New Jersey State AFL-CIO

Communications Coordinator

Based in Trenton, NJ

 

JOB TITLE: Communications Coordinator
REPORTS TO: New Jersey State AFL-CIO President and Secretary-Treasurer
LOCATION: Trenton, NJ

OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES:
The New Jersey State AFL-CIO Communications Coordinator is responsible for developing and implementing internal and external communications strategies to represent the interests of the labor movement and advance the social and economic wellbeing of all New Jersey’s working families through political, legislative, and digital engagement. Other key responsibilities include managing content for core websites and social media accounts; grant writing; and interfacing with press, elected officials, labor leaders, and rank-and-file members.

The New Jersey State AFL-CIO and its 1,000 affiliated local unions represent more than one million union members and their families, working collectively to promote middle class values at the workplace, in our communities, and through the democratic process. The field communications program has a multi-part purpose:

1. to help the New Jersey State AFL-CIO shape the public’s opinion of unions and make workers’ voices heard through integrated, on-the-ground press and social media activities; and
2. to identify and help develop effective communicators for the labor movement.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

• Develop messages and communications support for state political, organizing, and legislative campaigns as well as other programs and mobilization activities.
• Craft messages that build into a narrative for state political and issues campaigns.
• Organize press conferences and events to promote the work of the State Federation.
• Develop, write, edit, and distribute internal and external communications materials, such as sample letters to the editor, op-eds, online advocacy campaigns and newsletters.
• Draft talking points, general correspondence, fact sheets, press statements, and other essential communications with the ability to adapt messaging to target audience.
• Utilize social networking tools, including Facebook and Twitter to educate, connect, and engage union members, progressive allies and community stakeholders.
• Write and submit an annual grant application and quarterly reports.
• Generate, monitor and disseminate and rapidly respond to press coverage of labor and workers’ issues throughout the state.
• Implement rapid-response and issue-based communications plans for the State Federation.
• Identify opportunities to cultivate and to garner media coverage for New Jersey State AFL-CIO political and issues campaigns.
• Monitor press coverage of labor and workers’ issues and identify opportunities to generate earned media opportunities and garner media coverage.
• Identify the most influential reporters and bloggers, and work to build strong relationships with them.
• Distribute content to reporters regarding workers’ issues and New Jersey State AFL-CIO initiatives.
• Produce regular reports on activity and background materials for internal and external use.
• Work will be done on-site at the New Jersey State AFL-CIO office.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 4 - 5 years of relevant work experience and demonstrated success in relevant areas, especially political, legislative and organizing issues.
• Excellent writing, editing, and time management skills, organizing skills, communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to the labor movement and issues affecting working people; including the electoral political process.
• Demonstrated experience drafting a communications plan and conducting media relations.
• Demonstrate interest in electoral campaigns.
• Proficient in Microsoft office programs, word, excel, power point, Zoom and all social media platforms.
• Experience working in fast-paced environments.
• Excellent listening, interpersonal, written, verbal and problem solving skills.
• Strong analytical skills, well-organized, thorough and attentive to details.
• Ability to handle multiple large-scale projects at once and work under tight deadlines.
• Ability to take initiative on projects and work with a can do attitude.
• Ability to work long and extended hours including weekends.
• American union-built vehicle preferred.
• An ability and willingness to travel across New Jersey.
• Experience and/or knowledge of working with community organizations.
• Attend and manage the technical aspects of in person meetings and virtual meetings as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• A valid driver’s license.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Compensation will be commensurate with experience. The New Jersey State AFL-CIO offers a generous package of benefits including vacation and sick days, healthcare, dental, retirement, and life insurance.

The New Jersey State AFL-CIO is committed to diversity among its staff, and recognizes that its continued success requires the highest commitment to obtaining and retaining a staff that provides the best quality services. We are an equal opportunity employer and it is our policy to recruit, hire, train, promote and administer any and all personnel actions without regard to sex, race, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or expression, ethnic identity or physical disability, or any other legally protected basis.

TO APPLY:
Send a résumé and a cover letter explaining why you would be a great fit, three (3) writing samples that demonstrate your messaging skills (i.e. – press release, graphic, flyers) and three (3) letters of recommendations to jnedick@njaflcio.org.