LIUNA
Laborers’ International Union of North America

Communications Director
Strategic Communications

Based in Washington, DC

 

Exempt (y/n): Y
Department: Strategic Communications
Salary Level: Commensurate with Experience
Location: Washington, DC
Date: May 18, 2026
Supervisor: Marley Clements

To Apply:
Résumés should be provided to Chief of Staff Brian Donohue, via email to kmatthews@liuna.org, by close-of-business on June 5, 2026.

SUMMARY: The Communications Director is a senior role that leads LIUNA’s national communications strategy and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Communications Department. This role is responsible for developing and executing communications strategies that advance LIUNA’s priorities, driving high-impact media opportunities to enhance the Union’s reputation, and support organizing, political, legislative, and institutional objectives.

The Communications Director manages the communications team, sets priorities, ensures accountability, and coordinates work across departments and with external partners. This role acts as the central point of integration for messaging, media strategy, and narrative alignment across the organization.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional strategist, writer, and manager with deep press relationships and a commitment to Union values.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Lead LIUNA’s national communications strategy, aligning messaging and narrative with the General President’s long-term priorities and institutional goals
• Manage and direct the Communications team, setting priorities, ensuring coordination, and maintaining accountability and quality across all outputs
• Oversee national media strategy, including proactive press engagement
• Manage the production and review of all outbound press materials, including press releases, statements, and related communications content
• Oversee rapid-response efforts, coordinating messaging, media outreach, and cross-team alignment
• Coordinate internal communications across departments to ensure message discipline, strategic alignment and collaboration across the union
• Oversee the digital media team for cohesive communications and messaging across platforms
• Translate organizing, political, legislative, and policy objectives into clear, compelling public communications
• Supervise, mentor, and develop Communications staff and consultants while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment
• Cultivate and manage relationships with leadership across the Union including Regional and local affiliates
• Directly reports to Communications staff (press, digital, content, and related functions); manages consultants and vendors
• 25% travel required, including periodic travel for meetings, events, and organizational priorities

REQUIREMENTS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• 10+ years of senior-level communications experience in labor, politics, advocacy, campaigns, or comparable environments
• Proven ability to develop and execute communications strategies for complex, nation-wide organizations
• Strong media experience, including understanding of the media environment and cycle, relationships with key reporters and ability to build more, skill at pitching stories, op-eds, and experience serving as an on-the-record spokesperson
• Ability to communicate effectively and write quickly and in a compelling manner
• Strong political judgment, discretion, and strategic thinking
• Ability to multitask projects and process in a fast-paced and quickly changing environment
• Experience managing a small team, consultants and external partners, and managing up.

PREFERRED BACKGROUND

• Experience with national labor unions, on Capitol Hill, or with aligned advocacy organizations
• Experience supporting organizing, legislative, or electoral campaigns
• Experience working directly with senior leadership or principals
• Familiarity with high-stakes, time-sensitive communications environments