Fairfax County Federation of Teachers
AFT Affiliate Local 2401

Communications Director

Based in Northern Virginia

 

Position Description:
The Communications Director works under the direction of FCFT’s Managing Director of Public Affairs and supports all AFT Virginia locals. This role will lead multi-media and digital strategy to strengthen FCFT’s and AFT Virginia’s public presence and brand, with a strong emphasis on lifting up workers’ voices.

Key areas of focus include social media, website management, digital and print communications, media relations, newsletters, and video/content creation.

Core Responsibilities:

• Work with FCFT’s Managing Director of Public Affairs to implement internal and external communications strategies.
• Develop communications plans for local and statewide union activities, services, and campaigns at the local and state levels.
• Collaborate with the Managing Director of Public Affairs and Political Director to fulfill local communications needs and requests.
• Manage and oversee all digital platforms and day-to-day communications for FCFT and AFT Virginia across all channels, ensuring high-quality, consistent, and creative content.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, influencers, and media producers.
• Direct and coordinate speaking engagements, media requests, speech and opinion writing, and digital promotion.
• Conduct media training and advise leaders and staff on media strategy.
• Lead crisis communications planning and response, including rapid messaging and media engagement during high-pressure moments. 
• Maintain and update communication calendar, workflows, and systems to support cross departmental operations 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Minimum of three years experience in media, communications, and/or digital campaigns, ideally in labor organizing, political advocacy, or journalism.
• Proficiency with video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Final Cut) and social media messaging/marketing tools.
• Very online, and highly fluent with social media platforms, trends, and content scheduling.
• Strong, fast, and accurate writer with an ability to center workers in messaging. 
• Experience crafting speeches, op-eds, newsletters, and/or reports.
• Ability to integrate media strategy into organizing, political, or advocacy campaigns.
• Knowledge of local and/or digital media landscapes.
• Ability to work effectively with elected member leaders, staff, and community stakeholders in complex and sometimes politically sensitive environments.
• Experience managing crisis communications.
• Ability to balance multiple projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with local and state education and political issues.
• Experience working with community partners and organizations.
• Preferred: Labor and/or Capitol Hill experience.
• Preferred: Extensive social media and videography experience.
• Plus: fluency in second language

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
The salary for the position starts at $65,000. Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid health benefits, dental benefits, paid time off; travel, and expense reimbursements.

HOW TO APPLY:
Use the link provided to submit your application HERE. Applications must include: a cover letter, résumé, three references, one written sample (speech, testimony, press release, published work, etc.), one graphic design sample, and one video or website sample you’ve created. Applications omitting any of these materials will be considered incomplete and will be removed from consideration.