Communications Specialist

Who We Are:

The Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE), AFSCME Council 28, has a long history of fighting for workers’ rights and employee benefits while tackling social justice issues with passion and energy. The WFSE has been operating in the state capital for over 77 years fighting for fairness and equality. We ensure hard-working public service workers get better pay, health care, and retirement, and a healthy work environment. There’s more to accomplish, and we believe we can accomplish it with the right personnel. Come join our team and be part of a larger mission that will make an impact for years to come. Learn more about who we are at: wfse.org.

What We’re Looking For:

The Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is recruiting to fill a Communications Specialist position located in Olympia, WA. The Communications Specialist position is an integral part of the communications team and is responsible for producing a variety of print and digital materials and promoting best communications practices in support of the mission, vision, and goals of WFSE/AFSCME Council 28.

This position works closely with the Director of Communications and assists with developing and executing comprehensive online campaigns with the goal of list-building and engaging both members and potential members into deeper participation. Provides assistance in developing and implementing communications strategies incorporating traditional and digital tactics.

Additional duties include:

• Assists with writing and designing campaign communications, including leaflets, brochures and direct mail pieces, social media and other online content, phone scripts, videos and more.
• Works closely with members and staff to develop organizing communications capacity as well as materials for a variety of campaigns.
• Assists with writing communication plans with clearly defined and measurable goals, messaging, tactics, and timelines.
• Assists with worker mobilization as well as community and political outreach efforts associated with targeted campaigns.
• Assists with conducting trainings on campaign messages, digital tools and communications best practices for campaign staff, committee members, volunteer organizers and others.
• Gathers content, including member stories, photo testimonials, and video.
• Assist with facilitation of virtual town halls and meetings.

Required Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with coursework in communications, labor relations, political science or liberal arts or an equivalent of education and work experience to equal the degree requirement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Some experience with advertising platforms, including Facebook Business Manager and Google Ads.
• Must have technical and creative skills in graphics and publications design, including the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere).
• Experience running multi-channel digital campaigns and knowledge of digital media platforms, including web content management systems, email tools, social media, etc.
• Familiar with email and text messaging platforms, such as Action Network and Mobile Commons.
• Experience using web design software and analytics.
• Experience with designing, producing, and promoting posts on social media networks (e.g. Facebook, Twitter).

Desirable Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate in a foreign language.
• Experience capturing and editing short video for online promotion.
• Experience using Illustrator, LightRoom, and Final Cut Pro.
• Experience with HTML and Java Script.
• Is educated in or has experience with labor unions and basic personnel practices.

Special Note:

As a condition of employment, candidates who accept a position will be required to provide proof of vaccination for COVID-19. Additionally, it is expected that selected candidates live within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned work location. This position is overtime eligible and may be required to work some weekends. Some travel may be required.  Benefits include annual and sick leave, medical/dental, life, and long-term disability insurance, 12 paid holidays and more. Salary range is $71,369 to $82,620 and will be determined commensurate with experience. 

How to Apply:

To be considered for this position(s), applicants must submit a resume, letter of interest, and at least three (3) professional references to: resumes@wfse.org. Your letter of interest should clearly explain how your experience, training, and education make you a viable and competitive candidate for this position.

This position is open until filled; however, the hiring authority may conduct interviews as soon as qualified candidates apply. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible.

The Washington Federation of State Employees is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and equal access in a non-discriminatory manner to its programs and services for all persons without regard to race, creed, color, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, political affiliation, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any real or perceived sensory, mental, or physical disability.
 
Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or for an alternative format may contact the Human Resources Manager, Tiffany Wright at (360) 339-5159 or TiffanyW@wfse.org. Persons of disability or those who are deaf or hard of hearing can call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388. The WFSE complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the Federal Form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.