relevant equivalent research and/or activist experience.

Computer/Software Skills

• Advanced skills in using spreadsheet and database software to organize and analyze information such as Excel, Access or other equivalent programs.
• Demonstrated proficiency with relevant interfaces (APIs) and other tools for gathering data to create customized data sets is a plus.

Communication Skills
Excellent communication, writing, and computer skills. Must be able to represent the Union in various settings

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Required

• Must be able to discern facts, evaluate sources and understand information systems to fulfill research tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to create research plans in support of Union campaigns.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and communicate complex analysis using a wide range of data sets.
• Must have initiative and follow intricate instructions. Is motivated to solve problems and not intimidated or frustrated by detailed and technical tasks.
• Must be able to balance conflicting demands and changing priorities and anticipate future needs.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Must be able to use discretion, handle a wide range of sensitive situations and recognize when to refer to a higher level.
• Works meticulously and accurately under pressures and deadlines.
• Must be able to work professionally with staff at all levels of the organization.

Personal Characteristics

• The basic belief that economic inequality is a pernicious problem and the labor movement is the primary force for making change is deemed a necessary personal characteristic to serve as a foundation for success in the job.
• Attention to detail. Constant curiosity. Knows how to ask questions.
• Maintains an open mind, remains skeptical, and does not jump to unsubstantiated conclusions.
• Demonstrated passion and commitment to confronting and changing power.

Job Demands
Travel is required sometimes last minute. Some irregular or unpredictable hours are required. Work often is performed with multiple projects occurring simultaneously under deadline. Valid driver’s license is required.

Working Conditions
Most work is performed in a normal office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Travel assignments may involve a wide variety of working environments.

Physical Demands
This position involves, but is not limited to, written and oral communications skills, use of computer keyboard, close vision, sitting for long periods, stooping, bending and reaching.

This is an exempt position under the Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Reasonable accommodations will be provided pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Compensation:
Salary Range: $66,931 - $84,445.

The UFCW provides a very generous benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Life insurance provided with the ability to purchase supplemental life insurance at favorable rates.
• Retirement Savings Account.
• 401(k) plan with employer matching.
• Pension plan.
• Dependent care reimbursement account program.
• Health care reimbursement account program.
• Transportation program benefits.
• Three weeks of paid vacation, 12 days of paid short-term sick leave, Extended Sick Leave program, paid parental leave.
• Prepaid Legal Plan (for DC/MD/VA only).

Duration:
This is a full-time position; posting closes when the position is filled.

Vaccination Requirement: The UFCW requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment, consistent with applicable law. Any request or questions may be submitted to hrcovid@ufcw.org.

To Apply:
Submit cover letter, résumé to: humanresources@ufcw.org

*Skills assessments with passing scores are required as part of our pre-employment process. *