Communications Specialist (Full-Time Temporary Contract) : Alberta, Canada

UFCW Local 401

Communications Specialist
Full-Time Temporary Contract

May be based out of Edmonton or Calgary offices
Alberta, Canada

UFCW Local 401 is Alberta’s largest private sector union with 32,000 members working in diverse industries such as retail, food processing, beverage production, hospitality, gaming, and education. We are part of the 1.3-million-member United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, representing working people across North America.

Our growing local union is currently seeking a full-time Communications Specialist on a temporary contract basis. The successful candidate will have a passion for helping working people and telling their stories and the ability to communicate competently, efficiently, and effectively to internal and external audiences while conveying strong union values rooted in the goals and objectives of our members and their union.

The successful candidate may be based out of our Edmonton or Calgary offices, though travel throughout Alberta on project assignment may be frequently required. In addition to a highly competitive compensation package, we also offer an environment of mentorship and extensive personal and professional growth opportunities for the candidate that brings the appropriate mix of education, experience, and enthusiasm.

Primarily responsibilities and competencies include, without limitation, the following:

• Develop and implement strategic integrated communications plans;
• Create key organizational messages in conjunction with the executive leadership;
• Write and edit news releases, pitch stories, and coordinate public relations material and member communications;
• Visit workplaces with union representatives and developing an understanding of the work and realities of union members;
• Build rapport and relationships with media representatives and key public influencers;
• Administer and moderate Local 401’s social media platforms;
• Manage social networking tools to promote Local 401 and our position on matters of public interest;
• Conduct effective interviews;
• Communicate, maintain, and reinforce union values across a membership with diverse cultural, educational, and linguistic backgrounds and identities;
• Perform other duties as required to support the goals of the union.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Undergraduate or Graduate degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or the social sciences, plus 3-5 years of relevant experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and competencies are acquired;
• Proficient knowledge and skills related to marketing, public relations, and communications;
• Willingness to learn and understand the complexity and exigencies of labour relations and the internal structures and dynamics of labour unions;
• Excellent oral and written communications skills;
• Social and digital media skills;
• Outstanding attention to detail;
• Solid research capabilities;
• Ability to represent the union and deal effectively with the media and internal and external audiences in a public relations capacity;
• Must have experience communicating effectively through social media platforms, including without limitation, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram;
• Proficiency with data analysis and the use of CRM databases, such as NationBuilder;
• Convey union messages with sensitivity and on tight deadlines;
• Ability to handle confidential information;
• Ability to communicate in a language other than English is preferred but not necessary.

Submission Instructions:
To apply, complete and submit your résumé, cover letter, and a sample of your work no later than October 15, 2018 to Tom Hesse, Executive Director of Labour Relations, UFCW Local 401: thesse@ufcw401.ab.ca.