Regional Communications Specialist

Regional Communications Specialist

SEIU National Fast Food Workers Union

Los Angeles, CA 90017

Regional Communications Specialist - Los Angeles

Fight for $15 and a Union Campaign

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Job Type: Full Time

Reports To: Director of Communications

Supervises: This position does not supervise staff.

SALARY: Salary is commensurate based on experience.

Purpose of Position: SEIU National Fast Food Workers Union is hiring a full-time Communications Specialists. We seek individuals who are interested in a career fighting alongside low wage workers who are leading the campaign to win “$15 and a Union”. This is a bargaining unit position.

The Regional Communications Specialist will have direct responsibility for developing and coordinating communications strategy, media relations, and messaging for campaign and other union projects for social justice based in Los Angeles, CA.

About SEIU NFFWU

SEIU NFFWU is working to expand the movement and deepen the successful fights to raise employment standards and unite workers in organizing their union in the fast food industry through national, state and community campaigns.

SEIU NFFWU is affiliated with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which has more than 2 million members in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. NFFWU is united with those 2.2 million members in a shared belief in the dignity of workers, the value of their work, and in a commitment to a more just and humane society.

Primary Responsibilities: (Any one position may not include all of the specific duties and responsibilities listed. Examples provide a general summary of the work required and should not be treated as a total and complete list of expected duties to be performed by employees in the classification.)

This position will emphasize the 1) writing and 2) design and production of print and web content for organizing campaigns, including fliers, posters, stickers, mailers, web graphics, etc. The right candidate for this position will have strong experience using message discipline in progressive campaigns, and organizing skills including the following skills:

? Identifies and builds trusting relationships with worker-leaders, in conjunction with the field organizers, to confidently speak on union issues to community, coworkers, and in media interviews

? Manages media relations in coordination with community coalition and spokespeople; monitors media coverage of the union; answers inquiries from the news media

? Writes talking points, speeches, leaflets, press materials, letters to the editor, op-eds, background pieces and other collateral materials as needed

? Manages campaign event logistics and communications, i.e. strategy, message, location, signage, visuals, materials, media outreach, spokesperson prep, interviews event flow and agenda

? Demonstrates ability to take initiative; manage own work and work of others without supervision, to include proactive media outreach; develops good working relationships with journalists; and generate positive media coverage

? Coordinates with staff and contract staff regarding campaign photo/video needs and delivers a variety of testimony and action clips

? Performs other duties as required to support the local and its mission; maintains a high level of confidentiality in handling SEIU affairs

This position will include working in the field, and travel to events throughout California and Southern California for on-the-ground communications support. In addition, evening and weekend availability is commonly required to support campaigns. Work is generally performed in an office setting.

Commitment to economic and social justice; experience developing and implementing strategies on a wide range of campaigns; ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment and to work both independently and as a team member; proficiency with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Google Suite, and MS Office. Graphic design, layout, and preparation of print designs for a range of mediums and output formats. Impeccable writing and editing skills. Must have a valid driver's license and a car to use for work.

Preferred: Spanish language skills; familiarity with the labor movement, progressive politics, earned media outreach.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field. Three years of related work experience or a combination of education and experience that would provide for the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

? Experience developing and implementing strategy on a wide range of campaigns, including organizing, contract, political, and legislative, as well as experience working with community allies.

? Thorough knowledge of media relations strategies.

? Thorough knowledge of electronic and print media systems.

? Excellent writing, verbal, and analytical skills.

? Demonstrated capacity to continuously develop knowledge and skills related to use of rapidly changing technology.

? Knowledge of unions or other advocacy organizations.

? Skill in the use of personal computer including Microsoft Office Suite.

? Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.

Physical Requirements: Work is generally performed in an office setting. Long and extended hours and travel may be required.

Probationary period: Thirty six (36) calendar weeks.

Application Requirements: A cover letter, resume and writing sample is required for all applications. Your cover letter should explain your reason for wanting to work for the union, an example of how you demonstrated success in a similar position and a description of how this position fits into your long-term career plan.

Benefits: SEIU NFFWU staff enjoys top notch benefits including comprehensive health benefits, major medical, dental and vision for employee and eligible dependents, competitive salaries, generous holiday and vacation policies, and a 401(K) Plan.

SEIU NFFWU is an Equal Opportunity employer that values and respects the diversity of its staff. Women and people of color are encouraged to apply.