Jefferson Federation of Teachers

Communications Manager

Based in Metairie, LA

 

About the Jefferson Federation of Teachers and School Employees (JFT)
The Jefferson Federation of Teachers and School Employees (JFT) is the exclusive collective bargaining representative for teachers and school support employees in Jefferson Parish. JFT advocates for educators, school employees, and public education through collective bargaining, member engagement, professional development, political action, and community partnerships.

As one of Louisiana's most active local unions, JFT works to ensure fair working conditions, professional respect, competitive compensation, and quality public schools for students and families throughout Jefferson Parish.

Position Summary
The Communications Manager serves as the primary communication strategist for the Jefferson Federation of Teachers and School Employees (JFT). This position is responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies that support member engagement, organizing campaigns, collective bargaining initiatives, legislative advocacy, political action, professional development opportunities, and public relations efforts.

Reporting directly to the President, the Communications Manager works collaboratively with the Executive Vice-President, elected officers, organizers, legal counsel, building representatives, and office staff to ensure timely, effective, and impactful communication with members, community stakeholders, elected officials, and the public.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Communications Strategy and Member Engagement

• Develop and execute comprehensive internal and external communication strategies that support JFT's mission, goals, and strategic priorities.
• Create engaging content that informs, educates, and mobilizes members around collective bargaining, workplace issues, organizing campaigns, legislative priorities, and union activities.
• Manage communication efforts related to membership meetings, professional development workshops, conferences, training programs, and member engagement initiatives.
• Maintain consistent messaging across all communication platforms, including email, social media, website content, newsletters, text messaging, print materials, and video communications.
• Assist with membership recruitment, retention, and engagement campaigns through strategic communications and storytelling.
• Develop member-focused communications that highlight successes, advocacy efforts, and the value of union membership.

Public Relations and Media Relations

• Develop and implement public relations strategies that effectively communicate JFT's priorities and positions to the public.
• Serve as the primary coordinator for media inquiries, interviews, press releases, public statements, and press conferences.
• Draft speeches, presentations, testimony, talking points, correspondence, and other communications for JFT leadership.
• Coordinate media appearances and prepare leadership representatives for interviews and public engagements.
• Build and maintain relationships with local media outlets, education reporters, elected officials, community organizations, and advocacy partners.
• Monitor local, state, and national education news, School Board activity, legislative developments, and emerging issues affecting public education.
• Develop rapid-response communications regarding issues impacting educators, school employees, students, and public schools.
• Provide regular reports regarding media coverage, public sentiment, social media analytics, and communication effectiveness.

Advocacy and Legislative Communications

• Attend Jefferson Parish School Board meetings, legislative hearings, community forums, and public events as assigned.
• Translate complex educational policies, legislative proposals, contractual matters, and legal issues into clear, accessible communications.
• Support JFT advocacy campaigns through strategic messaging, member mobilization, and public awareness efforts.
• Assist in developing communication materials related to political action, elections, and legislative priorities.

Organizational Support

• Collaborate closely with the President, Executive Vice-President, elected officers, organizers, legal counsel, and office staff to align communications with organizational objectives.
• Provide communication support and guidance to building representatives and local leaders.
• Assist with event promotion, registration campaigns, and member outreach initiatives.
• Maintain and update communication databases and member contact information.
• Support special projects and organizational initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications
Required

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Political Science, Library Science, Education, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in communications, public relations, marketing, advocacy, political campaigns, nonprofit organizations, labor organizations, maintaining websites, or a related field.
• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of social media platforms, digital communications, and content development.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Canva, and communication management platforms.
• Willingness to work evenings and occasional weekends to support meetings, events, and organizational activities.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Preferred

• Labor union experience.
• Public education experience.
• Political advocacy or legislative communications experience.
• Experience with website management and email marketing platforms.
• Graphic design, photography, and video production skills.
• Familiarity with AP Style and media relations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive understanding of traditional and digital communication strategies.
• Strong understanding of public relations principles and media engagement.
• Ability to develop compelling written and visual content.
• Ability to analyze communication metrics and engagement data.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Knowledge of labor relations, collective bargaining, public education, and advocacy campaigns preferred.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and respond quickly to emerging issues.

Salary and Benefits
Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

JFT offers a competitive benefits package that may include:

• Health insurance contribution
• Retirement benefits
• Paid vacation leave
• Sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Mileage reimbursement for approved travel
• Technology and communication stipend, when applicable

Work Location
This position is based at the Jefferson Federation of Teachers office in Metairie, Louisiana.

Regular travel throughout Jefferson Parish is required to attend School Board meetings, member events, trainings, worksite visits, and community functions. Occasional travel within Louisiana and nationally may be required for Louisiana Federation of Teachers (LFT) and American Federation of Teachers (AFT) conferences, training programs, and events.

This version is tailored specifically to JFT's size, structure, and day-to-day operations, while emphasizing School Board advocacy, member communications, organizing, and public education issues that are central to your local.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a résumé along with relevant work samples to lmarino@jft.org. Subject Line: Communications Manager.

Work samples may include examples of:

• Graphic design and branding 
• Social media campaigns 
• Newsletters or email communications 
• Press releases 
• Photography and/or video projects 
• Marketing materials 
• Website or digital content 

Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the position is filled.

Submit your application today and help tell the story of the Jefferson Federation of Teachers and School Support Employees while advocating Louisiana's educators and school support professionals.

*Application Deadline is July 24, 2026*