Campaign Communications Specialist, SEIU, NYC or Washington, D.C.

SEIU JOB DESCRIPTION


Job Title: Campaign Communications Specialist

Job Location: New York City or Washington, D.C.

To Apply: Email cover letter and resume to: resumes@seiu.catsone.com

Purpose:

This position is responsible for assisting in communications support for various campaigns including organizing, political action, bargaining, and other activities. Takes direct responsibility for developing and coordinating public relations, media relations, and general communications support for campaigns and other union projects.


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.)

· Develops and implements communications strategies to support organizing, political action, and contract campaigns and other activities of SEIU and various local unions.

· Writes leaflets, newsletters, talking points, speeches, letters to the editor, op-eds, background pieces, fact sheets, press kit materials, and other collateral materials as needed for various campaigns.

· Develops media strategy, provides pro-active media outreach, and answers inquiries from the news media; prepares members or union personnel for contact with the news media.

· Provides communications support for International officers or local officers attending campaign or other events.

· Monitors media coverage of various campaigns, maintains clipping files, makes recommendations on ways to improve media coverage.

· Coordinates event logistics and interviews (i.e. videography, still photography, advisories, news releases, stage-setting collateral, etc.).

· Develops and Implements targeting and placement of paid advertisements to support various campaigns and political action.

· Performs other duties as required to support the department and its mission.


Contacts

Include SEIU and affiliate staff, photographers, graphic artists, printers, video crews, vendors, and other officials and experts on campaign communications issues.


Direction and Decision Making

This position reports to the Assistant Director of campaign Communications and the incumbent works independently.


Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with course work in labor relations, communications, political science, or liberal arts, and two (2) years of work in media relations, public affairs, or campaign communications (or successful completion of PS-1A probation). Applicants must be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

· Knowledge of union organizing and other associated campaigns.

· Knowledge of campaign communications strategies and media relations.

· Knowledge of electronic and print media systems.

· Knowledge of advertising techniques.

· Ability to perform pro-active media outreach, maintain good working relationships with journalists, and generate positive media coverage.

· Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Excellent writing skills required.

· Ability to handle multiple "priority" projects simultaneously and meet established deadlines.

· Ability to work effectively with elected leaders and staff in complex and sometime political situations.

· Ability to work effectively with members, unorganized workers, the media, and community allies.

· Ability to learn and develop new skills.

· Skill in the use of personal computers, Internet research and media tools, Powerpoint.


Physical Requirements:

Work is generally performed in an office setting. Long and extended hours and travel required.

Writing Sample and test required.

SEIU is an Equal Opportunity Employer