SEIU Local 32BJ

Communications Specialist

Based in Newark, NJ or New York City

 

At the forefront of building the nation’s labor movement, 32BJ SEIU is changing the narrative around important social and economic issues facing working families.  32BJ is the largest union of property service workers in the nation.  Our mission is to build and grow a diverse, effective, and politically independent organization of workers to change our lives for the better, improve our communities, and build a more just society.

32BJ is engaged in winning strong contracts for members, organizing workers, supporting progressive candidates for elected office and moving a broad policy agenda, such as paid sick days, expanding access to health care and the Fight for $15.

The Union has approximately 460 staff in sixteen offices from Boston to Miami.  32BJ SEIU represents over 175,000 property service workers including janitors, security officers, airport workers, and food service employees in 11 states and Washington, DC.  We are an affiliate of SEIU, the Service Employees International Union.  

32BJ SEIU’s headquarters are in New York City.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Communications Specialist will plan and execute all forms of communication to advance the organizing, contract and political goals of the Union’s New Jersey District and 32BJ as a whole.

The Communications Specialist is a member of the Union’s communications team, responsible for external communications across the state of New Jersey.  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 and New York, NY.  

Preferred candidates will have a deep knowledge of New Jersey media and strong relationships with local reporters.  Spanish-speaking candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.  The Communications Specialist reports to the Deputy Communications Director based in New York.

Responsibilities include:

• Planning and executing press strategies to support the Union’s work in New Jersey, and collaborating on the development and execution of union-wide campaigns; initiating rapid-response communications as needed;
• Building relationships with reporters who cover labor, immigration, politics and social justice issues in New Jersey and others within the region;
• 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 and letters to the editor in collaboration with members, allies and/or union leaders;
• Preparing speeches, talking points, legislative testimony 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;
• Planning, budgeting, and executing paid media campaigns on all platforms;
• Developing and posting graphic and written content for use on the union’s social media channels, and website;
• Utilizing digital applications to collect media clips, monitor stories, create graphics, blast communications, develop contacts, manage campaign websites, and perform other duties.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of three years’ experience in the field of journalism, 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 memes, 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, handle 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 based either in our Newark, New Jersey or New York City.
• This position requires travel to locations and events in New Jersey, including worksites, rallies, member meetings, and some out-of-state gatherings.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• This position occasionally requires long and irregular hours, including some nights, weekends and holidays.
• This position is largely computer/office based, with in-person and Zoom meetings.  There will be some 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 79,700.  32BJ provides a benefits package that includes employer-paid medical, dental and vision plans, for full-time employees and their qualified dependents).  We also offer retirement benefits, including both a defined benefit pension plan and 401k.  The Union currently offers a remote work policy of one remote day per week at the discretion of the manager.

APPLICATION
Please send a résumé and letter of interest to: HR@seiu32bj.org.  Please use “NJ Communications” in the Subject line of your email.

Please note:  32BJ has implemented a covid vaccine mandate.  Bona fide religious and medical exemptions are permitted with additional safety measures.

32BJ is an inclusive and diverse organization, committed to advocating for social, racial 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 on 32BJ SEIU, visit seiu32bj.org.