AFSCME Ohio Council 8

Communications Director

Based in Worthington, OH

 

A vacancy exists in the position of Communications Director in the Headquarters office of AFSCME Ohio Council 8.

To Apply:
Any qualified candidate who is interested in applying for this position should submit a résumé, writing sample, including newsletters, speeches, social media posts, press releases and/or brochures produced and cover letter to the attention of: R. Sean Grayson, President, AFSCME Ohio Council 8, 6800 N High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085 or submit by email to kmcloughlin@afscme8.org 

Priority given to applications received by May 1, 2026.

A vacancy posting is below which describes the salary, fringe benefits, job duties and job requirements for the position.

If you have any questions about this matter, please contact the office of President Grayson, at (614) 841-1918.

Job Title: Communications Director 
Department: Communications 
Location: Headquarters (HQ), Worthington, Ohio 
Salary Level: Starting salary range $85,000 to $115,000 depending on experience
FLSA Status: Exempt 
Reports To: President 

OVERVIEW:
This executive-level position reports to the President and plays a pivotal role in shaping the union’s brand, enhancing its reputation and ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms. The communications director is responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating comprehensive internal and external communication plans and strategies to align with the union’s values and to support its goals for membership growth, retention and engagement. This position is vital to supporting and increasing Council 8’s communications capacity and its ability to lift up member stories and highlight the vital contributions our members make to their communities across Ohio and West Virginia. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from an accredited college with a four-year degree in communications, marketing, journalism or English, an advanced degree is preferred, with a minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in communications, marketing, public relations or related experience. 
• Course work in labor relations or labor history, experience in labor communications, representation or advocacy; political Internet marketing, including both website and e-mail programs, press relations and/or managing, editing and publishing union magazines, newspapers, newsletters and other publications, along with prior management/supervisory experience preferred. 
• Effective and proven strategic planning, team process and project management experience. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective supervision skills and abilities, including the ability to schedule, assign, counsel and discipline employees
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team – and collaborate well with others. 
• Proven ability to juggle several projects simultaneously and meet deadlines. 
• Commitment to editorial excellence. 
• Knowledge of the labor movement.
• Knowledge and skill in photography and video techniques and ability to engagingly capture union members, meetings, projects and events. 
• Substantial knowledge of campaigns, the media, written communications, web-based communications, printing, and layout. 
• Extensive experience in the field developing publications and public affairs activities.
• Extensive knowledge of external and internal communications programs; determining specific written media approaches and development of fact sheets, news releases, magazine editing and copying. 
• Ability to maintain continuing media contacts; prepare an annual budget; and oversee and produce effective production of quality publications from initiation to final product.
• Experience in event planning and ability to develop and coordinate communications including video and audio production for rallies, press events, union events and statewide conventions. 
• Able to work extended hours and on weekends. Able to travel frequently within the state of Ohio, including overnight stays as necessary. Able to travel occasionally outside the state of Ohio. 
• A commitment to economic and social justice for workers and their families, through empowering and uniting workers to create change in their workplaces and communities.
• Extensive experience using Canva or other design tools, Microsoft Suite, and Adobe Suite. 

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of the job satisfactorily. The duties of this position include but are not limited to:

• Develop, implement and evaluate annual communication plan, track and measure levels of engagement. 
• Webmaster, lead administrator, designer and content creator/manager of the Council’s website to ensure new and consistent information is posted regularly. 
• Produce and/or oversee the production of clear and compelling content for the Council’s social media channels and other interactive and emerging communication technology that engages members and leads to membership action. 
• Produce, write, edit and distribute traditional print and electronic publications, mailings and promotions including leaflets, brochures, flyers, electronic newsletters, the Council 8 News, direct mail pieces, emails and social media content and other print or electronic publications for bargaining, organizing, legislative advocacy and political campaigns. 
• Produce and coordinate photography and video of union members and events for publications, the website and social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. 
• Work with AFSCME staff to gather content including member stories, photo testimonials and videos for social media and special events.
• Draft speeches, announcements, and columns for Council officers and staff.
• Train staff and local union officers and members on campaign messaging, digital tools and communication best practices. 
• Create event scripts for statewide conventions and other special events and oversee the production of the events. 
• Manage media relations activities which include writing press releases and articles; disseminating news and information, and developing and maintaining media relationships with reporters, producers, editors and social media influencers in local and regional print, television, radio and online media. 
• Lead the Council’s crisis communication efforts, providing clear and effective messaging.
• Build strong relationships with the union’s officers, leaders, and members to support the union’s mission. 
• Oversee and manage the Council’s Communications Committee.
• Serve as key advisor to leadership on all communication matters.
• Other duties as assigned. 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: Must reside in central Ohio. As needed, must be able and willing to work long, irregular and unusual hours, including weekends and holidays. Must have a reliable vehicle, vehicle insurance in amounts consistent with Council policy and a valid driver’s license while performing the duties of this job.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

AFSCME Ohio Council 8 provides excellent health insurance and retirement benefits. Wage range is $85,000 to $115,000 a year based on experience.