Research Assistant

Location

San Diego, CA | United States

Job description

UDW Overview:  
United Domestic Workers of America, UDW/AFSCME Local 3930 is a statewide labor union that represents more than 170,000 home care and family child care providers in 45 counties in California. Founded in 1979, UDW is a diverse, progressive labor organization that seeks dynamic, committed individuals who will support our members and those for whom they care locally, statewide and at the national level. 

UDW is one of California’s largest labor unions. We consistently support and lead important social justice initiatives like fighting for racial justice, income inequality, and affordable health care for all. We are committed to respect and dignity for seniors, people with disabilities, and the children in our care. We fight for better working conditions and fair pay for home care and child care providers, and full funding for life-saving programs like In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and subsidized family child care. For more information about UDW, please visit our website at

Job Information:  
Job Title: Research Assistant
Job Type: Hourly, Non-Exempt 
Department: Executive Director
Reports to: Special Assistant to the Executive Director 
Job Location: San Diego, CA
Schedule: Full-time - Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Hybrid (In office/remote)
Salary Range: $23.50 to $25.61 per hour (depending on experience)

Job Summary:
As a Research Assistant for a social justice union, you will play a crucial role in supporting the organization's mission of advancing workers' rights and advocating for marginalized communities. Your responsibilities will include conducting in-depth research on labor issues, political campaigns, and policy initiatives to inform strategic decision-making. Collaborating with union organizers and political program managers, you will collect and analyze data to develop evidence-based strategies that promote social justice and equity. Your work will contribute to the development of innovative programs and campaigns aimed at empowering workers and promoting social change within the union and broader community. Through your dedication to research excellence and passion for social justice, you will help drive positive impact and meaningful change for those most in need of support and representation. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 
• Conduct research on labor rights, social justice issues, and legislative policies relevant to the union's mission.
• Assist in developing strategies for union organizing campaigns and membership recruitment efforts.
• Compile data and analyze trends related to labor demographics, membership engagement, and political developments.
• Support the planning and implementation of political programs and campaigns aimed at advancing social justice causes.
• Monitor news sources, legislative updates, and policy proposals that impact the union's advocacy efforts.
• Collaborate with union organizers and political managers to coordinate outreach initiatives and community engagement activities.
• Prepare briefing materials, reports, and presentations for union leadership and external stakeholders.
• Assist in drafting campaign messaging, press releases, and social media content to promote union initiatives.
• Conduct surveys, focus groups, and interviews to gather feedback from union members and community partners.
• Maintain databases, contact lists, and research archives to support data-driven decision-making.
• Assist in organizing events, rallies, and educational workshops to mobilize union members and allies.
• Provide administrative support for meetings, conferences, and training sessions related to union activities.
• Review and analyze financial reports, budgets, and grant proposals to ensure compliance with funding requirements.
• Collaborate with legal advisors and policy experts to review proposed legislation and regulatory changes.
• Coordinate with external research organizations and academic institutions to access relevant data and expertise.
• Monitor metrics and key performance indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of union programs and campaigns.
• Assist in developing advocacy strategies to address inequities and promote social justice within the labor movement.
• Provide logistical support for lobbying efforts, coalition building, and public awareness campaigns.
• Offer research support for collective bargaining negotiations, contract disputes, and labor arbitration cases.
• Conduct background checks, due diligence investigations, and risk assessments for potential partnerships.
• Stay informed about emerging issues, best practices, and innovations in union organizing and political advocacy.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance research skills, data analysis techniques, and policy expertise.
• Collaborate with communications staff to produce multimedia content, infographics, and visual storytelling materials.
• Support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the union and advocate for underrepresented communities.
• Uphold ethical standards, confidentiality protocols, and data protection measures in all research activities.
• Respond to inquiries from union members, media outlets, and community organizations regarding research findings.
• Foster relationships with academic researchers, subject matter experts, and thought leaders in the social justice field.
• Contribute to grant writing, fundraising campaigns, and donor stewardship activities to secure financial support.
• Participate in union committees, task forces, and working groups focused on strategic planning and organizational development.
• Embrace a collaborative, team-oriented approach to problem-solving, innovation, and continuous improvement within the union.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Understanding of labor rights, social justice issues, and legislative policies related to union organizing.
• Knowledge of research methodologies, data analysis techniques, and report writing.
• Familiarity with political campaign strategies, advocacy tactics, and community organizing principles.
• Awareness of trends in social justice movements, grassroots activism, and public policy debates.
• Understanding of the role of unions in advocating for workers' rights and promoting social change.
• Strong research skills with the ability to gather, organize, and analyze information from various sources.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports, briefings, and communications materials.
• Proficiency in using data analysis tools, survey instruments, and statistical software.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to assess complex issues and develop actionable recommendations.
• Project management skills to coordinate multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively with team members.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including union members and community partners.
• Flexibility and adaptability to navigate evolving priorities and respond to emerging opportunities or challenges.
• Capacity to maintain confidentiality, uphold ethical standards, and adhere to organizational values.
• Problem-solving and Organizational Skills: Possesses strong problem-solving skills and organizational abilities to handle sensitive and confidential information. Ability to resolve payroll-related issues efficiently, identify and address discrepancies, and ensure smooth operations.
• Tech Proficiency: Displays proficiency in using payroll management software and other tech tools for efficient payroll processing. Stays up to date with technological 
• Evaluation and Reporting: Familiar with performance evaluation methodologies and experience in monitoring and assessing payroll outcomes. Ability to generate reports and complete progress updates for management.
• Project Management: Strong organizational and time management skills to plan, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate project goals, objectives, and outcomes. Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Relationship Building: Ability to cultivate and maintain positive relationships with funders, partners, and community stakeholders. Skills in networking and collaboration.
• Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy and completeness in applications, budgets, and reports. Ability to review and edit documents for grammar, clarity, and coherence.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Ability to adapt to changing requirements, priorities, and timelines. Willingness to learn and apply new techniques and strategies in payroll coordination.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in using computer applications and software related to grant management, project management tools, spreadsheet software, and online submission portals.
• Ethical and Professional Conduct: Commitment to maintaining high ethical standards in all aspects of finance and payroll coordination, including confidentiality, conflict of interest, and compliance with laws and regulations.
• Highly Organized: Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Verbal Communication: Ability to present research findings, recommendations, and complex information to various audiences in a clear and concise manner.
• Time Management and Multitasking: Strong organizational skills to prioritize tasks effectively and work efficiently to meet project milestones.
• Initiative and Creativity: Self-starter mentality with the ability to take initiative, propose innovative solutions, and contribute proactively to research challenges.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in a team, collaborate with colleagues, build relationships with stakeholders, and contribute to a positive work environment.
• Commitment to Labor and Social Justice: Strong dedication to labor and social justice issues demonstrated through previous work or volunteer experience, and a genuine passion for advocating for equitable policies and supporting marginalized communities.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Advanced degree in a relevant field such as labor studies, sociology, political science, public policy, or a related discipline.
• 1-2 years of previous experience working in a research capacity within a labor union, non-profit organization, political campaign, or advocacy group.
• Knowledge of labor history, collective bargaining agreements, and labor law.
• Experience conducting field research, surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather data.
• Proficiency in using data visualization tools to present research findings in a clear and compelling manner.
• Familiarity with social media analytics, online survey platforms, and digital engagement strategies.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and advancing the rights of workers, marginalized communities, and underrepresented groups.
• Training in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including experimental design, sampling techniques, and statistical analysis.
• Experience with technical writing, fundraising, and donor relations to support research projects and initiatives.

