Communications Specialist

California Nurses Association / National Nurses Organizing Committee / National Nurses United; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 104,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan

Dental plan

Retirement contributions

Professional development

Job summary

California Nurses Association / NNOC / NNU is seeking an experienced communications professional to lead media relations for national campaigns and union activities. You will write press materials, conduct outreach, and build media relationships to advance labor and healthcare equity.

The role reports to the Communications Director and requires strong AP-style writing, strategic thinking, and adaptability. The position is based in California (Oakland or Los Angeles) with travel as needed and a

Qualifications

• Five years of journalism or media relations experience.
• Two years in social media outreach and campaigns.
• Proven track record of national media coverage across print, online, and electronic outlets.
• Outstanding writing and editing skills; three writing samples required with application.
• Ability to explain complex issues to broad audiences.
• Familiarity with health care, reform, social justice issues; strong analysis preferred.
• Strong grammar, AP style, high attention to detail.
• Ability to write in various voices and tones.
• Spanish language ability is a plus.
• Willingness to travel and work irregular hours.
• Proficiency with MS Office and Google Suite.

Responsibilities

• Build broader awareness of NNU campaigns and visibility nationally and locally by planning and executing communications across media platforms.
• Write press releases, blogs, articles, brochures, speeches, talking points, and other organizational materials.
• Develop and conduct media outreach to promote campaigns and activities.
• Build and maintain relationships with media, reporters, and influencers.
• Develop strategic communications plans to support campaign goals.
• Report to and work under the direction of the NNU Communications Director.

Skills

Journalism

Media relations

Social media

Writing samples

Plain language

Healthcare knowledge

AP style

Bilingual (Spanish)

Travel willingness

MS Office / Google Suite

Job description

The California Nurses Association (CNA)/National Nurses Organizing Committee (NNOC)/National Nurses United (NNU) is leading the national movement for registered nurse power 225,000 strong to transform the profit-driven health care industry into a health care system based on prioritizing patient care.

CNA/NNOC/NNU, the nation's largest union of registered nurses, recognizes that building industrial power and holding employers accountable to nurses’ collective bargaining rights are essential to recruiting and retaining Registered Nurses, while protecting their freedom to advocate for patients without fear of retaliation.

In California the California Nurses Association passed the first historic Registered Nurse to Patient Safe Staffing law – nurses nationwideunderstand lives will be changed by safely limiting the number of very sick patients they are responsible for. Safe staffing makes a real difference in patient outcome and a nurse'sability to do the meaningful work they believe in, providing safe patient care.

Who We Are

We are a militant class-conscious trade union building the collective power of working people. We fight for better workplaces, stronger communities, and a society that puts people before profit. We are seeking organizers who are passionate about justice, motivated by collective action, and committed to helping workers build power.

We welcome candidates from labor, community organizing, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, student movements, political campaigns, and other mission-driven backgrounds.

What We Believe In

• Class Power: We embrace class-struggle – it is through class-struggle we build worker power to defeat the ruling class. Lasting change happens when workers organize and act collectively to improve their workplaces and communities.
• Transformative Change: We are committed to building a stronger labor movement capable of creating meaningful change for working people.
• Political Engagement: Workers have the power to fight back against all forms of oppression that impact our lives through collective action and democratic participation.

Who Thrives Here

Successful candidates are:

• Deeply committed to justice and solidarity
• Strong relationship builders
• Resilient, adaptable, and willing to learn
• Motivated by collective action and worker empowerment
• Comfortable engaging, persuading, and mobilizing others
• Prepared to work irregular hours, adapt to rapid shifts in priorities, travel, respond to campaigns, support workers during nights and weekends, and make personal sacrifices to advance collective goals.

Responsibilities:

• Build broader awareness of NNU campaigns and increase the visibility of the work of the organization on a national and local level by planning and executing communications across all media platforms.
• Write press releases, blogs, magazine articles, brochures, flyers, speeches, talking points, and other organizational materials, as assigned.
• Develop and conduct media outreach to promote varied union and grassroots campaigns, projects, and activities, as assigned.
• Build and maintain relationships with media/reporters/influencers.
• Develop strategic communication and marketing plans essential to supporting the goals and objectives of NNU campaigns.
• Report to and work under the direction of the NNU Communications Director.

Qualifications/Skills:

• Five years’ experience in journalism, past media relations work with unions, political, and/or social advocacy organizations, or the equivalent.
• Two years’ experience in social media outreach and campaigns.
• A proven track record of acquiring national print, electronic, and online media coverage.
• Outstanding verbal communications and writing skills, especially under pressure and tight deadlines. Three writing samples are required with application: one short "news" item, one long-form piece, and one of your choice that best showcases your writing mastery.
• The ability to explain complex issues in a way that is accessible to a broad audience.
• Familiarity with the health care industry, health care reform, social justice issues, and labor strongly preferred. Must have strong grasp and analysis of current news, politics, trends, and events.
• Strong grammar skills, understanding of AP style, high attention to detail.
• Ability to assess the need for and write in various voices and tones.
• Ability to speak Spanish and familiarity with Spanish media landscape is a big plus.
• Willingness to work hours and schedule as needed to complete projects and support organizational campaigns.
• Willingness to travel, as needed.
• Proficiency with MS Office – word processing, spreadsheets – and cloud platforms such as Google Suite.

This position can be based in Oakland or Los Angeles, California.

Compensation and benefits:

Competitive salary range commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package including comprehensive family health and dental plan, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities.

We know that great people make a great organization. We value our people and know that what we offer is essential not just their work, but to their overall well-being.

Pay Range

$103,549 - $124,567 USD

*All CNA/NNOC/NNU employees are required to complete a background check in order to be eligible for employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate based on any protected category, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, gender, gender expression (including transgender expression or pregnancy), political affiliation, age, immigration status or disability. We encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

All submitted application materials must be the direct, original work of the applicant; the use of generative A.I. tools to write your resume, cover letter, or responses is prohibited to preserve the integrity of our hiring process.