Director of Strategic Communications

SEIU Local 73 (Service Employees International Union)

Job Title: Director of Strategic Communications

Location: Chicago, IL

Summary:

SEIU Local 73 seeks to fill a newly created position of Director of Strategic Communications to develop communications strategies to support our movement to a member-driven union and to position the union externally in the best position to win for our members and be a progressive voice on our issues. The Director for Strategic Communications will work closely with the leadership of the union to engage and mobilize key internal and external audiences for organizing, representation, bargaining, political and legislative campaigns. The Director will develop communications strategies across platforms to educate, motivate and engage members in the union and its program and in progressive campaigns and public policies that directly impact members, their families and their communities. The successful candidate's record shows success in crafting a wide range of communications strategies and messages that help organizations further their mission and grow their strength. The Director of Strategic Communications will be a member of the senior staff and will be a key advisor to the leaders of the union.

The ideal candidate for the position will have senior level leadership experience developing communications strategies to drive campaigns across platforms with a labor union or association, or a non-profit community or progressive organization. S/he will be an experienced manager with the ability to effectively manage a small staff and will possess the capacity to work collaboratively with a diverse staff and stakeholders to deliver a well-crafted message to the right people using the most effective channels. Successful managers at SEIU Local 73 have a progressive orientation and can be nimble in shifting priorities to the changing needs of a growing, dynamic organization. The successful candidate for the position will have a commitment to building a 21st century workers' movement, to racial equality, and to the mission and values of Local 73.

Responsibilities of the Director for Strategic Communications include:

• Develop and implement a short and long term internal communications strategy and plan for the union that maximizes quality interaction with our membership and that utilizes all of the platforms and best practices for communicating with our members to increase union activism and improve the lives of working families.
• Develop and implement a short and long term external communication strategy and plan for the union that supports the Locals' contract, issue and political campaigns and which positions the Local as a strong progressive voice for our members, for working people and for our communities. Serve as a key advisor to senior Local 73 leadership in a variety of internal and external communications.
• Assist in design and production of written and web materials, including those for the organizing, political, and other departments
• Help to generate positive media coverage for the union, its members and causes 
• Work with and help provide direction to consultants, partner organizations and others 
• Train members and staff on best practices in communication technology 
• Successfully supervise other communications team members and oversee consultant 
• Develop messages around key issues and campaigns 
• Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience Requirements:

The ability to thrive and operate in a fast-paced mission driven environment requires that the ideal candidate will possess a quick thinking and adaptable style to affect change and drive progress. Additionally, s/he will, be an experienced professional who performs successfully and with good humor, in the face of ambiguity and complexity.

While no candidate is expected to possess all of these qualities, the ideal candidate will demonstrate the following professional and personal abilities, attributes and experiences:

• Strategic Vision: A successful record of implementing innovative internal and external communications strategies and initiatives that advanced organization's mission and goals. 
• Creativity: A record of effectiveness utilizing novel and creative approaches that engage constituent members, including old and new media platforms, and print, video and social media. 
• Technology & Data Fluency: A solid grasp of how to use emergent technology and data metrics to connect across a wide demographic spectrum and to accurately assess effectiveness of communications; direct experience with social media strategy and digital best practices. 
• Visual Technology: Experience with photo and/or video equipment and editing software (Photoshop, iMovie, Final Cut, etc.) a plus 
• Team Leadership: Contributes to a work environment that brings out the best in others. 
• Organizing/Results Orientation: Has shown results in building power and accomplishing goals through messaging, branding and related communications efforts. 
• Effective Communicator: Strong interpersonal skills evidenced in group and individual settings. A significant team contributor with political savvy.
• Values Match: Demonstrated commitment to principles of organizational equity and inclusion. A core belief in the importance of empowering people through active engagement and collective action at work and in the community. Comfortable with taking direction from elected member leaders
• Project management: the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, and meet established deadlines.
• Self-awareness: A mature sense of one's strengths and growth edges; a willingness to accept feedback non-defensively and operate flexibly in a complex and sometimes ambiguous work environment.
• Earned Media: Demonstrated ability to achieve earned media goals.
• Experience: At least 5 years' experience in progressive advocacy communications, campaigns, branding and media relations, and in designing and implementing strategic communications plans for organizing, political, collective bargaining, and/or issue campaigns.
• Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university and a record of lifelong learning, including recent professional development work. Degree in media, communications, marketing, writing or related area a plus.
• Excellent writing, editing and interpersonal communication skills; Strong personal planning, motivation, and time management skills and attention to detail; and ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment.
• Willingness to work long, irregular hours, including evenings and weekends and to travel when necessary.

Salary and Benefits:

The position includes a competitive salary based on experience and a package of benefits that includes paid holidays, vacations, paid health benefits including health, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits. All staff in the union are participants in a defined benefit pension plan fully paid by the employer.

Application Requirements:

A resume and cover letter are required for all applications . Your cover letter should explain your reason for wanting to work for us, an example of how you demonstrated success in a similar position, a description of how this position fits into your long-term career plan and your salary requirements.

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SEIU Local 73 is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply Here

PI97736672