Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO
 

Communications Director

Based in Los Angeles, CA

 

The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor (LA Fed), AFL-CIO, is the second largest labor council in the country representing more than 300 local unions and hundreds of thousands of rank-and-file union members. The Federation is a model for the nation of how a central labor body can transform the labor movement by actively assisting its affiliates with their organizing and bargaining drives and changing the way unions do politics.

The mission of the LA Fed is to be a voice for working people battling to break into or remain in the middle class; to encourage them to actively participate in the civic and political life of their nation, state and community; and to advance public policies supporting workers and their families. To learn more about the LA Fed, please visit www.theLAFED.org

Job Description
The LA Fed is seeking a Communications Director to help advance the agenda of one of the most innovative and successful local labor movements in the country. This person will play a key role in shaping and carrying out comprehensive campaigns and programs, including external and internal communication strategies involving, worker organizing and contract fights, ballot measures and candidate elections. A successful candidate for this position will be someone who thinks strategically and creatively about harnessing digital and social media as an advocacy tool and has demonstrated firsthand success in doing so. The candidate must operate as a self-starter and collaborative team player.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop effective framing and messaging for the LA Fed across media platforms.
• Responding to crises quickly and professionally.
• Making sure all LA Fed materials have consistent and positive messaging and branding.
• Conducting quality control on all external communications.
• Managing a team of communications staff.
• Developing relationships and working with media outlets.
• Proactively identify opportunities to generate earned media opportunities and garner media coverage for the LA Fed’s political, organizing and issue policies and positions.
• Pitch reporters on workers’ issues and LA Fed initiatives:
  • Craft, design and stage press conferences and creative events
  • Write, distribute and/or place communications materials including press statements, media advisories, press releases, letters to the editor and Op-eds
• Train, mentor and prepare union leaders, staff and workers to be effective spokespersons with the media and the general public.
• Develop content, edit and manage design for the LA Fed website and e-newsletter.
• Manage social media platforms the LA Fed.
• Writing talking points and/or remarks for the Federation President for interviews and speaking engagements.
• Serve as media spokesperson when needed.
• Oversee the creation, design and production of key promotional and/or educational materials.
• Work alongside other labor, community, political communications staff and consultants to achieve objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong commitment to improving the lives of working people.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments at once, work quickly and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic communications plans, craft messages and execute tactics.
• Basic competency with digital and multimedia creation and editing tools, such as WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Adobe Spark Post and/or other smartphone apps.
• Experience working with email tools such as Constant Contact and ActionNetwork.
• Experience writing and developing key messages and providing tools and training to align messages among organization stakeholders.
• Experience writing talking points, media materials, and media outreach.
• At least 2 years in political/campaign communications, labor communications, public relations, community organizing, journalism or other related experience.
• 2 years of experience running social and/or digital media channels for a progressive cause, or political or advocacy organization.
• Some weekend and evening work will be required.
• Bilingual (written and oral) in Spanish preferred.
• Valid California driver’s license and reliable car.

Compensation:
This is a salaried position starting at $110,000 annually. Benefits include: 401(k) Plan, Health, Dental and Vision.

To Apply:
Please email a résumé with a cover letter explaining why you’re interested in working for the labor movement, as well as three references to Justin Wesson at Justin@thelafed.org. No phone calls. Applications accepted until the position is filled.

The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.