Description

SALARY: $60,000

The Communications Director (CD) will work to control the public narrative around our campaigns through the use of earned, paid and social media to deliver strategic messages. This work will involve developing and executing a communications strategy for each campaign issue and working with staff and volunteers to carry them out day to day. They will not only be able to respond quickly to emerging events that affect fluid campaigns at the state and national level, but also be proactive in developing messaging in anticipation of changes to the current state of play. The CD will consult with organizers to plan direct actions and other events to draw press attention, mobilize leaders, and generate engaging images and videos. They will prepare leaders and staff to talk with the press about the issues we organize on and how they impact their lives. The CD will generate press releases and advisories, make pitch calls, and develop relationships with various media outlets across the state. The CD will track and catalog all resulting press coverage. They will also manage crisis communications for the organization.

Prior experience in community organizing and Spanish language proficiency are a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• Passion for our issues and vision of a more just world
• Knowledge of current events at state and national level that affect our campaigns
• Passion for developing the leadership of volunteers
• Strong writing skills with a focus on public relations (Press advisories, releases and Op-eds)
• Ability to craft values based messaging
• Develop and maintain relationships with reporters and media outlets statewide
• Ability to perform with a high degree of skill in a fast-paced work environment
• Highly organized and deadline-oriented
• Knowledge of C3, C4, SuperPAC compliance and messaging
• Audio and video production skills are a plus
• Spanish Bilingual preferred

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Communications Stability
  • Design, write and redirect the communications strategy regularly to meet the moment of the political climate. Stay current on issues vital to the affected communities, the political landscape, and other matters that affect the ability of Michigan United to fulfill its mission, goals, and objectives
  • Work closely with Michigan United organizing staff and national and local partners and funders to develop, refine and further our communications
  • Oversee Michigan United and Michigan People’s Campaign websites and social media content
  • Oversee outgoing email communications to Michigan United and Michigan People’s Campaign members
• Management
  • Guide communications staff on a weekly basis to help achieve their goals
    • Specifically related to earned media, digital media, fundraising, governing power, leadership development
  • Provide training and assist in finding training opportunities for communications staff growth 
  • Train new communications staff on work plans, organizational vision
  • Hold communications staff accountable to reach goals
  • Work closely with communications staff to develop annual goals, weekly and monthly work plans, and lead regular evaluations
  • Respond to organizers’ needs and emergencies and guide communications team through difficult situations
  • Lead hiring process for new communications positions in regional departments
• Member, Leader, and Staff Training and Recruitment
  • Engage leaders in one-to-one conversations
  • Educate leaders on the communications strategy and prepare them to effectively convey their message in the media and with elected officials
  • Run successful press events
  • Identify outreach strategies and potential leaders, proposition a self-driven / leader-led core team, and recruit active volunteers and committee members for the program
  • Hiring and Onboarding
  • Lead applicant recruitment, hiring, and onboarding for new communications staff
  • Organizational & Regional Strategy
  • Actively help shape organizational culture and vision
  • Work closely with all Organizing Directors and Campaign Managers to achieve Organizational goals 

Exceptional candidates will also be able to: 

• Write and submit grant proposals for the growth of the communications department in collaboration with the development director and executive director. Create follow up reports and develop relationships with grantors. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

•  Fully vaccinated for COVID-19 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Comfortable setting clear expectations and holding staff accountable to them;
• Literate in common computer applications, Google Suite; Voter Activation Network (VAN/
• Strong commitment to social, racial, and economic justice, and passion for our issues;
• Ability to motivate diverse groups of people and work well as a team member; 
• Ability to build and maintain constructive, positive relationships;
• Commitment to leadership development of leaders and members;
• Self-motivation and creative in problem-solving; 
• Ability to perform with a high degree of skill in a fast-paced work environment with multiple priorities and responsibilities;
• Ability to travel and to work flexible hours including weekends and evenings
• Access to reliable transportation daily

BENEFITS: 

• Health Insurance and $600/year Health Savings Account or monthly Health insurance stipend is available after 90 days
• Individual Retirement Account (IRA) after earning at least $5,000 during the previous year
• Internet and phone stipend of $125 a month
• Fifteen days paid time off for the first and second year of employment; increases with seniority.
• Twelve paid holidays
• Unlimited COVID Sick Time
• Paid Winter Hibernation
• Paid Summer Break
• Two month sabbatical after 4 years of full-time service

APPLICATION: 

• Submit resume, statement of interest, and three references (at least two references must be work related, one may be personal) using the apply link on this page. 
• If you’re unable to upload documents please email the materials to resumes@miunited.org.