Lead Communicator

SEIU Local 1021; California City (CA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

SEIU Local 1021 in Northern California is seeking a Lead Communicator to oversee all aspects of union communications across traditional and new media. Under the supervision of the Communications Director, design campaigns, craft messages, and lead staff across campaigns, regions, and industries to advance our labor movement.

The role requires 2+ years in union communications or relevant campaigns, strong writing and design skills, and willingness to work irregular hours and travel within

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional experience in union communications or campaigns or related nonprofit work.
• Public sector union experience preferred.
• Understanding of graphic design principles.
• Experience with email marketing and advocacy tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Design and present strategic campaign plans across traditional and new media with clear deliverables and deadlines.
• Write and edit publications, talking head pieces, scripts, brochures, newsletters and feature stories.
• Develop curricula, materials and training for staff and members on communication methods.
• Coordinate press conferences and media events, including press releases and advisories.
• Capture and edit photos and video for production materials and for campaigns.
• Maintain and update SEIU Local 1021 website with campaign and member information.

Skills

Campaign design

Media relations

Storytelling

Team leadership

Microsoft Office

Social media management

Public speaking

Tools

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

YouTube

Job description

Lead Communicator Based in Northern California

SEIU Local 1021 was founded in 2007 when ten local unions came together in Northern California to form one larger, more powerful union. Together our members are building a true 21st century union fighting to empower our members and improve our society. We are 54,000 strong - organizing and representing public service workers in cities, counties, courts, schools, private non-profits, special districts, public health care, nursing and higher education. We are looking for energetic, hard-working staff who are committed to real change, who believe in the value of work and the value of public services and who want to be part of the team that wins for workers, their families and their communities.

Location:

Northern California

Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Communications Director, the Lead Communicator is responsible for all aspects of communication in support of SEIU Local 1021 core purposes. Duties vary by campaign, and may include by are not limited to the following:

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Design and present strategic campaign plans that accomplish organizational goals through traditional and new media platforms with expected deliverables and deadlines.


• Design, write and edit publications, talking head pieces, broadcast scripts, in-depth political pieces, brochures, newsletters and feature stories


• Develop curriculum, materials and training for staff and members on communication methods


• Regularly update and maintain campaign templates, photo gallery and communications information that are easily accessible to staff


• Coordinate all aspects of press conferences and media events, including preparation and distribution of press releases and advisories, collecting information, quotes and contact information and prepping training leaders to speak to the press


• Capture and edit photos and video for production materials


• Produce coordinated communication throughout the local across multiple platforms


• Maintain and update SEIU Local 1021 website with campaign and member-specific information


• Leads communications staff across multiple campaigns, regions and industries.


• Reviews communications team work plans and provides actionable feedback to colleagues


• Leads special projects designed to expand the Local’s communications capacity.


• Act as an internal agent of change, consistently challenging leaders and staff to think differently about their work and the Local’s vision

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Be forward-thinking, bold, and creative


• Ability to think strategically about messaging and implementation of work into multiple communications platforms


• Understanding of union campaigns and issues and have the ability to articulate campaign messages effectively for a worker audience


• Ability to work effectively as part of a team


• Ability to work under pressure, be well organized, self-motivated and organizational


• Ability to exercise good judgment


• Ability to make good use of union resources and other available tools


• Ability to build, to communicate clearly and persuasively verbally and in writing


• Ability to work independently under tight deadlines and in a team environment


• An understanding of the labor movement and a commitment to improving conditions for working people is essential


• Willingness and desire to learn new technologies, tactics, and strategies

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 2+ year’s professional experience working in communications and press relations for unions, progressive political campaigns or non-profit organizations


• Prior experience with and understanding of the public sector preferred


• Demonstrated understanding and application of graphic design principles


• Experience using email marketing and advocacy tools


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office


• Demonstrated understanding and use of social media and online tools, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube


• Commitment to racial, gender and economic justice and their intersections, both inside and outside organizations

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willingness to work irregular and long hours, including weekends and holidays to attend required evening and weekend events/meetings


• Extensive travel may be required, primarily within Northern California

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The current salary range is $76,054.81 – $124,917.00 based on qualifications and experience. There is a competitive and comprehensive benefits package.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a valid California driver’s license; pass a DMV check and have a good driving record


• Have auto insurance that covers business driving (minimum of $100,000 per person/$300,000 per incident bodily injury liability/$50,000 property coverage); and must possess an automobile for business use.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

SEIU Local 1021 is an affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability. Local 1021 works to ensure fair treatment of applicants and employees and actively enforces policies against discrimination and sexual harassment.