SEIU Local 1 has been on the cutting edge of building power for working people in service industries and fighting for economic, immigrant, racial and environmental justice.

We are looking to hire a Communications Director in Chicago to work on exciting campaigns and oversee communications efforts across six states.

The Communications Director will ensure that the Local develops and implements a robust communications program, internally with members and staff and externally (e.g., earned, and social media) to effectively convey Local 1’s key messages and help win for workers throughout the Midwest.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Manage, coach, and develop members of the communications staff.
• Develop long- and short-term traditional and digital strategies for effectively distributing the union’s message and winning contract, issue, and political campaigns.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local policy and campaign communications plans.
• Act as chief spokesperson for SEIU Local 1, its members and officers.
• Frame messages for unique audiences and promote a favorable image of the union with members, the general public, media, elected, working people and allies.
• Establish and maintain relationships with local and national media across the union’s territory to drive campaign wins.
• Produce and supervise the production of newsletters, website, social media content, news releases, op-eds, talking points, letters to the editor and other materials.
• Plan, organize and oversee media events.
• Develop and implement proactive earned media, social media, and digital outreach to help win campaigns and move decision makers.
• Prepare spokespeople for media interviews.
• Use digital tools to connect members virtually and consistently with Local 1.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or related field.
• Five (5) to seven (7) years of communications experience in a progressive organization, politics, journalism, labor unions or other related field.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience leading the communications function and managing communications staff.
• Fluency in Spanish or Polish a plus.
• Ability to present ideas that are clear, creative and reach intended audiences.
• Ability to cultivate relationships with members of print, broadcast, and online media.
• Understanding of Adobe programs such as InDesign, Photoshop and other digital tools like Squarespace, peer-to-peer texting, and online ads.
• Project management skill and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet established deadlines, and
• Travel required and willingness to work long and irregular hours.

SALARY & BENEFITS:

• Salary is competitive and negotiable.
• Full benefits package including employer-paid health insurance, dental, vision & prescription insurance.
• Additional benefits include a traditional defined benefit pension plan, paid vacation, as well as tuition reimbursement and other benefits.