What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Director position at Michigan AFL-CIO?
Overview:
The Communications Director is responsible for leading the growing Communications Department servicing all divisions of the Michigan AFL-CIO, including the Michigan AFL-CIO, the Michigan AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institute, Michigan AFL-CIO Advocates, and the Michigan AFL-CIO Labor Foundation.
The Communications Director will report to the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Michigan AFL-CIO. The Communications Director’s work plan will be determined by the Michigan AFL-CIO.
To apply visit: https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Michigan-Afl--cio-2/jobs?jk=e3d60b23833706c0&start=0
Duties:
● Develop, secure senior staff approval of, and execute an agenda-driving communications plan for all divisions of the Michigan AFL-CIO, and manage rapid response and crisis communications when necessary
● Build and maintain strong relationships with Michigan AFL-CIO affiliates at the state level and with key locals, including through the management of a communications coordinating table for fellow labor and progressive communicators to coordinate issue-based messaging and strategy
● Represent the Michigan AFL-CIO with key partners across Michigan in order to build relationships, identify opportunities for engagement, and advance the organization’s goals
● Independently prioritize and keep on track multiple simultaneous time-sensitive projects across the Department, and proactively communicate project updates to the Deputy Chief of Staff
● Oversee the development and management of the Michigan AFL-CIO’s brand toolkit, style guidelines, and other resources to unify the organization’s public-facing identity, positioning, and voice
● Oversee the management and growth of the Michigan AFL-CIO’s digital media presence, including websites, mass email program, podcast, and social media accounts
● Oversee the development and distribution of a range of material including messaging guidance, talking points, scripts, press releases, website content, mail/literature copy and design, social media posts, leaflets, bulletins, website and e-advocacy content, fact sheets, speeches, paid ads, and more
● Shepherd all Department work product through the appropriate approval processes, beginning with proofing and copyediting materials to ensure they are accurate, use correct spelling and grammar, maintain a consistent tone, and communicate the Michigan AFL-CIO’s core messages and values
● Identify the needs, challenges, and opportunities of the Department and proactively communicate those to the Deputy Chief of Staff
● Develop, secure senior staff approval of, and execute a plan to make the Department revenue- neutral
● Collaborate with other departments and divisions to advance the mission of the Department and of the Michigan AFL-CIO
● Supervise and help develop direct hires within the Department by fostering collaboration, holding them accountable to their work plans and goals, providing regular feedback, and supporting their professional development, all in accordance with Michigan AFL-CIO personnel policies
● Serve in the place of supervisee(s) as needed
Qualifications:
● A bachelor’s degree is required in public relations, marketing, journalism, English, creative writing.
● 5 years (or 2 cycles) of experience in political communications
● On-the-record experience with print, radio, and TV news reporters is required
● Experience in branding and marketing is a plus
● Graphic design and/or video production experience is a plus
● Familiarity with and commitment to the labor movement and an understanding of labor’s goals is required
● Strong time management and organizational skills are required, including a demonstrated ability to independently manage and prioritize multiple tasks and projects in high-pressure situations and under difficult deadlines
● Excellent communication skills are required, including the ability to quickly synthesize and distill complex information into concise, impactful public-facing messaging; the ability to communicate with and on behalf of individuals from diverse ethnic, racial, age, gender, educational, occupational, and socio-economic backgrounds; and the written communication skills necessary to write effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with short deadlines
● Computer skills are required, including knowledge and extensive use of e-mail, Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, Microsoft Office, and Google Drive.
● A valid driver’s license, continuous use of a reliable vehicle, automobile liability insurance, and willingness to travel regularly
● Occasional travel to other parts of the state and/or out-of-state may be necessary. Overnight travel will be infrequent but may be required
● Long work hours, some holiday work, and frequent participation in evening and weekend activities are required, and attendance at early morning calls or events will be expected
Compensation: $75,000 - $90,000 salary with negotiation possible for extraordinarily qualified applicants.
The Michigan AFL-CIO offers a competitive benefits package.
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Diversity & Equal Opportunity
Our organization is an equal opportunity employer, and we actively seek to build diversity among our officers, staff, and members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color, LGBTQ, veterans, and disabled candidates are encouraged to apply.
Salary : $75,000 - $90,000