Communications Specialist

Responsibilities

• Produces materials for effective communication with multiple audiences, including members, potential members, the media, the general public, elected officials, and allies.
• Creates drafts of print and digital materials for both public and member audiences including emails, leaflets, flyers, newsletters, blog posts, talking points, letters to the editor, op-eds, fact sheets, videos, and social media posts for various campaigns. This also includes editing and revising others’ content as necessary.
• Works closely with all staff members, including the union’s print shop, field representatives, and local leaders, to create, publish, and distribute communications material from start to finish.
• Updates AFSCME Maryland website(s) and social media feeds, including regularly creating and curating content.
• Maintains social media accounts by monitoring comments and email inboxes and routing concerns or questions to other staff as necessary.
• Travels to worksites and events to gather communications content, such as taking photos, capturing videos, etc.
• Assists in responding to inquiries from the news media, including preparing union leadership, workers, and allies for media interviews.
• Supports the creation and implementation of communications strategies and plans.
• Assists with conducting communications trainings for staff, local leaders, and members.
• Performs other duties as required to support AFSCME Maryland and its mission.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with course work in communications, journalism, political science or liberal arts or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 2 years combination of relevant experience or education; preference for those who have worked in communications, organizing, and/or political campaign environments.
• Experience creating and adapting communications materials for print and digital formats.
• Experience creating written materials such as talking points, press releases, emails, and/or news articles/blog posts.
• Knowledge of email, text messaging, and customer relationship management (CRM) tools, such as Action Network, Scale to Win, and Mobile Commons.
• Experience creating social media content for Facebook, Instagram, and/or LinkedIn.
• Familiarity with HTML/CSS and content management systems, such as WordPress and Drupal.
• Knowledge of tools for graphic design, photography, and video.
• Knowledge of organizing principles and the labor movement.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, strong attention to detail, and ability to quickly synthesize information and collaborate with others.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with course work in communications, journalism, political science or liberal arts or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 2 years combination of relevant experience or education; preference for those who have worked in communications, organizing, and/or political campaign environments.

Skills

• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with video production and editing software.
• Understanding of labor law and organizing principles.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and great benefits. We offer a salary range of $60,978 - $92,235 (commensurate with experience), fully paid health benefits, 3 weeks paid vacation, 16 paid holidays, 12 sick days, pension, optional 401k, life insurance, and staff union. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.