Communications Director
Based in Okemos, MI
The Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) is the largest labor and professional organization for registered nurses in the state. The Director of Communications develops and implements cohesive short- and long-term communications strategies that promote MNA and advance the interests of the organization and its members. Travel within the state is required.
This position requires strong written and verbal communications skills and works under the direction of the Associate Executive Director (AED) for Professional and Member Relations.
Duties
- Message Development and Implementation – Take a lead role in developing messaging strategies, persuasive language, and creative content. Produce talking points, fact sheets, speeches and other strategic documents. Advise MNA staff and members on branding, messaging, crisis communications, and media relations. Coordinate internal and external communications across all platforms to ensure effective targeting and maximum engagement with intended audiences. Manage projects with a high degree of independence under the guidance of the AED.
- Member Spokesperson Development – Identify and train potential nurse-spokespeople on topics including union organizing, patient safety, professional advocacy, collective bargaining, and public policy. Help nurses find ways to tell their stories.
- Earned Media Strategy and Content – Act as the primary press contact for MNA. Monitor and research local, state and national news for possible earned media opportunities. Organize press events and conduct advance press outreach to ensure success. Generate public statements, press releases, op-eds, letters to the editor and other documents as needed. If nurse-spokespersons are unable to comment and public response is required, use sound judgement to speak on behalf of MNA.
- Member Communications – Write and design flyers, newsletters, magazine content, digital media, email blasts and other communications targeted toward registered nurses.
- Paid Media Strategy and Content – Craft television, radio, print, digital and other advertising campaigns as appropriate to support organizing, bargaining, legislative or political priorities.
- Internal Reporting – Develop tracking and reporting mechanisms for the duties assigned above. Maintain relationships with reporters and accurate contact information for the MNA press lists.
Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or a related field is required; a master’s degree is preferred
- A minimum of seven years of experience in strategic communications with increasing responsibilities
- Familiarity with the healthcare industry and the labor movement is strongly preferred
- Willingness to work long hours and an irregular schedule to complete projects and support campaigns as needed
To Apply
Send an email with the subject line Communications Director to Carol Feuss.
In addition to a cover letter and a résumé, all applications must include:
- A short writing sample of 500 words or less
- Three references that we may contact
WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information at UNIONJOBS.COM.
