Senior Campaign Communications Specialist-Worker Power

SEIU (Service Employees International Union)

JOB TITLE: Senior Campaign Communications Specialist - Worker Power      

GRADE:  PS-3 

ANNUAL SALARY: $92,989.90

LOCATION: All USA or Washington, DC HQ

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW: We are the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), a union of about 2 million diverse members in healthcare, the public sector, and property services. We believe in and fight for our Vision for a Just Society: where all workers are valued and all people respected, no matter where we come from or what color we are; where all families and communities can thrive; and where we leave a better and more equitable world for generations to come. We are an anti-racist union determined to check corporate power and uproot structural racism through unions, worker power, collective action, and government, legislative, and political action. We fight for Unions for All and a Government that Works for All so that all of us, across race and place, can have power together in unions and participate fully in our democracy.

PURPOSE: 

The Senior Campaign Communications Specialist for Worker Power is responsible for the development and implementation of communications plans and materials for various union outreach efforts spanning the union’s work in organizing, mobilization, bargaining, and campaigns.  May help lead local union communications staff and specialists in developing and coordinating public relations, media relations, and general communications support for campaigns and other union projects.  

Working on the Narrative & Engagement Worker Power team, they are part of a team that translates the union's strategic organizing goals into actionable, amplified, and cohesive communications plans and campaigns. They ensure a consistent, compelling, and coordinated message that drives membership growth and strengthens the union's presence across key sectors and geographies.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Any one position may not include all of the specific duties and responsibilities listed. Examples provide a general summary of the work required and should not be treated as a total and complete list of expected duties to be performed by employees in the classification.

•  Provides strategy recommendations and assists in the development of strategies to improve the public image and visibility of SEIU and various locals.
• Develops, plans and directs communications strategies and calendars for various campaigns within the International and various locals.
• Writes op-eds, background pieces, fact sheets, press kit materials, leaflets and other collateral materials as needed for various campaigns.
• Assists various locals and IU teams in the development and coordination of communications strategies for campaign projects.
• Writes talking points, statements, letters to the editor, podcast outreach, worker speeches, influencer collaborations, and other written materials as needed.
• Develops and coordinates a network of local union communications representatives as needed for various campaigns.  This coordination may include media training and other support.
• Provides support for International officers or local officers attending campaigns or other events.
• Monitors media coverage of various campaigns, maintains clipping files, makes recommendations on ways to improve media coverage and outreach.
• Provides background briefings for International and Local Union Officers, field staff, and workers; coordinates event logistics and interviews (i.e. videography, still photography, advisories, news releases, stage-setting collateral, etc.)
• Develops and implements pro-active earned media outreach, as well as the targeting and placement of paid advertisements to support various campaigns and political action.
• Performs other duties as required to support the department and its mission.

CONTACTS:

Include SEIU staff and other experts on campaign communications issues.

DIRECTION & DECISION MAKING:

This position reports to a Communications Program Manager, and the incumbent works independently. 

QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

•   Four (4) years of work experience in media relations, digital communications, public affairs, or campaign communications including all aspects of the media or communications production process or thorough knowledge of labor movement or other advocacy organizations.
• Thorough knowledge of digital and print media systems; knowledge of advertising techniques preferred.   
• Knowledge of organizing and political campaign strategies preferred.
• Ability to perform pro-active media outreach, maintaining good working relationships with journalists, podcasters, influencers, and generating positive media coverage.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Ability to work with elected leaders and staff in complex and sometimes political situations.
• Ability to act and organize time with extreme independence.
• Ability to handle multiple "priority" projects simultaneously and meet established deadlines.
• Skilled in the use of personal computers including the Internet and Google Docs.
• Skilled in performing proactive media outreach.
• Skilled in developing “Media Pitch” to various outside journalistic outlets.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is generally performed in an office setting, but may be required to work in other settings conducive to performing the work required to complete the assignment, such as field assignments. Long and extended hours and travel required. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: SEIU offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our values as a labor organization and our commitment to the well-being and long-term security of our staff. Benefits include:

• A comprehensive, employer-sponsored health benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• A defined benefit pension plan 
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Additional benefits consistent with a mission-driven workplace

SEIU believes that workers deserve dignity, stability, and the ability to plan for their futures, and our benefits are designed to support that belief.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:  36 weeks.

Writing test and writing samples required.