SEIU Wisconsin

Communications Specialist

About SEIU Wisconsin:

SEIU Wisconsin is Wisconsin's largest and fastest-growing healthcare and property services workers union. We represent over 7,000 workers across the State. In these tough economic times, there has been no stronger advocate for safe jobs with good wages and benefits for workers in Wisconsin.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The incumbent of this position works with the leadership of the Union to develop, manage, and execute strategic communications plans and materials, including external media relations, ongoing communications with SEIU Wisconsin members and not yet union workers, and ongoing communications coordination with other stakeholders. The incumbent contributes to a culture focused on achieving long-term power for workers and communities in Wisconsin.

Location:

This position can be based in either Milwaukee or Madison. Assignments are subject to change based on the needs and goals of the union.

Duties and Responsibilities:

A Communications Specialist performs a wide range of duties, which may vary according to the needs of the overall program or a specific campaign, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Work collaboratively with other staff to develop and execute vibrant and cohesive communications strategies to build membership and advance campaigns across program priorities, including organizing, political, legislative, and advocacy campaigns.
• Work directly with local and campaign staff to write and develop messaging and materials, op-eds, background pieces, fact sheets, press kit materials, leaflets, brochures, and other collateral materials.
• Work with SEIU members, not yet union workers, and community members to build engagement and increase message reach.
• Identify opportunities to use online media to build membership, educate the public and/or elected officials, and advance campaigns.

Leadership Development

• Train and develop members and activists to tell their stories and deliver their messages publicly.

Member Communications

• Writing, editing and producing original content including leaflets, direct mail, email and text blasts, recorded audio messages and content for the union’s newsletters, website and social media.
• Produce publications in-house and with graphic designers, commercial printers and fulfillment houses.

Media Monitoring & Outreach

• Frame member issues for print, broadcast and online media.
• Draft media advisories, releases, fact sheets, press kits, leaflets, talking points, op-eds and letters to the editor
• Monitor media markets within our jurisdiction for coverage relating to the Union’s campaigns and issues.
• Maintain and update media clip files and media contact lists.
• Assist in creating and implementing comprehensive media campaigns, including both paid and earned media, to advance campaigns.
• Organize press conferences and other events to publicize SEIU Wisconsin’s message

Online Communications & Social Media

• Use online tools to communicate with members, the general public, and elected officials about SEIU Wisconsin’s positions and work
• Own the Local’s social media calendar, including content planning
• Create and execute digital content campaigns through social media platforms, email campaigns and mobile texting.
• Produce multimedia materials using Canva.
• Create and maintain campaign-specific websites and Local Union’s website as needed.
• Place content on the Local Union’s website using an online content management system (knowledge of HTML not required)
• Other duties as needed/assigned.

Scope and Nature of Supervision:

• Reports to the Field and Communications Coordinator
• Must be able to work independently on assigned projects and demonstrate a high level of judgment and ability to take initiative.
• Must handle multiple priority projects simultaneously and meet established deadlines.
• Must be able to work collaboratively with other Union staff—both members of the SEIU communications team and from other departments—and work with the International Union communications staff to develop plans and strategies.
• Must be agile and responsive to multiple stakeholders.

Working Conditions:

Work is generally performed in an office setting or outdoors at events. May be required to work long and irregular hours, including weekends and holidays when necessary. Overnight travel may be required.

Previous Work Experience:

• Priority is given to candidates with real-world communications and organizing experience, regardless of formal education.
• 3-5 years of work in communications, organizing, journalism, media relations, public affairs, political campaign communications, and/or advocacy work
• Demonstrated capacity to continuously develop knowledge and skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working knowledge and understanding of labor, political and community issues impacting working people.
• Excellent writing, proofreading, verbal and analytical skills.
• Desire to learn about labor history, collective bargaining, organizing models and other relevant information, and ability to support others in doing the same.
• Thorough knowledge of communications tools for media outreach, education, advocacy, and audience-building.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace (Mail, Slides, Sheets, Docs, Forms); knowledge of Canva for in-house design and product creation preferred.
• Ability to continually develop skills related to use of rapidly changing technology, including online communications tools and communications best practices.
• Sound interpersonal and communication skills appropriate to working closely with members and staff, including the ability to establish and cultivate respectful relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong organizational skills to manage and prioritize work subject to deadlines in a dynamic and changing environment, as an individual and as a member of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to formulate and deliver on short-term and long-term communications strategy goals.
• Experience developing and implementing strategy on a wide range of campaigns, including organizing, contract, political, and legislative, as well as experience working with community allies.
• Successful candidate shall possess relevant education and/or experience in communications and political, labor or community campaigns.
• Journalism and/or Media Relations experience preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to travel in-state as needed

Salary and Benefits:

• Starting salary range of $53,864 - $61,144, based on experience.
• Company benefits include: paid premiums for health, dental & vision insurance, contribution to a pension plan, paid time off, and paid holidays.

Send cover letter and résumé to:

SEIU Wisconsin
Email: info@seiuwi.org
33 Nob Hill Road
Madison, WI 53705
Fax 608-270-2025