National Treasury Employees Union
 

Director of Public Relations and Communications

Based in Washington, DC

 

Location: National Headquarters (Washington, DC)
Hiring Range: $214,626 -$228,939 Negotiable
Deadline to apply: October 26, 2024

The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) is the nation’s largest independent union of federal employees, representing 150,000 workers in 35 federal agencies and departments. NTEU is the voice of the federal workforce on Capitol Hill, in the courts, at bargaining tables, and in the media. We fight for fair pay and benefits, improved working conditions, and other issues that affect the working lives of federal employees.

There is a vacancy at the National Headquarters (Washington, DC) Office for a Director of Public Relations and Communications. The Director of Public Relations and Communications is responsible for internal and external communications to union members, leaders, and stakeholders. The Director will lead the Public Relations Department by crafting a progressive, dynamic vision for Public Relations that advances the goals of the union through bold strategic communications in collaboration with other departments and effective management of a team of professional Public Relations staff. All of these efforts will assist NTEU in continuing to grow, become more efficient, and fulfill its mission:

To organize federal employees to work together to ensure that every federal employee is treated with dignity and respect

NTEU places a high value on diversity of experiences and perspectives and encourages applications from all qualified individuals from all ethnic and racial backgrounds, veterans, LBGTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Leads the Public Relations Department, including: building and maximizing NTEU’s brand presence; creating long-term and short-term communications plans; aligning messages to NTEU’s strategic plan; and supporting the National President as the leader of NTEU.
• Serves as a key member of the Executive Committee; and helps drive the vision and systems to meet the goals of the Public Relations Department.
• Develops clear, specific, and ambitious performance targets for Public Relations; evaluates progress of the Department’s programs and initiatives; holds parties accountable; and helps adjust strategy and approach accordingly to achieve success.
• Writes and reviews key internal and external communications, including: media statements, electronic newsletters, videos, and other digital communications.
• Creates strategic communications plans using social media; and manages the NTEU website.
• Works with the creative staff to develop visual communications that reflect and advance the mission and goals of NTEU.
• Shepherds the public presentation of NTEU; cultivates and maintains relationships with the media and other influential professionals; and manages sensitive issues with the same to continue to grow NTEU’s strong reputation as an advocate for federal employees.
• Collaborates across departments to plan and manage key events to increase awareness and celebrate the union's successes, including: conventions; press conferences; trainings; and retreats.
• Manages Public Relations professionals, encouraging and supporting high-quality work products and ensuring close teamwork.
• Prepares and presents regular updates for the National President, summarizing progress and key points of projects and initiatives, and distilling key lessons that will accelerate the learning curve of NTEU leadership.
• Manages the Public Relations budget to maximize resources to meet department goals.
• Collaborates across departments to develop and implement cross-departmental strategies supporting the National President’s long-term vision, often needing to coalesce divergent opinions to create unified plans and messages.
• Develops and delivers relevant training to NTEU’s local leaders.
• Monitors the efficacy of communications campaigns, ensuring that messages are presented clearly, consistently, and effectively across media, including but not limited to: website, social media, video, publications, paid media, and mass email, text, and voice messaging; and reports regularly to department leaders on communications activity and success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and ten to fifteen years of public relations, strategic communications, or related work experience, including at least ten years of managerial experience.
• Master’s degree in communications, journalism, or related field a plus.
• Experience writing strategic communications plans using social media.
• Experience coordinating successful PR campaigns, working with the media, managing digital communications, and writing content, including crisis communications, in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience managing a unionized workforce a plus.
• Political acumen; and ability to navigate the political environment, understand the congressional process, and draw together competing voices.
• Able to assist in developing NTEU’s staff by assessing the organization’s long-term viability, developing subordinates, and helping advance the next generation of staff.
• Superior interpersonal skills; fast learner with capability to master issues quickly; values collaboration; and is inspired by criticism and feedback.
• Outstanding writing and speaking skills across platforms; and proven ability to present to senior leaders, Board of Directors, and other stakeholders.
• Full of energy and focus to work productively in a high-pressure environment, moving swiftly between changing priorities during a demanding work schedule.
• Microsoft Office Suite.

Personal Qualities of Top Candidates

• Equity: Prioritizing fairness in employment practices, working conditions, and treatment; advocating for equitable opportunities and diversity in all forms; and demanding respect and dignity for all federal employees.
• Safety and Health: Ensuring workplaces provide safe and healthy spaces for all federal workers.
• Community: Fostering a sense of community and solidarity through expression of common interests, mutual support, and united effort toward achievement of goals.
• Commitment and Responsibility: Focusing on understanding federal workers’ needs and obstacles; taking responsibility for members’ welfare; and being passionate about advocating fiercely for workers’ rights and well-being.
• Honesty and Integrity: Exemplifying professional, transparent, and ethical conduct in all dealings, at all times.
• Leadership: Employing decisive decision-making; motivating, coaching, empowering, and encouraging staff; showing empathy and humility; and challenging others to excel despite obstacles and demands.
• Problem-Solving: Approaching work by embracing creativity; seeing challenges as opportunities; and taking initiative to explore issues and find innovative solutions.
• Teamwork: Increasing the effectiveness of teams through collaboration, constant learning, and supporting others; and being committed to learning from others.
• Dependability: Consistently delivering with high quality under tight deadlines; successfully managing work using strong organizational skills; and exemplifying ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Emotional intelligence: Having high emotional intelligence which translates into strong collaborations and relationships with members, national and local chapter leaders, and NTEU staff.
• Communication: Communicating clearly and compellingly with diverse stakeholders in both oral and written forms; and anticipating and responding to customer needs in a courteous manner.

How to Apply
Qualified individuals should email a letter of interest and résumé to:

Director of Human Resources
National Treasury Employees Union
Jana.Woods-Jefferson@nteu.org