SEIU Local 32BJ

Communications Specialist NY

Based in New York, NY

 

ABOUT US
At the forefront of building the nation’s labor movement, 32BJ SEIU is changing the narrative around important social and economic issues facing working families. Founded in 1934, 32BJ is the largest union of property service workers in the nation. We have a powerful and important mission: To build and grow a diverse, effective, politically independent and democratic organization of workers to change our lives for the better, improve our communities, and build a more just society for present and future generations.

With a commitment to building power for low-wage workers, 32BJ is engaged in winning strong contracts for members, organizing workers, supporting progressive candidates for elected office and moving a broad policy agenda, such as paid sick days, expanding access to health care and the Fight for $15.

The union has approximately 425 staff in sixteen offices from Boston to Miami. 32BJ SEIU represents over 175,000 property service workers including janitors, security officers, airport workers, and food service employees in 11 states and Washington, D.C. 32BJ is an affiliate of SEIU, the Service Employees International Union, which has 2 million members dedicated to raising industry standards and making life better for all working families and communities.

32BJ SEIU’s headquarters are in New York City.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Communications Specialist will help drive a comprehensive and strategic member communications program to reach our New York members. The Communications Specialist will develop various materials (i.e. flyers, posters, PowerPoint presentations, text and email campaigns) to support actions, rallies, and meetings regarding contract fights, organizing drives and legislative and political campaigns, as well as work with members on scripts and speeches.

The Communications Specialist will be a member of the union’s Communications Department, responsible for member communications in New York. This position is based at the union’s New York City-based headquarters.

The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator, creative thinker, capable and skilled multi-tasker, who knows how to utilize a range of communications tools to advance campaigns. The Communications Specialist reports to the Deputy Communications Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• In coordination with the Deputy Communications Director, develop and execute a member communications strategy, including defining strategic objectives, goals and metrics;
• Drive member communications in all of New York, maintaining message consistency and providing coordination;
• Strategize in coordination with the Deputy Communications Director around how to best use member communication tools – both digital and print – to increase member engagement and involvement in union activities;
• Participate in campaign strategy and planning meetings with officers, area leaders and program and campaign directors;
• Develop and manage a calendar of member communications coordinated with region-wide priorities, including a focus on member leaders;
• Strategize and coordinate with other Communicators on how to effectively use digital platforms for member communications;
• Write emails, texts, and other member communications regarding political and legislative campaigns, organizing drives, and contract fights;
• Develop PowerPoint presentations and other assets for membership meetings;
• Work with graphic designers to develop creative assets for member communications;
• Interview members and prepare them for speaking engagements;
• Work with photographers and videographers for member communications

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Three to five years of experience in communications in labor, politics or advocacy organizations;
• Experience in strategic communications planning in large, multi-faceted organizations;
• Outstanding writer, able to create strong member communications materials;
• Familiarity with new media tools and openness to expanding skills in this area;
• Experience in working with and creating communications for union or organizational members on advocacy campaigns;
• Demonstrated commitment to social and economic justice, especially work with union members, low-wage and immigrant communities;
• Ability to work independently, handle multiple priority projects and meet deadlines;
• Very strong preference for a candidate comfortable speaking and writing in Spanish;
• Demonstrated resourcefulness and flexibility in approach to project assignments and planning
• Ability to travel regularly for planning meetings, events and member meetings.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The position is a full-time position based in New York City.
• This position occasionally requires time outside normal business hours, including some nights and weekends.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
This position is a full time position that occasionally requires long and irregular hours, including some nights, weekends and holidays.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
The salary for this role is $75,000-$80,000. 32BJ offers a generous benefits package that includes a fully employer-paid medical, dental and vision plan (for full-time employees and their qualified dependents) and retirement benefits, including a defined benefit pension plan and 401K. 32BJ offers paid time off including three weeks’ vacation, eleven holidays, twelve sick days and, after the first year of service, four personal days. The union currently offers a remote work policy of one remote day per week at the discretion of the manager.

APPLICATION:
Please send a résumé and letter of interest to HR@seiu32bj.org. Please use “Communications Specialist NY” in the subject line of your email.

Please note 32BJ has implemented a vaccine mandate. Bona fide religious and ADA exemptions are permitted with additional safety measures.

32BJ is an inclusive and diverse organization, committed to advocating for social, racial and economic justice. We promote diversity and strongly encourage applications from people who believe in our mission. We strongly encourage women and people of color to apply.

For more information on 32BJ SEIU, visit www.seiu32bj.org.