Strategic Communications Representative (x2)

Strategic Communications Representative (x2)

Job Title: Strategic Communications Representative
Job Classification: Union Representatives Bargaining Unit
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time
Location: Head Office, New Westminster
Reports to: Senior Director of Communications

About the Role

UFCW 1518 is seeking two Strategic Communications Representatives to join our team during an exciting period of transformation. Reporting to the Senior Director of Communications, you will help implement a strategic approach to union communications, member engagement, digital organizing, and other campaigns.

Note to Candidates: We’re building a complementary team where responsibilities will be distributed based on individual strengths. We don’t expect a single candidate to excel in all listed areas. If you’re strong in some of these areas and have the aptitude to grow in others, we encourage you to apply!

The Opportunity

As Strategic Communications Representative, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Help showcase the union’s effectiveness and value through strategic communications that build trust and confidence
• Drive growth and build power in priority sectors by developing data-informed communications campaigns to generate leads or support key initiatives
• Empower UFCW 1518 members through the effective distribution of timely information and the creation of content that reinforces a strong collective identity

Responsibilities and Impact

You’ll balance strategic project ownership with responsive communications support, working on a mix of planned initiatives and emerging needs.

The team of two Strategic Communications Representatives will collectively cover the following areas:

Strategic Thinking

• Strategic planning and campaigns: Develop and execute audience-focused communications plans to support ongoing communications programs, organizing campaigns (lead acquisition), event promotion, bargaining efforts, advocacy actions, and other initiatives
• Strategic dissemination: Ensure members receive timely, clear, accessible, and relevant information in today’s fragmented communication environment
• Consultation management: Proactively consult with cross-functional departments (Events, Administration, Representation, Organizing) to gather appropriate feedback for communication initiatives, ensuring ownership of the feedback process from identification to implementation

Content Creation

• Content creation: Identify, create and distribute compelling, audience-focused content in multiple formats for various platforms (email, social media, web, print) to raise the union’s profile and support organizational goals
• Visual design: Design and produce engaging visual products that strengthen identification with the union and drive member engagement
• Content management: Maintain content calendars for social media and other digital channels that align with organizational priorities and campaigns
• Documentary photo/videography: Capture high-quality photographs and video footage at union events, actions, and member activities
• Persuasive storytelling: Create emotionally resonant content that persuades target audiences by translating impactful moments into compelling narratives

Digital Engagement

• Email marketing: Execute the union’s email marketing program; implement best practices to optimize deliverability and maximize engagement
• Paid advertising: Develop data-driven paid advertising campaigns across platforms; implement data-driven campaign optimizations
• Strategic social media: Strategically leverage social media platforms to support goals, maximizing algorithmic exposure and engagement across different platforms
• Website Management: Support the strategic oversight of the union’s website, ensuring it is an effective information hub for members; support initiatives to optimize the site for improved user experience and engagement
• Interactive infrastructure: Develop user-friendly digital forms that streamline member engagement through intuitive interfaces for event registration, survey completion, and feedback collection.
• Digital analytics: Measure and report on digital initiatives effectiveness; provide data-backed recommendations for improvement

Project Management

• Project management: Drive complex communications projects and programs forward from concept to completion, following project management fundamentals and ensuring quality and timely delivery
• Time management: Prioritize, triage, and scope communications requests based on strategic value and available resources
• Process management: Identify and recommend process improvements by assessing existing workflows, identifying friction points, and suggesting solutions to enhance productivity and collaboration
• Internal coordination: Maintain proactive information-sharing protocols with union representatives and relevant departments, ensuring alignment of messaging before external communications to prevent knowledge gaps

Other Duties

• Member Representation: As needed, assist in first contract campaigns, workplace visits, and fostering relationships with management while advocating for members in areas such as health & safety, human rights and grievance management
• Member Engagement & Organizing: Develop and implement engagement strategies to connect with members and non-members in the workplace and community. Support organizing campaigns as needed by participating in outreach events to educate members of the benefits of joining the union
• Member Education: Educating workers/members about union membership and other relevant topics. Planning and facilitating education programs and workshops for members if required

Qualifications and Experience

• 5+ years of professional experience in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field; a combination of relevant education, experience, and demonstrated skills will be considered
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing successful strategic communications plans for small and mid-sized initiatives; proven track record executing acquisition campaigns and creating engaging digital content
• Strong writing skills with ability to create concise, compelling, plain-language content optimized for online platforms and diverse audiences
• Graphic design skills with ability to create visually compelling materials that align with brand guidelines; proficiency in content creation software (Adobe Creative Suite or similar)
• Familiarity with user experience principles, including information architecture, accessibility compliance, and search engine/social media/ai optimization
• Proven experience managing effective paid digital advertising campaigns across multiple platforms
• Experience in project management and leading cross-functional initiatives; familiarity with Agile principles and knowledge of Asana are assets
• Demonstrated commitment to workers’ rights and alignment with our union’s values of democratic participation, Indigenous reconciliation, economic and social justice, and fairness for all
• Portfolio demonstrating strong writing and visual storytelling skills

Valued Additional Skills

• Experience with email marketing platforms, including familiarity with segmentation strategies, automation workflows, technical integrations, and A/B testing
• Proficiency with digital analytics platforms, including web analytics, social media ads managers, and email marketing reporting
• Experience with content management systems, including familiarity with Wordpress and Elementor
• Ability to read and modify HTML/CSS code for landing pages and email templates
• Proficient in capturing high-quality photography and creating social media-friendly videos
• Experience designing and executing SMS/text-messaging campaigns, including familiarity with conversational platforms like Prompt
• Experience working for a labour union, advocacy, or political organization
• Familiarity with organizing principles and digital organizing tools and platforms
• Proficiency in additional languages (particularly Punjabi or Mandarin)
• Knowledge of labor unions or progressive advocacy organizations

We welcome individuals to apply even if they don’t possess all the listed qualifications and skills. We value both well-rounded communicators and specialists with expertise in specific areas.

Ideal Qualities

• You’re strategic rather than reactive in your approach to communications
• You’re able to prioritize high-impact work and manage competing demands
• You are a sharp thinker and can communicate effectively verbally or in writing
• You have a strong aesthetic sense and an eye for overall design cohesion
• You are skilled at visual storytelling and capturing authentic moments
• You are confident receiving constructive feedback
• You are culturally competent and sensitive to the needs of a diverse membership
• You can occasionally work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends

Competitive Compensation

This position offers a salary range of $97,569.16 to $113,260.68 per year along with other benefits and a healthy work-life balance in a hybrid work environment.

Benefits

• Dental care
• Disability Insurance
• Extended health care
• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Pension

Why UFCW 1518?

• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of working people
• Grow professionally through ongoing development opportunities
• Enjoy a competitive compensation package including extended health benefits and pension
• Maintain work-life balance with reasonable hours and paid time off
• Join a diverse, collaborative and caring team environment where members actively support each other’s success and welcome innovation and creative solutions

About UFCW 1518

UFCW 1518 is BC’s largest private sector union, representing over 28,000 frontline workers in grocery retail, healthcare, food production, cannabis, and more. We are a member-driven, progressive union that takes pride in our dynamic approach to member engagement, innovative organizing tactics, and commitment to improving the lives of working people.

How to Apply

Apply with your resume and cover letter today by emailing your resume and cover letter to careers@ufcw1518.com.

Submissions should include a portfolio showcasing writing, graphic design, and visual storytelling abilities.

UFCW 1518 is committed to workforce diversity and encourages all qualified individuals to submit their application.