Washington State Council of County and City Employees
WSCCCE/AFSCME Council 2

Communications Specialist

Hybrid position
reporting to the Everett, WA office at least three times a week.

 

WSCCCE Council 2 is a progressive statewide public-sector union in Washington State. We represent over 16,000 blue-collar, white-collar, professional, law enforcement, correctional staff, transit drivers, Emergency Communication/Dispatch personnel, and supervisory workers in over 180 bargaining units. We are committed to building the Union through organizing, representation, and political/community action.

Job Summary
The Communications Specialist coordinates and develops Council 2 communications to support our union's mission and vision. In this hybrid role, you will administer social media platforms, coordinate website updates, and produce communication materials for a variety of campaigns, including new organizing efforts, legislative priorities, and local contract negotiations. You will work closely with Council staff to produce a high volume of engaging content. This role also involves traveling to meet members in their workplaces, highlighting the vital work they do for our communities, and educating them on how to share their stories effectively.

This position reports to the Executive Director. It is a hybrid role that requires reporting to the AFSCME Council 2 Everett office at least three times a week.

Primary Responsibilities
Communications

• Assists in developing, implementing, and updating digital and traditional communication strategies.
• Creates and shares digital content, drives online engagement among workers and stakeholders, and builds online recruiting tools.
• Leads the development of content and maintains digital assets, including websites, social media platforms, and SMS messaging.
• Collaborates with staff to update messaging through Action Network, the website, and other platforms.
• Writes and develops high-quality op-eds, background pieces, fact sheets, press kits, leaflets, and brochures.
• Assists in responding to news media inquiries and prepares union leadership, workers, and allies for interviews.
• Maintains a media outreach list to ensure quick distribution of press releases.
• Writes talking points, statements, and letters to the editor.
• Provides data analysis from campaign analytics to drive effective decision-making.
• Researches and evaluates new technologies to help organizers, staff, and leaders effectively further our mission.
• Provides mobilization support via communication platforms for federal, state, and local elections.
• Develops relationships with allies, including other labor unions, progressive groups, and candidates.
• Administers, supports, and trains users on VAN, UnionWare, and Action Network.
• Guides Field Staff on messaging for political and legislative campaigns to share with Local leadership and members.
• Collaborates with assigned staff to produce and distribute a newsletter to the membership.

Event Planning and Coordination

• Contacts potential locations for events and provides Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to the Executive Director.
• Communicates with on-site venue contacts to plan rooms, equipment, setup, and food.
• Coordinates Council-sponsored events, including Conventions, Trainings, Lobby Days (DOTH), and Executive Board meetings.

Education and Experience Required

• A Bachelor's Degree in a communications-related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience with organizing campaigns (community organizing, ballot initiatives, etc.) will be considered.
• Experience developing and implementing communication strategies for organizing, elections, and legislative campaigns.
• Experience writing talking points, press releases, emails, and blog posts.
• Knowledge of email, text messaging, and CRM tools, such as Action Network, Hustle, and Mobile Commons.
• Experience creating social media content for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky.
• Familiarity with tools for graphic design, photography, and video.
• Knowledge of organizing principles, the labor movement, and anti-union employer tactics.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to independently conduct research, use databases, implement strategies, and formulate conclusions.
• Demonstrated capacity to continuously develop skills related to rapidly changing technology.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite, UnionWare, VAN, Union Hall, and Action Network.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Work is generally performed in an office setting, but the job frequently requires fieldwork to complete assignments. You must be available for frequent travel throughout Council 2’s jurisdiction across Washington State and Idaho.
• Ability to work long and irregular hours when necessary.
• Ability to drive long distances safely in changing road conditions.
• Occasional overnight stays are required.
• A valid Washington Driver’s License is required.
• Must pass a background check and reference screening.

Compensation
A collective bargaining agreement sets the salary, and the starting range is between $60,072 and $ 65,328 per year, which will be determined commensurate with experience. The top of the pay scale for the position, with seniority, is $81,696. This position offers a robust package of additional benefits, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, sick leave, vacation leave, paid holidays, 401K retirement plan, and pension plan (in which employer and employee contributions are a percentage of your salary).

How to Apply
To be considered for this position, please submit a résumé, a letter of interest, and at least three (3) professional references to: Barc@council2.com.

Your letter of interest should clearly explain how your experience, training, and education make you a viable and competitive candidate for this role.

WSCCCE Council 2 is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.