University Professional & Technical Employees
CWA Local 9119

Strategic Communications Director

Based in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, or Sacramento, CA preferred
(statewide applicants considered)

 

Job Title: Communications Director
Location: San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, CA, or Los Angeles preferred, statewide applicants considered 
Starting Salary: Dependent on Experience

University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE-CWA 9119) is searching for a talented, hard-working individual to build and lead our Union’s communications program and strategy. The successful candidate for this position will be values-driven, self-motivated and resourceful, with the skills, experience, and enthusiasm to develop the Union’s communications program to support our Union’s work throughout California. This is a Senior Staff position responsible for managing in the development and implementation of UPTE’s communications strategy in conjunction with unionwide strategy, while embracing UPTE’s principles, values, and culture.

UPTE-CWA represents more than 23,000 employees working in healthcare, research and technical jobs at the University of California, Lawrence Berkeley Lab, Lawrence Livermore Lab and Los Alamos National Lab as well as adjunct faculty at Butte Community College, College of Sequoias and Mount San Jacinto Community College. We represent a diverse workforce all over California and are working to build member power and aggressively represent our members and advocate for the rights of working people.

Key responsibilities: 

• Under the direction of the Executive Director, assist in the development and implementation of communications strategies and media essential to support the goals and objectives of the Union.
• Design, implement and continually build a creative, multi-dimensional communications program that frames the Union’s key priorities and initiatives, and engages workers and the public.
• Be versed in breaking trends in emerging communications media and incorporate into the Union’s communications programs and strategies.
• Write clear and compelling messages that drive member engagement and continually improve the Union’s communications with varied audiences.
• Produce high-quality, error-free digital and written materials for use in email, text, web, direct mail, brochures, flyers, press releases, speeches, regular town halls, and other mediums.
• Develop press strategies and provide press support and for Union actions and initiatives.
• Design and implement public escalation strategies for priority Union campaigns.
• Supervise communications staff as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Experience developing and implementing one or more multi-dimensional communications programs.
• Ability to understand complex issues, gather and assess information, identify campaign leverage, and develop communications that enhance strategic pressure points.
• Experience working with organizing and/or bargaining staff to develop communications strategies.
• Outstanding verbal, written and editorial skills, especially under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Experience using research metrics and/or databases to develop communications targets and messages is desired.
• Experience working with allies on joint campaigns is a plus.
• Team leadership experience is desired.

Compensation: Starting salary range of $130,000 – $170,000 commensurate with experience, and an excellent benefits package including a 14% 401k match, all university holidays, auto allowance, and flexible work arrangements.

To Apply:
Email: jobs@upte-cwa.org

Please include the following:

• A résumé with the months and years of employment for each position.
• A cover letter addressing your qualifications and ability to carry out the duties of the position as described above.

Position open until filled.