California Federation of Labor Unions, AFL-CIO

Communications Specialist

Based in California

 

Are you a former journalist looking to work for the labor movement? Do you excel in writing and enjoy working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? Are you interested in writing about a bold agenda centered on economic justice?

Apply to work for the California Federation of Labor Unions and communicate to workers, union members and leaders, elected officials, the press, and the public about everything unions stand and fight for every day. The Communications Specialist would primarily be tasked with drafting and distributing daily and weekly informational updates and newsletters to keep union members and leaders informed about current events and how unions are being impacted, as well about strikes, actions, events, and other news going on throughout the California labor movement. Former journalists or other career writers with are highly encouraged to apply.

Under the supervision of the Chief of Staff, the Communications Specialist would support the internal and external communications’ needs of the Federation, its affiliate unions, and central labor councils across the state. The California Federation of Labor Unions represents over 1,300 affiliate unions in California that collectively represent 2.3 million union members in trucking, retail, hospitality, and other service sector jobs, janitorial, construction, health care, local and state government, education, arts and entertainment, warehousing and logistics, manufacturing, and a variety of other sectors.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Draft and distribute a range of written communications – news articles, newsletters, e-mail blasts, blog posts, press releases, media advisories, social media posts, statements, op-eds, campaign literature, talking points, website content, and other communications materials for unions and labor councils;
• Execute written communications plans that support unions’ organizing, legislative, political, contract, and mobilization campaigns;
• Help conduct press outreach ahead of press conferences, rallies, hearings, and other mass mobilization events;
• Closely monitor the news cycle and draft responses to relevant issues in real-time;
• Proof and copyedit communications materials to ensure they are accurate, use correct spelling and grammar, maintain a consistent tone, and communicate core messages and values;
• Provide staffing support to the Federation’s leadership at press conferences, media avails, rallies, other events, and meetings;
• Provide staffing support for the Federation’s events and conferences.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Excellent written communications skills, including the ability to quickly synthesize and distill complex information into a concise, informative and digestible format;
• Ability to write effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with short deadlines;
• Background and knowledge of the labor movement;
• Prior experience in journalism highly desired;
• Strong work ethic and strict attention to detail;
• Ability to take initiative and prioritize multiple tasks and time-sensitive assignments;
• Knowledge of social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, other emerging platforms) is a plus but not required;
• Prior experience using Action Network or similar platforms for mass email programs is a plus.

SALARY AND BENEFITS
This is a union job represented by the Pacific Media Workers Guild, Local 39521. The salary for this position is $101,290. Includes excellent full family medical, dental, and vision benefits and a defined-benefit pension plan.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The Communications Specialist is expected to report to the Chief of Staff. Working in-person is required, location in California is flexible. Some travel to Sacramento and other areas of the state will be required. Driver’s license and access to a car is required.

TO APPLY
Applicants should email their résumé, cover letter, and three writing samples to Chief of Staff Shubhangi Domokos at Shubhangi@calaborfed.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer
California Federation of Labor Unions, AFL-CIO provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, California Federation of Labor Unions AFL-CIO complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. California Federation of Labor Unions AFL-CIO expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.