SEIU Local 32BJ

Communications Specialist

Based in Connecticut

 

ABOUT US
At the forefront of building the nation’s labor movement, 32BJ SEIU is changing the narrative around important social and economic issues facing working families. Founded in 1934, 32BJ is the largest union of property service workers in the nation. We have a powerful and important mission: To build and grow a diverse, effective, politically independent and democratic organization of workers to change our lives for the better, improve our communities, and build a more just society for present and future generations.

With a commitment to building power for low-wage workers, 32BJ is engaged in winning strong contracts for members, organizing workers, supporting progressive candidates for elected office and moving a broad policy agenda, such as paid sick days, expanding access to health care and the Fight for $15.

The union has approximately 425 staff in sixteen offices from Boston to Miami. 32BJ SEIU represents over 175,000 property service workers including janitors, security officers, airport workers, and food service employees in 11 states and Washington, D.C. 32BJ is an affiliate of SEIU, the Service Employees International Union, which has 2 million members dedicated to raising industry standards and making life better for all working families and communities.

32BJ SEIU’s headquarters are in New York City.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Communications Specialist will plan and execute all forms of communication to advance the organizing, contract and political goals of the union’s Connecticut and 615 (Massachusetts and Rhode Island) Districts and 32BJ as a whole.

The Communications Specialist is a member of the union’s communications team, responsible for external communications across the state of Connecticut and provide support as needed for Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Candidates should be creative thinkers and skilled multi-taskers who can utilize a range of communications tools to help advance our organizing, political and contract campaigns. Candidates should be independently driven team players able to work out of the office in either Hartford or Stamford. Preferred candidates will have a deep knowledge of Connecticut media and strong relationships with local reporters. Spanish-speaking candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The Communications Specialist reports to the Regional Communications Manager based in Boston.

Responsibilities include:

• Planning and executing communications strategies to support district campaigns; collaborating on the development and execution of union-wide campaigns; initiating rapid-response communications in consultation with district leadership.
• Building relationships with reporters who cover labor, immigration, politics and social justice issues in Connecticut and others within the region.
• Writing and blasting media advisories and releases, preparing background and messaging documents, and developing other press materials.
• Writing and delivering story pitches to individual outlets and reporters.
• Planning, writing and submitting op-ed articles and letters to the editor in collaboration with members, allies and/or union officers.
• Planning and executing media events in conjunction with other union staff.
• Preparing speeches, talking points, legislative testimony and public presentations for union spokespeople, elected officials, and allies, and developing them as effective spokespeople for media interviews, speeches, public testimony and other occasions.
• Selecting and managing freelance photographers, graphic designers and other consultants for projects as needed.
• Planning, budgeting, and executing paid media campaigns on all platforms.
• Developing digital media plans, producing graphic and written content, posting on the union’s social media sites and other avenues for digital communication.
• Utilizing digital applications to collect media clips, monitor stories, create graphics, blast communications, develop contacts, manage campaign websites, and perform other duties.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of three years’ experience in the field of journalism, or in communications in labor, political or advocacy organizations.
• Outstanding writing skills, with an ability to digest everything from worker’s personal stories to complex legal issues and deliver them in clear powerful prose, appropriately shaped for numerous formats (e.g. speeches, social media memes, press releases, op-eds, media pitches, etc.).
• Familiarity with digital media tools and openness to expanding skills in this area.
• Demonstrated commitment to social and economic justice, especially with union members, low-wage workers, immigrants, and other communities supported by the union’s mission.
• Ability to work independently, coordinate with teammates, handle multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
• Experience creating communications for union or advocacy organizations preferred.
• Oral and written abilities in Spanish strongly preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This position is full-time and based in either the union’s Harford or Stamford, Connecticut, office.
• This position requires travel to other locations and events, including worksites, indoor and outdoor rallies, member meetings, and some extended out-of-state gatherings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
This position occasionally requires long and irregular hours, including some nights, weekends and holidays.

This position is largely computer/office based, with in-person and Zoom meetings. There will be some required off-site meetings, and regular campaign activities such as bargaining meetings, hearings, outdoor rallies and marches, and other events.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
The salary for this role is $75,000 – $80,000. 32BJ offers a generous benefits package that includes employer-paid medical, dental and vision plans, and retirement benefits that include a defined benefit pension plan and 401K plan. The position offers paid time-off, including three weeks’ vacation, eleven holidays, and twelve sick in the first year of service, with incremental additions after, including four personal days. The union currently has a policy of one remote workday per week, at the discretion of the manager.

APPLICATION:
Please send a résumé and letter of interest to HR@seiu32bj.org. Please use “Communications Specialist - CT” in the subject line of your email.

Please note 32BJ has implemented a vaccine mandate. Bona fide religious and ADA exemptions are permitted with additional safety measures.

32BJ is an inclusive and diverse organization, committed to advocating for social, racial and economic justice. We promote diversity and strongly encourage applications from people who believe in our mission. We strongly encourage women and people of color to apply.

For more information on 32BJ SEIU, visit www.seiu32bj.org.