COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Job Announcement: Communications Director for statewide labor organization

Colorado WINS is the leading state employee organization, representing nearly 32,000 state employees and activists, dedicated to standing up for the public services Coloradans need and creating a state government that works for all of us.

Colorado WINS is a part of three international organizations: the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the Service Employees International Union (CAPE-SEIU).

Summary:

The Communications Director is a senior member of the Colorado WINS managing team. The Communications Director develops and implements the organization's public relations campaigns, including advising and supporting organizing and membership development goals, political & legislative actions, negotiations and other activities. This position reports directly to the Deputy Director of Colorado WINS, and works in coordination with the senior staff.

Overview:

• Develop, plan, and lead communications strategies and calendars for member education, organizing, political, legislative, negotiation and other campaigns.
• Frame messages and develop materials for effective communication with the news media, the general public, state employees, and other working people and allies.

Day-to-Day Tasks:

• Write leaflets, direct mail, website and e-advocacy content, news releases, fact sheets, op-eds, talking points, letters to the editor, speeches, paid ads, and other materials.
• Develop and execute proactive earned media outreach, planning and organizing media events, and preparing workers and other allies to talk with the news media.
• Write and oversee the content for the organization’s website with the aim of increasing traffic to the site and reinforcing our key values and principles.
• Train leaders and activists to be spokespeople for the organization.
• Maintain ongoing relationships with traditional and new media outlets, including local, ethnic and alternative media.
• Work in coordination with senior staff and lead organizers to advise and support member education, organizing, negotiation, political & legislative campaigns.
• Monitor media coverage of state government issues and other union activities in Colorado; maintain media file, make recommendations on ways to improve media coverage.
• Maintain database and archive of organization literature.
• Interact and coordinate with respective international unions on state and national campaign communication strategies and materials.

Job Qualifications:

• Five or more years of experience in media relations, public affairs or campaign communications. Previous experience with the labor movement or other advocacy groups preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in performing pro-active media outreach; maintaining good working relationships with journalists and generating positive media coverage.
• Excellent writing, verbal and analytical communications skills.
• Working knowledge of electronic and/or print media systems; knowledge of advertising techniques preferred.
• Familiarity with all aspects of literature production process, including design and layout required.
• Familiarity with organizing, political and negotiation strategies preferred.
• Knowledge of website maintenance and e-mail communications necessary.
• Ability to work independently under limited direction and balance conflicting demands.
• Willingness to work long and irregular hours often: including evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and carry out multiple ongoing campaigns.

Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience in addition to a competitive benefits package.

To Apply: Please email resume and cover letter (Subject Line: Communications Director) to humanresources@cowins.org

WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information online at UNIONJOBS.COM. Do not just say the Internet.