Requirements:  
• Ability to work from UDW’s office three days/per week.
• Some travel is required (about 3-5% a month) with a reliable vehicle. 
• Valid driver's license

Employee Benefits:
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life / AD&D
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Pension Plan
• Paid Vacation Days
• Paid Sick Leave
• Personal Day (8 hours)
• 16 Paid Holiday
• Floating Holiday

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement:
UDW has adopted a COVID-19 vaccination policy to safeguard the health and well-being of our employees. As a condition of employment, our employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless a reasonable accommodation is approved or as otherwise required by law.

Physical Demands: 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is required to stand, walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

Work Environment: 
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is primarily exposed to an office-type environment. The employee will frequently work on or around office equipment and furniture. The noise level in the work environment is low to moderate. The employee will frequently work with deadlines under pressure and will occasionally be required to work alone. The employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor environments which can include exposure to vehicles, moving mechanical parts; vibration; odors, fumes, gases, smoke, dust, or airborne particles; and outside weather conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
UDWA is an equal opportunity employer, and, as such, does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based on race, creed, color, age, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, disability, or any other classification protected from discrimination under applicable law.

Notice of E-Verify Participation: 
This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that your employer has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact DHS (888) 897-7781, dhs.gov/e-verify

Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply for this position, please visit UDW’s career page and submit your application.
UDW’s career link →

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