International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders,
Blacksmiths, Forgers & Helpers, AFL-CIO/CLC

Writer / Editor

Based in Kansas City, MO

 

About Us:
International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB) is an International Labor Union representing 45,000 members in the US and Canada. We're seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Writer/Editor to join our team. If you're passionate about storytelling and enjoy writing creative longform magazine articles, straight news reporting, as well as quick and quippy social media, advertising and web content; can flex your skills to write formal letters, speeches and presentations for internal and external audiences; are a crackerjack editor and grammar nerd; love to collaborate; thrive in a fast-paced setting with multiple deadlines and can consistently deliver quality, innovative work that engages audiences, we want to hear from you.

Overview:
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Writer/Editor to join our communications team. The ideal candidate will possess excellent, comprehensive and adaptable writing skills, as well as exceptional editing skills. As a member of the communications team, you will be responsible for writing a variety of content, including full feature articles on jobsites and member/retiree profiles, event recap articles and short news articles for the union’s quarterly print and online magazine, The Boilermaker Reporter. You will be part of the team that proactively seeks story material for all communications platforms and determines editorial content for Reporter issues and will be integral to editing and proofreading articles and final magazine page layouts. You will also work closely with other internal team members to develop and edit copy for various websites, social media, collateral print material and ads for organizing and recruiting campaigns and other initiatives. As part of the team, you will help identify creative strategy and tactics to support the union’s marketing and communications initiatives and provide additional writing (such as formal letters, speeches and ghost writing) proofreading as called upon, as well as support for presentations or other needs. You will ensure all content is effective, engaging, accurate and aligned with the union’s brand messaging. This is an in-office position only, no remote work allowed; however, some travel will be required to fulfill job duties.

Key Responsibilities:

• Write feature articles (jobsites, topical issues, etc.), member/retiree profiles, event recaps and short news articles for the print and online Boilermaker Reporter magazine.
• Proactively seek new story ideas for use in the magazine, social media and other communications platforms.
• Write copy for websites, social media, collateral print and digital material and ads.
• Review, edit and proofread all magazine articles and other content developed within the department, as well as content developed by other departments and external entities, such as lodge leaders.
• Proofread magazine page layouts. 
• Contribute to creative strategy and tactical planning to support marketing and communications initiatives.
• Provide additional writing support, such as formal letter writing, speeches and ghost writing, as called upon.
• Provide additional editing and proofreading support as called upon.
• Support presentation needs as called upon.
• Collaborate with teammates, organizers and recruiters to develop new, useful material and improve processes.
• Collaborate interdepartmentally and within the department to produce materials that best support the local lodges, members and initiatives of the Boilermakers union.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, communications or a related field is required
• 8+ years of experience as a professional writer, journalist (preferred) or closely related field
• Strong portfolio of published work demonstrating a variety of writing capabilities.
• Exceptional editing/proofreading skills
• Proficiency in research and fact checking
• Comprehensive understanding of AP style and journalistic ethics
• Experience using Microsoft Office products
• Experience using Canva or similar creative platforms a plus
• Experience using Adobe Creative Suite products a plus
• Basic experience in photography 
• Understanding the construction and manufacturing sectors are a plus
• Union experience preferred
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to handle confidential information with integrity.

What We Offer:
Competitive salary and generous benefits package include:

• Employer funded Pension plan
• Employer funded Annuity plan
• Employer matched Pension plan
• Fully covered Health Insurance premiums for employees plus family
• Employer paid Life Insurance
• Vacation & PTO
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• Supportive and collaborative work environment

To Apply:
Email: eallen@boilermakers.org