SEIU Michigan State Council

Campaign Communications Specialist

For covering Michigan

 

Job Description
This position is responsible for the development and implementation of communications plans for various campaigns including organizing, political action, bargaining, and other activities.

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.)

• Provides strategic recommendations and assists in the development of communications strategies to improve the public image and visibility of SEIU and various locals.
• Develops, plans, and directs communications strategies and calendars for various campaigns within the State Council and various locals.
• Writes op-eds, background pieces, fact sheets, press kit materials, leaflets and other collateral materials as needed for various campaigns.
• Assists various locals in the development and coordination of communications strategies for campaign projects.
• Writes talking points, statements, letters to the editor, copy for flyers, speeches and other written materials as needed.
• Develops and coordinates a network of local union communications representatives as needed for various campaigns. This coordination may include media training and other support.
• Provides support for State Council officers or local officers attending campaign or other events.
• Monitors media and social media coverage of various campaigns, maintains clipping files, makes recommendations on ways to improve media coverage.
• Provides background briefings for State Council and Local Union Officers, field staff and union members; coordinates event logistics and interviews (i.e., videography, still photography, advisories, news releases, stage-setting collateral, etc.)
• Develops and implements pro-active earned media outreach, as well as the 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 staff and other experts on campaign communications issues.

Direction and Decision Making: This position reports to the campaign Communications Director and the incumbent works independently.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in communications or liberal arts with course work in communications or related field and four (4) years of work experience in media relations, public affairs, or campaign communications including all aspects of literature production process.

• Thorough knowledge of labor movement or other advocacy organizations.
• Thorough knowledge of electronic and print media systems; knowledge of advertising techniques preferred.
• Knowledge of organizing and political campaign strategies preferred.
• Ability to performing proactive media outreach, maintaining good working relationships with journalists, and generating positive media coverage.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of message framing, especially the race-class narrative.
• Knowledge of digital platforms, Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, text, and websites.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Ability to work with elected leaders and staff in complex and sometimes political situations.
• Ability to act and organize time with extreme independence.
• Ability to handle multiple "priority" projects simultaneously and meet established deadlines.
• Skill in the use of personal computers including the Internet, Google Workspace, and Zoom.
• Skill in performing proactive media outreach.
• Skill in developing "Media Pitches" to various outside journalistic outlets.
• Ability to speak, comprehend, write, and provide interpretation in Spanish in a variety of situations is required.

Physical Requirements: Work is generally performed in an office setting. Extended hours and travel may be required. Vaccination Requirement: Candidates will be required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon commencing employment.

Compensation: The salary is $60,000/annual and benefits include fully employer-paid health benefits package,

Writing test and writing samples required.

To Apply:  
Please send cover letter and résumé to: zachary.altefogt@seiu.org.

SEIU is an Equal Opportunity Employer