SEIU Local 32BJ

Communications Specialist

Based in Newark, NJ

 

ABOUT US
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. Founded in 1934, 32BJ is the largest union of property service workers in the nation. We have a powerful and important mission: to build and grow a diverse, effective, politically independent and democratic organization of workers to change our lives for the better, improve our communities, and build a more just society for present and future generations.

With a commitment to building power for low-wage workers, 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 immigrant justice, organizing rights, affordable housing, increasing minimum wages, and expanding access to health care.

The Union has approximately 450 staff in sixteen offices from Boston to Miami. 32BJ SEIU represents over 185,000 property service workers including janitors, security officers, airport workers, and food service employees in eleven states and Washington, DC. 32BJ is an affiliate of SEIU, the Service Employees International Union, which has two million members dedicated to raising industry standards and making life better for all working families and communities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Communications Specialist for New Jersey 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.

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 Regional Manager of Communications for New York and New Jersey.

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.
• Writing in the Union’s voice.
• 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 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.
• When needed, planning, budgeting, and executing paid media campaigns on all platforms.
• Working with other Communications team members to develop and post 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, and/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, manage 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 in our Newark, New Jersey and with occasion work out of our New York City office.
• 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 computer/office based, with in-person and Zoom meetings. There will be 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 $82,000, depending on experience. 32BJ offers a generous benefits package that includes a $200 per week car stipend or a $75 per week transit stipend, full employer-paid medical, dental and vision plan (for full-time employees and their qualified dependents) and retirement benefits, including a defined benefit pension plan and 401K. 32BJ offers paid time off including three weeks’ vacation, eleven holidays, twelve sick days and four personal days. 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 sdavis-cohen@seiu32bj.org. Please use “NJ Communications” in the subject line of your email.

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.