American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees
 

Public Safety Communications Specialist
Communications Department

Based in Pittsburgh, PA; Albany, NY or Washington, DC

 

Public Safety Communications Specialist
Communications Department
Location: Pittsburgh, PA, Albany, NY or Washington, DC
United Staff Union – Grade 9
Salary Range: $95,038 – $142,567

This position is responsible for executing communications for AFSCME corrections and public safety organizing campaigns and initiatives. The role produces content and supports campaign priorities set by the department and campaign leadership. Incumbent must demonstrate proficiency in the development and design of complex communications strategies and brand management. 

DUTIES:

• Produces day-to-day campaign materials under tight timelines, including flyers, emails, social media posts, press materials, and member stories.
• Works directly with campaign leads to respond to evolving priorities and deliver communications assets in real time.
• Applies established corrections and public safety branding across all communications, including print and online publications, social media platforms, online tools, and other materials.
• Plans, develops and implements communications strategies. 
• Leads day-to-day operations of corrections and public safety social media platforms, including content planning and posting and develops digital marketing strategies to reach members and potential members.
• Produces and develops content for corrections-related print publications, utilizing relationships with stakeholders, including members, affiliate leaders and staff. 
• Uses and adapts existing tools and templates to assist with member communications.
• Leads the design of leaflets, brochures and direct mail pieces, video and other materials for internal and external organizing campaigns. 
• Leads and executes earned and paid media efforts, including organizing and coordinating news events.
• Leads and executes electronic media campaigns, including the strategic use of e-mail, websites and other digital media.
• Performs other duties as required to support the department and its mission.

REQUIREMENTS: 
Education and Experience:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with course work in video production, labor relations, communications, political science, or liberal arts and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in labor, political or community organizing campaigns and advocacy communications, or a combination of education and experience that would provide the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Skills:

• Experience developing and implementing creative and multi-dimensional communications strategies, including identifying and creating opportunities to drive messages.
• Knowledge of and experience with earned media and media relations.
• Experience running multi-channel digital campaigns and knowledge of digital media platforms including web content management systems, email tools, social media, etc.
• Experience with design and video editing tools, such Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere).
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills; and ability to write and create leaflets, brochures, direct mail pieces, video scripts and other materials.
• Ability to develop a campaign message and enforce message discipline in fast-paced campaigns.
• Ability to analyze research data and make logical conclusions.
• Ability to set priorities, work under pressure, handle multiple projects simultaneously, meet established deadlines, and use initiative to execute projects that may be vaguely defined.
• Must thrive in an environment with tight deadlines, changing priorities, high-pressure and irregular hours.
• Requires a high level of judgment and ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Ability to communicate in Spanish is desirable. 

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Basic HTML and CSS (can read these languages and do basic troubleshooting).
• Familiarity with Facebook Ads Manager.
• Ability to communicate in Spanish is desirable. 

Travel and work hours:

• Extensive travel, extended work hours, including weekends may be required.
• Valid driver’s license required.

To Apply:
Please submit résumé and cover letter to recruiting@afscme.org.

Posting Date: April 17, 2026

AFSCME is an equal opportunity employer, and, as such, does not discriminate against an employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, age, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, disability, or any other classification protected from discrimination under applicable law.