The Service Employees Union, Local 1 is now hiring a communications specialist based in Detroit or Cleveland to work on exciting and busy campaigns to communicate the work of organizing workers in Local 1's region in Michigan and Ohio. The job of the specialist is to support the work of the communications department in developing and delivering the Local 1's message for key campaigns.
Job Responsibilities
Reporting to the communications director:
· Develop and implement communications strategies, including earned and paid media, to support organizing, political action, and contract campaigns;
· Establish and manage relationships with media;
· Seek earned media opportunities;
· Help develop and deliver consistent message for various audiences including current members, workers uniting to form a union, current union members, the general public, news media, and other working people and allies;
· Write talking points, letters to the editor, op-eds, advisories, releases, backgrounders, fact sheets, press kit materials, leaflets, newsletters and other materials;
· Prepare spokespeople for events and to speak with the media;
· Plan and manage event communications – strategy, message, visuals, materials, media outreach, video, photography, social media;
· Perform other duties as required to support the department;
· Travel required between Detroit and Cleveland, and occasional travel to Chicago.
· Position is based out of Detroit or Cleveland.
Job Requirements
- B.A. or B.S. in Communications, Public Relations, English, Journalism or related field.
- 3-5 years of related work experience or a combination of education and experience:
- Knowledge of media relations strategies and ability to establish relationships with reporters;
- Exceptional writing skills as well as excellent verbal and interpersonal skills;
- Knowledge of unions or other advocacy organizations;
- Experience developing or helping to develop and implement creative communications strategy;
- Experience establishing productive working relationships with community allies and coalitions;
- Experience seeking and creating opportunities to deliver message in the media;
- Experience with social media – paid social media strategies a plus;
- Ability to frame issues for specific audiences and develop effective advocacy materials;
- Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet established deadlines;
- Demonstrated commitment to social and economic justice;
- Fluency in Spanish or Polish a plus.
S Salary and Benefits
· - Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience;
· - Full benefits package including health insurance, a pension plan and available 401-K;
- Car and phone allowance; Moving expenses available.
To Apply: Email a resume, cover letter and three writing samples with subject "Communications Specialist" to Damone Richardson, Human Resources Director at richardsond@seiu1.org. Partial applications will not be considered