Rutgers Adjunct Faculty Union,
Rutgers AAUP-AFT and United Council of Academics at NJIT

Communications Specialist

Based in New Brunswick, NJ

 

Rutgers Adjunct Faculty Union, Rutgers AAUP-AFT, and United Council of Academics at NJIT represent about 10,000 faculty and staff at Rutgers and NJIT. We are actively searching for a full-time Communications Specialist. The successful candidate would join a collaborative team of hard-working self-starters at a politically progressive local that takes social justice demands seriously and centers member-led unionism as a guiding principle. 

Major Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Assist in the development and implementation of communications strategies and media essential to support the goals and objectives of the Union, under the direction of the Organizing Director and in collaboration with the Executive Director, elected officers and assigned member committees. 
  • Design, implement and continually build a creative, multi-dimensional communications program that frames the Union’s key priorities and initiatives, and engages workers and the public. 
  • Be versed in breaking trends in emerging communications media and incorporate those into the Union’s communications programs and strategies. 
  • Write clear and compelling messages that drive member engagement and continually improve the Union’s communications with varied audiences.
  • Produce high-quality, error-free digital and written materials for use in email, text, web, direct mail, brochures, flyers, press releases, regular town halls, and other mediums. 
• Collaborate with the Organizing Director, the Executive Director, elected officers and assigned member committees including the Media Committee to lead the Union’s external communications including, but not limited to, press relations, community outreach, and policy positions. 
  • Draft and write press releases, talking points, op-eds, media advisories, and bi-weekly newsletters. 
  • Plan and strategically organize press conferences.
  • Monitor press coverage about the Union, its members and issues impacting the Union, both locally and nationally. 
  • Establish relationships with key reporters and actively pitch stories to expand press coverage of the Union and its work. 
• Create content for and maintain the Union’s websites and online communication channels in alignment with the Union’s key priorities in a way that uplifts rank and file union voices and perspectives 

Qualifications: 

• Ability to understand complex issues, gather and assess information, identify campaign leverage, and develop communications that enhance strategic pressure points. 
• Experience working with organizing and/or bargaining staff to develop communications strategies. 
• Outstanding verbal, written and editorial skills, especially under pressure and tight deadlines. 
• Excellent project management skills, demonstrated experience meeting tight deadlines and providing fast turn-around of quality products and working in a high pressure environment. 
• Experience using research metrics and/or databases to develop communications targets and messages as well as experience with email and event management systems required. Action Network experience preferred. 
• Experience working with allies on joint campaigns is a plus. 
• Proficient with Adobe Creative Cloud, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office Suite. 
• Bachelor’s degree preferred. 

Salary range: 
$70 – $100,000 commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits package. 

This is a full-time, in-person position based at our office in New Brunswick with occasional opportunities to work remotely. The role involves travel to NJIT and all Rutgers campuses. 

To Apply:
Submit résumé and cover letter to pnowlan@rutgersaaup.org. Posting will close on February 20, 2026.