Strategic Communications Specialist I/II

This position plans, develops, and implements communications strategies for organizing campaigns in coordination with International staff and affiliates. Position will be filled at the grade commensurate with the knowledge and experience of the selected applicant.

DUTIES: Designs leaflets, brochures and direct mail pieces, video and other materials for internal and external organizing campaigns. Implements earned and paid media efforts, including organizing and coordinating news events.  Develops earned and paid media efforts, including organizing and coordinating news events.  Develops electronic media campaigns, including the strategic use of e-mail, websites and other new media. Assists organizers with campaign message training of committee members, volunteer organizers and others involved in home visits and other one-on-one communications.  Coordinates worker mobilization and community and political outreach efforts associated with targeted campaigns. Conducts training in communications strategy, message development and delivery techniques. Works with Organizing and Field Services Department and affiliates to develop their organizing communications capacity.  Plans and produces recorded radio and video actualities featuring an AFSCME spokesperson for dissemination to selected stations.  Develops and writes editorials and editorial pieces and arranges placement in newspapers and magazines.  Performs other duties as required to support the department and its mission.

REQUIREMENTS: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with course work in labor relations, communications, political science or liberal arts and three (3) to years (7) years of related work experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Considerable experience in labor, political or community organizing and campaign communications and campaign work or a combination of education and experience that would provide for the following knowledge, skills and abilities:  knowledge of and field experience leading organizing campaigns; knowledge of and experience with media relations, knowledge of graphic design software, video production and printing techniques; knowledge and experience with electronic forms of communications; ability to coordinate multidimensional campaign communications strategies; advanced oral and written communications skills; ability to develop a campaign message and enforce message discipline in fast-paced campaigns; ability to analyze research data and make logical conclusions; ability to write and design leaflets, brochures, direct mail pieces, video scripts and other materials; ability to work independently and to use initiative to execute projects that may be vaguely defined; ability to communicate in a foreign language desirable.  Travel, extended hours and weekend work are required. This position will be filled at the grade commensurate with the knowledge and experience of the selected applicant.