App Drivers Union
a joint project between SEIU Local 32BJ
and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM)

Communications Specialist

Based in Newark, NJ

 

ABOUT US
The App Drivers Union (ADU) is the first certified union for rideshare drivers in the United States. This new union, an affiliate of 32BJ SEIU and the International Association of Machinists (IAM), was established after years of organizing efforts by rideshare drivers fighting for better pay and union representation. ADU drivers recently achieved a landmark victory, securing the largest single union organizing win in decades when 70,000 Uber and Lyft drivers in Massachusetts won certification to form their union, the ADU. Massachusetts drivers are currently bargaining the first-ever U.S. union contract with the largest rideshare companies in the country.

The App Drivers Union (ADU) is showing how workers can build power and win representation in the gig economy. As Massachusetts drivers achieve historic wins, drivers across the East Coast are organizing for justice in record numbers. 

POSITION OVERVIEW 
The Communications Specialist will plan and execute all forms of communication to advance the organizing, contract, and political goals of ADU. The Communications Specialist is a member of the Union’s communications team, responsible for supporting external communications for rideshare driver campaigns in NJ, Massachusetts and beyond. Candidates should be creative thinkers and skilled multi-taskers who can utilize a range of communications tools to help advance our organizing, political, and contract campaigns. Candidates should be independently driven team players able to work out of the office in Newark, NJ.

Preferred candidates will have knowledge of New Jersey media and strong relationships with local reporters. Spanish-speaking candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Planning and executing press strategies to support the Union’s work in New Jersey and other states, collaborating on campaign development and execution, and initiating rapid-response communications as needed.
• Building relationships with reporters who cover labor, immigration, politics and social justice issues in New Jersey, other states, and nationally as needed. 
• Writing and blasting media advisories and releases, preparing background and messaging documents, and developing other press materials.
• Writing and delivering story pitches to individual outlets and reporters.
• Planning, writing, and submitting op-ed articles,  letters to the editor, blogs, video scripts, and social media posts in collaboration with members, allies, and/or union leaders.
• Developing and posting videos, graphic and written content for use on the union’s social media channels, and website.
• Preparing speeches, talking points and public presentations for union members, leaders, and allies, and developing them as effective spokespeople for media interviews, speeches, public testimony, and other occasions.
• Managing freelance photographers, videographers, and other consultants as needed.
• When needed, planning, budgeting, and executing paid media campaigns on all platforms.
• Media monitoring and clip management. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of three years’ experience in the field of journalism, and/or in communications in labor, political or advocacy organizations.
• Outstanding writing skills, with an ability to digest everything from workers’ personal stories to complex legal issues and deliver them in powerful prose, appropriately shaped for numerous formats (e.g., speeches, social media content, press releases, op-eds, media pitches, etc.).
• Familiarity with digital media tools and openness to expanding skills in this area.
• Commitment to social and economic justice, especially with union members, low-wage workers, immigrants, and other communities.
• Ability to work independently, coordinate with teammates, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
• Experience creating communications for union or advocacy organizations preferred.
• Oral and written abilities in Spanish strongly preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is full-time and is a hybrid position based in our Newark office 
• This position requires travel to locations and events in MA, Washington, D.C., NYC and other locations, including worksites, rallies, member meetings, and legislative hearings. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• This position occasionally requires long and irregular hours, including some nights, weekends, and holidays.
• This position is hybrid. There will be required off-site meetings, and regular campaign activities such as bargaining meetings, hearings, outdoor rallies and marches, and other events.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The salary range for this role is $75,000 to $82,000, depending on experience. ADU offers a generous benefits package that includes full employer-paid medical, dental and vision plan (for full-time employees and their qualified dependents) ADU offers paid time off including three weeks’ vacation, eleven holidays, 12 sick days and four personal days. The union currently offers a remote work policy with regular mandatory days in the office and event attendance. 

APPLICATION
Please send a résumé and cover letter to HR@seiu32bj.org, please insert “Communications Specialist - NJ/NY” in the subject line of your email. ADU offers a generous benefits package that includes full employer-paid medical, dental and vision plan (for full-time employees and their qualified dependents) ADU offers paid time off including three weeks’ vacation, eleven holidays, 12 sick days and four personal days. The union currently offers a remote work policy of one remote day per week at the discretion of the manager. 

The App Drivers Union is an inclusive and diverse organization, committed to advocating for social and economic justice. We promote diversity and strongly encourage applications from people who believe in our mission. We strongly encourage women and people of color to apply.

For more information about 32BJ & ADU, visit www.seiu32bj.org & www.appdriversunion.org.