June 17, 2014

JOB OF THE WEEK: AFL-CIO, State Communications Director

AFL-CIO logoOVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Communications Department carries the voice of America’s working families to the media, to leaders and to the general public through earned and social media, online platforms and other communications vehicles.

The State Communications Director will be responsible for the strategic direction of the department, specifically including but not limited to:

  • Leading strategy for field communications at the national and state levels and building communications capacity in the field, developing programs and trainings on national message and communications approaches;
  • Managing and developing field communications and state communications staff;
  • Managing the development of training and booking of worker spokespeople;
  • Helping develop message strategy and cohesion for the AFL-CIO with allies, and affiliates and represent the AFL-CIO among allies and other organizations for the Communications department.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Expectations

  1. Develop and implement plans for unions to reconnect with and win higher approval from key public audiences through a robust communications strategy using the full range of media in states across the country;
  2. Oversee field communications staff in developing messages and communications support for repositioning unions, bargaining and organizing campaigns, state battles, political and legislative campaigns as well as other programs and mobilization
  3. Oversee the writing and execution of news releases and toolkits and the development and placement of op-eds;
  4. Develop and oversee national communications trainings that can be replicated across the country;
  5. Proactively identify opportunities for message cohesion opportunities among affiliates and allies;
  6. Manage and develop the  field communications staff and a network of communicators across the country;
  7. Train and lead staff at varying levels;
  8. Other duties as assigned.

Liaison

  1. Work with communicators at the affiliate, state and local levels to plan media events, coordinate consistent message delivery and provide communications support for activities of the labor movement at every level.
  2. Work with communicators at allied organizations and with elected leaders and activists on media and communications strategy around joint efforts and initiatives.
  3. Work with the Campaigns, Political, Organizing and other departments as needed to ensure the delivery of communications support.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or other related field required.
  • Minimum of five to six years performing pro-active media outreach and communications.
  • Experience with advocacy organizations a plus.
  • Familiarity of labor movement required, with labor movement experience preferred.
  • Excellent leadership skills including experience managing or leading a staff team.
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills with demonstrated ability to meet competing deadlines.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Superior writing skills including experience writing Op-Eds, press releases, fact sheets and other media related materials.
  • Excellent verbal communications skills.
  • Strong commitment to social justice.
  • Flexibility to travel as required in performance of duties.
  • Ability to work long and extended hours including on weekends.

TO APPLY: http://aflcio.hirecentric.com/jobs/ (PF tipster)

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  • Matt Mackowiak - Site Manager
    Matt Mackowiak is a Washington, D.C. and Austin,TX-based Republican strategist and communications consultant and President of Potomac Strategy Group, LLC. In his career he has managed a winning Congressional campaign and worked in the U.S. Senate, at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, at a leading international PR firm, on a presidential campaign in Iowa and in White House presidential advance. Follow him on Twitter - @MattMackowiak

    Laura Gross - Contributor
    Laura Gross is currently president of Scott Circle Communications. She has served as deputy director of communications at the DNC, was Gov. Howard Dean's Communications Director and she worked in the press office at USAID during the Clinton administration. Her experience also includes time in the PR department of National Public Radio and she was part of Vice President Gore's advance team when he was in The White House.
    Follow her on Twitter: @ScottCircle

    Blain K. Rethmeier - Contributor
    Blain K. Rethmeier is currently the Senior Vice President for Public Affairs for the American Insurance Association (AIA). Rethmeier joined AIA from the White House where he served as Special Assistant to the President for Communications and directed communications for the National Economic Council and Homeland Security Council. Prior to joining the White House, Rethmeier served as Press Secretary for the Senate Judiciary Committee.
    Follow him on Twitter: @BlainR

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