Teamsters Local 988

Communications Specialist / Coordinator

Based in Houston, TX

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the direction of the Local President and/or Director of Administration, the Communications Specialist will help run a strong communications program for Teamsters Local 988 members, with a special emphasis on member outreach via local’s app management, social and digital media, website and various other social media management, and any other Local Union communication needs. The Communications Specialist will work out of the Houston office. Applicant would be required to live in the Houston area. Do not apply if unwilling to meet this requirement.

The ideal candidate for the Communications Specialist position has work experience with other progressive, non-profit organizations, political organizations and/or mass media, understands the goals and mission of Teamsters Local 988 and has a demonstrated, broad knowledge of websites, social networking, email and blogging that he/she can seamlessly apply to the campaign at hand. The Communications Specialist will contribute advanced skills in design programs such as (WordPress/InDesign/Photoshop/etc.), and email and text organizing campaigns, as well as campaign strategy to field, issue, and specialized strategic campaigns.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Works with staff to provide support including messaging, communications plans, timely materials, website copy, etc.
• Provides support, planning, strategies for communications projects.
• Monitors the website for regular consistent content and regularly contributes content to website, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
• Monitoring Local’s App, creating applicable content and exploring improvements to convey to app developer.
• Monitors and implements email, digital, and text messaging program.
• Enhances and expands online capacity of the union.
• Writes, edits, and designs regular leaflets, digital newsletters, and other communiqués on important issues.
• Outreach to news media to pitch and shape earned media supporting the goals and mission of Teamsters Local 988 and our campaigns. Experience in writing news releases.
• Assistance with photography and video production at union events.
• Assistance with event planning and staging, including press conferences and rallies.
• Development of Teamsters Local 988 member leaders into campaign and issue organizing spokespeople.

SKILLS:

• Excellent communications skills, confidence in generating written and visual content for print productions, as well as online and social media consumption.
• Demonstrated design, verbal, visual/graphic, interviewing and analytical communications skills.
• Two or more years in campaign communications, labor communications, public affairs, community organizing, journalism or other related experience.
• Familiarity with campaign communications and organizing.
• Ability to work both independently and effectively as part of a team under limited direction and balance conflicting demands and to lead, teach and train other colleagues including staff and field staff.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends on occasion.
• Advanced experience with WordPress, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, various web platforms, mass email systems, and SALSA, or ability to be trained on additional software as needed.
• Ability to work under pressure; must be well-organized and self-motivated.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discern priorities.
• Ability to make effective use of resources available to the union.
• Dedication to improving the position of working people and strengthening the role of organized labor through work actions, community relations, and legislative and political activity.
• Ability to work effectively with members and staff from diverse ethnic, social, and economic groups.
• Commitment to building power for workers and social justice.
• Candidates with the ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish desired but not necessary.

Qualifications:

• 2 years or more of related work experience with examples.
• Bachelor of Arts or Science degree in communications or another related field or additional years of related work experience.
• Excellent writing, verbal, and analytical skills.
• Understanding of progressive campaign communications strategies.
• Proficiency in designing and implementing digital and social media strategies.
• Ability to think proactively and seize on opportunities to move our message forward via paid, earned, social and owned media.
• Ability to frame issues for specific audiences and develop effective advocacy materials.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet established deadlines.
• Proficiency in basic graphic design and willingness to explore and research relevant graphic design processes.
• Familiarity with managing Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and experience with other digital tools and social media networks.
• Ability to take creative direction, juggle multiple simultaneous projects and effectively manage competing priorities.
• Experience with photography and creating or editing videos.

REQUIREMENTS:

• You must possess a valid Texas driver’s license, auto insurance, and an automobile for business use.
• Be bondable and pass a background check

Compensation:
Competitive salary package from $55,000-$75,000 depending on relevant experience and placement on experienced based pay scale; excellent benefits including defined benefit pension, and fully paid health insurance benefits.

To Apply:
Please submit résumé and cover letter to: communications@teamster988.org