Virginia AFL-CIO
Communications Director
Based in Richmond, VA
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Virginia AFL-CIO seeks a leader to join our team to develop and implement external and internal communications plans as part of political and issues campaigns and lead communications work among the labor movement. The communications program has a multi-part purpose:
- to advance the goals of political and issues field campaigns through internal and external communications;
- to help the Virginia AFL-CIO shape the public’s opinion of today’s unions and make workers’ voices heard through on-the-ground activities
- to develop people with the skills needed to fill the labor movement’s growing need for effective communicators and activists
The key qualities we are seeking are experience in field organizing, experience with press and a keen eye for messaging. Experience in the labor movement and in both electoral and issues campaigns are big pluses. Preferred are an understanding of digital advocacy, event planning, and community engagement.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop messages and communications support for state political, organizing and legislative campaigns as well as other programs and mobilization;
- Assist in developing and executing communications trainings for union leaders, staff, and members;
- Monitor press coverage of labor and workers’ issues and identify opportunities to cultivate earned media opportunities and garner media coverage for AFL-CIO political and issues campaigns;
- Implement rapid response communications plan for the state;
- Pitch reporters on workers’ issues and AFL-CIO initiatives;
- Stage press conferences and events;
- Develop, write, edit and distribute internal and external campaign communications materials, such as sample letters to editors, OpEds and other materials as necessary and working with member activists to place LTEs, etc.;
- Manage and expand broad communication outreach vehicles: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Email, and other online, social media, broadcast and print communications;
- Produce regular membership newsletters and member mobilization materials;
- Develop and maintain relationships with local media to ensure that our message is delivered to the public in a positive manner.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- While no candidate will possess every quality, the successful candidate will bring many of the following qualifications and personal attributes:
- Superb writing and editing skills;
- Comfort with technology (even if you can’t make it, understanding it is important) including proficiency with Microsoft Office;
- Knowledge of the labor movement and commitment to labor issues;
- Experience working in fast-paced environments and in field-based jobs;
- Experience conducting media relations;
- Well-organized, thorough and attentive to details;
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and work under tight deadlines;
- Ability to work independently within the context of a plan;
- Previous experience with unions, student labor coalitions, community organizations and other labor related organizations is preferred;
- Strong interpersonal skills;
- Excellent verbal communications skills;
- Valid driver’s license;
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) is a plus;
- Willingness to work hours and schedule as needed to complete projects and support organizational campaigns.
We’re looking for an outstanding candidate for this position. You’ll have an opportunity to help shape the Virginia AFL-CIO’s future, supporting campaigns to ensure workers are treated fairly and with dignity.
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND LOCATION
Salary range $45,000- $50,000 (negotiable based on experience), defined pension plan, healthcare (vision, dental, and health insurance), paid vacation days and holidays, cell phone, and opportunities for professional development. This position is based in our office in Richmond, VA and will require travel around Virginia.
APPLICATION AND PROCESS
Applications will be accepted and interviews held on a rolling basis.
Qualified applicants should submit the following information for consideration to virginiaaflciojobs@gmail.com. Please put “Communications Director” in the subject line, and save all materials as PDF files.
- A cover letter
- A résumé of applicable experience relative to the responsibilities and qualifications listed above.
- Two writing samples
Based upon the application, individual interviews and reference checks will be conducted and the final applicant will be selected for the position.
WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information at UNIONJOBS.COM.
