Lead communicator

SEIU Local 1021; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 76,054 - 124,917; Full time

Job summary

SEIU Local 1021 seeks a Lead Communicator to oversee communications across campaigns in Northern California. The role works under the Communications Director to shape messaging, develop materials, and coordinate press events.

Responsibilities include producing publications and training staff on communication methods, maintaining campaign templates and the local website, and guiding a team across regions. Requires 2+ years in union/advocacy communications and graphic design understanding.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in communications and press relations for unions, progressive campaigns, or non-profits.
• Demonstrated understanding and application of graphic design principles.
• Experience using email marketing and advocacy tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; social media and online tools experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and present strategic campaign plans across traditional and new media with deadlines.
• Write and edit publications, talking head pieces, newsletters and feature stories.
• Develop training materials for staff on communication methods.
• Coordinate press conferences and media events, draft releases and advisories.

Skills

Forward-thinking

Strategic messaging

Team player

Under pressure

Judgment

Union campaigns experience

Creativity

Learning new technologies

Tools

Microsoft Office

Email marketing tools

Advocacy tools

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter/YouTube

Job description

Lead communicator
Northern California (Posted 7/23/2026)

Post July 23, 2026

LOCATION:

Northern California

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision of theCommunications Director, the Lead Communicator is responsible forall aspects of communication in support of SEIU Local 1021 corepurposes. Duties vary by campaign, and may include by are notlimited to the following:

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Design and present strategic campaign plans that accomplishorganizational goals through traditional and new media platformswith 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 andmembers on communication methods
• Regularly update and maintain campaign templates, photogallery and communications information that are easily accessibleto staff
• Coordinate all aspects of press conferences and media events,including preparation and distribution of press releases andadvisories, collecting information, quotes and contactinformation and prepping training leaders to speak to the press
• Capture and edit photos and video for production materials
• Produce coordinated communication throughout the local acrossmultiple platforms
• Maintain and update SEIU Local 1021 website with campaign andmember-specific information
• Leads communications staff across multiple campaigns, regionsand industries.
• Reviews communications team work plans and providesactionable feedback to colleagues
• Leads special projects designed to expand the Local’scommunications capacity.
• Act as an internal agent of change, consistently challengingleaders and staff to think differently about their work and theLocal’s vision

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Be forward-thinking, bold, and creative
• Ability to think strategically about messaging andimplementation of work into multiple communications platforms.
• Understanding of union campaigns and issues and have theability to articulate campaign messages effectively for a workeraudience
• 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 otheravailable tools
• Ability to build, to communicate clearly and persuasivelyverbally and in writing
• Ability to work independently under tight deadlines and in ateam 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 communicationsand press relations for unions, progressive political campaignsor non-profit organizations
• Prior experience with and understanding of the public sectorpreferred
• Demonstrated understanding and application of graphic designprinciples
• Experience using email marketing and advocacy tools
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Demonstrated understanding and use of social media and onlinetools, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube
• Commitment to racial, gender and economic justice and theirintersections, both inside and outside organizations

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willingness to work irregular and long hours, includingweekends and holidays to attend required evening and weekendevents/meetings
• Extensive travel may be required, primarily within NorthernCalifornia

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 DMVcheck and have a good driving record
• Have auto insurance that covers business driving (minimum of$100,000 per person/$300,000 per incident bodily injuryliability/$50,000 property coverage); and must possess anautomobile 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 fairtreatment of applicants and employees and actively enforcespolicies against discrimination and sexual harassment.