Communications Specialist at Service Employees International Union (SEIU)

SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin is a newly unified healthcare workers Local Union, representing 15,000 hospital, nursing home, homecare, and professional public sector workers throughout the state of Wisconsin. SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin is recognized as one of the largest and strongest unions in Wisconsin and has recently celebrated the state’s largest organizing victory in recent history, when 5,500 homecare workers successfully voted for representation. We are poised to aggressively build upon our success and seek talented staff to join us.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Communications Specialist will help plan and execute a strong communications program utilizing traditional and new media for SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin.

A strong candidate for the Communications Specialist position understands the goals and mission of SEIU, and has a demonstrated, broad knowledge of websites, social networking, email and blogging that he or she can seamlessly apply to issue organizing. The communications specialist will contribute advanced skills including fluency in HTML, design programs (InDesign/Photoshop) and email organizing as well as campaign strategy to field, issue and political campaigns.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

* Works with staff to provide campaign support including messaging, communications plans, timely materials, website copy, etc.
* Provides support, planning, strategy for communications projects.
* Monitors the website for regular consistent content and regularly contributes content to website, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
* Monitors and implements emailing program.
* Enhances and expands online capacity of the union.
* Writes, edits and designs regular leaflets, newsletters and other communiqués on important worksite issues.
* Initiates and handles requests from the media (organizes media events, writes news releases and editorials, pitches reporters, develops relationships, and prepares union member spokespersons).
* Arranges for or does photography/videography at public campaign events.
* Provides spokesperson training for local leaders and members.

A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

* Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and confidence in writing and design abilities.
* Demonstrated design, verbal, visual/graphic, interviewing and analytical communications skills.
* Familiarity with campaign communications and organizing.
* Ability to work both independently and effectively as part of a team under limited direction and balance conflicting demands and to lead, teach and train other colleagues including internal and external organizing staff.
* Advanced experience with website design and copy, including InDesign, Photoshop, HTML and CSS, various web platforms, mass email systems and/or Blue State Digital.
* Ability to work under pressure; must be well-organized and self-motivated.
* Ability to exercise good judgment and discern priorities.
* Ability to make effective use of resources available to the union.
* Demonstrated experience in media relations.
* Dedication to improving the position of working people and strengthening the role of organized labor through work actions, community relations, and legislative and political activity.
* Ability to work effectively with members and staff from diverse ethnic, social, and economic groups.

REQUIREMENTS:

* Two or more years in campaign communications, labor communications, public affairs, community organizing, journalism or other related experience.
* Possession of a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and an automobile for business use.
* Willingness to work long and irregular hours and participate in all union wide activities.

SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin offers a fully paid benefit package including medical, dental, vision and life insurance, paid holidays, and vacation. Salary is commensurate with experience. ________________________________________________________________________
TO APPLY: Email Cover Letter and Resume to : resumes@seiu.catsone.com
SEIU Health Care Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity Employer

How to Apply:

To Apply: Please email cover letter and resume to: resumes@seiu.catsone.com