Texas AFL-CIO

Communications Director

Based in Austin, TX

 

Do you want to tell the story of a Texas Labor Movement that is on the move? Do you want to help write that story, and bring our message to the media, workers, union members, elected officials and the public about what we stand for and fight for? Are you an established communications professional who wants to use your skill to build a bigger, broader and bolder labor movement?

The Texas AFL-CIO is a statewide labor federation that serves as the leading voice for working families in Texas, and we are hiring a Communications Director to do just that.

The Communications Director is a strategic communicator who will direct and plan the earned and online media as well as the internal and external communications’ needs of the organization, and coordinate those efforts with our affiliate unions and central labor bodies across the state.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development and execution of communications plans that support unions’ organizing, legislative, political, contract, and mobilization campaigns;
• Develop and maintain strong press relationships, pitching and placing op-eds and stories, tracking and vetting incoming media inquiries, organizing news conferences, preparing media materials and messaging points, monitoring news cycles, etc
• Oversee and monitor a robust social media presence on our various platforms and ensure the website is up to date and reflects the ongoing work and values of the organization;
• Develop content for all communication mediums, including news releases, media advisories, statements, op-eds, email blasts, social media posts, campaign literature, talking points, correspondence, blog posts, and the Federation’s website;
• Develop and execute strategies to expand the organization's digital communications program, evaluate the organization's online reach and engagement metrics, and advise on strategies for online growth;
• Develop and advise on strategic messaging around core campaigns and assist with crisis communications;
• Oversee organizational branding across platforms and products to convey the image and values of the organization in a positive and compelling way;
• Supervise and oversee communications staff and ensure high quality work product;
• Coordinate the organization’s communications at news conferences, media availabilities, rallies, other events, and meetings;
• Provide staffing support for the Federation’s events, conferences, convenings, and other meetings.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Significant prior experience managing media relations and strategic communications, including a proven track record of successful media placements;
• Excellent written and verbal communications, including the ability to quickly synthesize and distill complex information into concise, impactful external messaging;
• Excellent content creation skills, including ability to develop and execute short and long-term organizational communications plans;
• Prior experience working in, or knowledge of, the labor movement;
• Prior experience managing employees;
• Preferred prior experience leading communications for labor, political, and/or progressive advocacy campaigns in Texas;
• Preferred experience with digital communications, social media management and use of Action Network or similar platforms for mass email programs;
• Previous experience with website content management is a plus;
• Strong work ethic and strict attention to detail;
• Familiarity with graphic design for organizational branding and products;
• Track record of taking initiative and strong project management skills;
• Ability and willingness to at times work long and/or irregular hours depending on the needs of the organization;
• This is an in-person position, with the location at Texas AFL-CIO headquarters in Austin, Texas.

SALARY AND BENEFITS
The annual salary for this position is $114,949.59. Includes excellent full family medical, dental and vision benefits, and a generous pension plan.

TO APPLY
We are seeking to fill the job as soon as possible and applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Interested applicants should email résumé and cover letter describing your interest in this work to: jobs@texasaflcio.org. Please put only your "Name – Communications Director" in the subject line.

The Texas AFL-CIO is committed to Equal Opportunity, and to considering applicants of all ages, races, sexual orientations, national origins, ethnicities, and religions. We especially encourage people from diverse backgrounds and experiences related to our core organizational values and objectives to apply.