32BJ SEIU, the largest property service union in the country, is seeking an aggressive, nimble and creative Senior Regional Communications Specialist to help develop and drive a comprehensive and strategic communications program centered on 32BJ’s new organizing campaigns in the New York City region, among other responsibilities.  The communications program includes media relations, social media and member communications for organizing drives, contract fights and legislative and political campaigns.

The Senior Regional Communications Specialist will be a key member of the union’s communications team, responsible for communications for breakthrough organizing campaigns in New York City. Currently, 32BJ is focused on winning justice for airport workers, growing our security division, and is participating in the national campaign to organize fast food workers. Additional capacity to support the specialist’s work will be added by union-wide New Media and Member Communications Strategists.

Candidates should be strategic and creative thinkers, capable and skilled multi-taskers, and strong writers who know how to utilize a range of communications tools to help advance campaigns.

Responsibilities:
·        Act as lead communications strategist and coordinator for breakthough organizing campaigns in New York City;
·        Create long-term plans, goals and priorities for communications on assigned campaigns;
·        Participate in campaign strategy and planning meetings with the Organizing Director and campaign directors;
·        Drive and execute communications plans, including media relations, new media and member communications, and identify needs for additional communications support at key junctures;
·        Initiate contact with and respond to inquiries from print, radio, and television journalists; pitch story ideas and provide information to generate positive media coverage in the region; and work to identify opportunities to engage national media;
·        Build relationships with labor, political and other key media in the region;
·        Write news advisories, news releases, background pieces, fact sheets, message documents and other press materials for campaigns;
·        Work with member communications staff on materials including newsletters, emails, texting and other resources for campaigns in the region;
·        Conduct member interviews and spokesperson development for member communications materials and for public speaking;
·        Strategize and implement new media components into campaigns, including concepts for microsites, Twitter, Facebook and email outreach;
·        Perform other duties as required to support the department and its mission.

Qualifications:
·        Eight to ten years of experience in communications in labor, politics or advocacy organizations;
·        Experience in strategic communications planning in large, multi-faceted organizations;
·        Demonstrated experience as a project manager in a fast-paced, campaign-oriented work environment;
·        Outstanding writer, able to create strong press releases, message documents and 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;
·        Demonstrated resourcefulness and flexibility in approach to project assignments and planning
·        Ability to travel regularly for planning meetings, events and member meetings.

32BJ SEIU, the largest property service union in the country, is working to create good jobs for 150,000 workers in building, food, security and school services and for all working families.  At the forefront of the fight for economic justice in eleven states and Washington DC, 32BJ works to improve low-wage work and strengthen families and communities.

Application
·         E-mail resume and three press-related writing samples, including your best press release, placement and op-ed to mediajobs@seiu32bj.org.
·         No phone calls please.