Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), AFL-CIO
80 Eighth Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10011

Communication / Media Relations Specialist

Based in New York City, NY
(or remote)

 

Reports to the National office. Position based in New York City or remote.

OVERVIEW:
OPEIU is a union representing more than 90,000 workers across the United States and Canada in nonprofit organizations, technology, credit unions, hospitals, insurance agencies, colleges and universities, hotels, administrative offices and more.

Professional organizations and guilds affiliated with OPEIU are a diverse group that includes podiatrists, registered nurses, teachers and helicopter pilots. OPEIU is committed to advancing economic justice for all working people.

JOB SUMMARY:
This position reports to the Communication Manager and assists in the development and implementation of strategic communication and media relations plans that support OPEIU’s mission and enhance the union’s identity through news exposure. The Communication/Media Relations Specialist is viewed as a professional mid-level staff member responsible for regularly interfacing with the press, other OPEIU departments, local unions, external groups and OPEIU members and non-union workers.

We are seeking a stand-out communicator and strategist with proven media relations skills and exceptional writing and editing ability, with extensive experience writing news stories, features, editorials, speeches, press releases, promotional/advertising copy, and social media posts. Must be able to produce effective flyers, leaflets and other materials to support organizing and contract campaigns. Strong grasp of social media and how to use it effectively to communicate with membership and external audiences, and to influence organizing and contract campaigns. This position has non-traditional hours and involves the support of field activities that can involve travel with little notice.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Communication/Media Relations Specialist will assist the communication director and team in all aspects of the organization’s communication and public/media relations efforts, including:

• Assist in the development and implementation of strategic communication and media relations plans, projects, and messaging programs on behalf of the Communication Department that elevate OPEIU’s voice and credibility and advance various campaigns.
• Proactively develop and pitch stories to national and regional papers, magazines, long-form media outlets, television and radio stations and online outlets. 
• Draft media statements and collateral materials in a creative and clear manner and place op-eds and letters to the editor.
• Develop, edit and proofread internal and external communication materials including talking points, fact sheets, emails, text messages, flyers, blog posts, social media posts, website copy and other materials needed for assigned media, bargaining, organizing and political campaigns.
• Take incoming inquiries from reporters and work with press team to coordinate responses.
• Schedule and staff interviews with the press for union leaders and members.
• Identify, screen and train OPEIU leaders and members in public speaking and communication skills for media opportunities and assigned campaigns.
• Develop relationships and interface professionally with staff at local unions across the country and staff at all levels of OPEIU. Interface professionally with external groups who have mutual interests.
• Facilitate the coordination and on-the-ground execution of rallies, press conferences and other public events for assigned campaigns.
• Provides communication support for all conferences, International Executive Board meeting reports and other work-sponsored and related events, including but not limited to, writing speeches and remarks, developing visual materials and presentations as directed, staffing rehearsals and providing logistical support.
• Assist with the writing and editing of the union’s publications, including its quarterly membership magazine, OPEIU Connect.
• Contribute content for and manage development of the union’s websites and mobile app.
• Assist in the creation of new and compelling content for the organization’s social media networks and the compilation of social media analytics reports. SEO skills a plus.
• Work collaboratively and serve as back-up and support to other Department staff, during critical work periods or in covering planned activities of the Department.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented.

REQUIREMENTS:
Education and Experience:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college is required, with a bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communication, Labor Studies, Political Science or Marketing preferred. Minimum of three-five (3-5) years related experience working in a communication role, preferably at a labor union, political campaign, advocacy or membership organization, which provides the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Skills:

• A deep commitment to social, economic, racial and environmental justice and know how to activate communication and media strategies for bigger campaign wins that improve the lives of working families.
• Strong strategic thinking ability.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prepare written materials that follow accepted rules of style and form.
• Experience working with the media with established relationships with key outlets and reporters.
• Knowledge and experience with labor issues, organizing and political action a plus.
• Social media skills and familiarity with Action Network or similar.
• Excellent computer skills and experience with and understanding of how to effectively utilize social media to position OPEIU and to support issue, political, organizing and other campaigns.
• Strong editing and proofreading ability.
• Ability to coordinate multiple ongoing projects and to work independently.
• Detail and deadline oriented.

Travel & Work Hours:

• Travel and extended/non-traditional work hours including evenings and weekends are required.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Salary Range: $65,000 – $75,000. Generous benefit package.

To Apply:
Please submit résumé and cover letter to frontdesk@opeiu.org with the subject “Communication/Media Relations Specialist.”

*Please include position title and local number (if you are a current member of an OPEIU local) in the subject heading of your application email.

Posting Date: Dec. 2, 2025

OPEIU is an equal opportunity employer, and, as such, does not discriminate against an employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, age, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, disability, or any other classification protected from discrimination under applicable law.