SEIU Communications Specialist (Boston)

[Jason A. Stephany]

Reasons you want to work for SEIU in Massachusetts:

1. You want to work for a diverse, aggressive and growing organization that is helping to redefine the labor movement 
2. You're dedicated to advancing progressive policies that benefit working families -- and you don't shy away from the tough fights (we certainly don't!)
3. You want to be part of a creative team that is always looking for new ideas, strategies and innovations to bolster our efforts
4. You love the energy and drive of a campaign, but also appreciate job security -- and fair compensation for your talent
5. Hello, it's Boston

Our ideal candidate is bilingual (English/Spanish) with 4+ years of overall communications experience, including New Media work in a campaign / advocacy / marketing / journalism setting. If you have most of the skills below -- or happen to be a unicorn who has them all -- we want to hear from you!

Jason

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Communications Specialist

SEIU Local 509 – Watertown, MA (Boston)

 

 

ABOUT SEIU LOCAL 509

SEIU Local 509 represents more than 18,000 human service workers and educators throughout Massachusetts. We provide a variety of social services to elders, at-risk children and people with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities — as well as educational services in both public and private sector settings. From mental health clinicians and social workers to early childhood educators and university lecturers, Local 509 members are united in our mission to raise living standards for all working families while improving the quality and affordability of the services we provide.

 

SEIU Local 509 is part of the 2.1 million member Service Employees International Union, the fastest-growing labor union in the United States. Focused on uniting workers in four sectors — public services, long term care, property services, and hospital systems — SEIU is the nation’s largest health care union, the largest property services union, the second-largest public employee union and the fastest-growing union in early childhood and higher education.

 

 

JOB DESCRIPTION
SEIU Local 509 is growing rapidly, and our team is evolving to better serve the needs of current and future union members. We seek a full-time Communications Specialist to help support the union’s internal and external communications operation as we continue to grow. This position will assist with key member engagement initiatives, as well as new media outreach and material production in support of organizing efforts. 

The Communications Specialist will be based in our Watertown (Boston area) office, though some travel is required. Bilingual (English/Spanish) candidates are preferred.

 

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

• Assist in design and production of written and online materials
• Curate and enhance content for the union's website and social media properties — including Twitter, Facebook and YouTube
• Provide support for member engagement and outreach initiatives
• Help to generate positive media coverage that communicates the impact of union members’ work in human service and educational settings
• Bilingual candidates may play a role in engaging Spanish-language media outlets and assist with translation needs, where applicable
• Train members and staff on best practices in communication technology
• Aid in marketing of benefits available to union members
• Support general message development around key issues and campaigns
• Other duties as assigned

 

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Four or more years (4+) years experience in a communications or new media role with a union, progressive candidate/elected official or grassroots organization (or comparable experience in the field of journalism or marketing)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrable success conveying key messages through visual mediums
• Ability to design basic print and online materials (using, Adobe Creative Suite, Quark, Microsoft Publisher, etc)
• Working knowledge of common content management programs (such as WordPress) and social media tools — HTML familiarity preferred
• Proficiency with photo and/or video equipment and editing software (Photoshop, Light Room, iMovie, Final Cut, etc)
• Experience pitching journalists, bloggers and editors a plus
• Commitment to the labor movement and overall progressive social change
• Ability to work under pressure, both independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to work long and irregular hours, including nights and weekends

 

SUPERVISION
The Communications Specialist works under the supervision of the union's Senior Director of Communications — who reviews work for effectiveness, timeliness, accuracy and conformance with relevant rules and regulations.

 

SALARY & BENEFITS

This is a union bargaining unit position with a salary range of $62,062 – $70,903, depending on experience. SEIU Local 509 offers a generous benefits package, including car allowance.

 

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

SEIU Local 509 is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity — women, people of color and LGBT candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Interested candidates should submit a résumé, cover letter and samples of writing and design work to:

 

Jason A. Stephany
Senior Director of Communications

SEIU Local 509

100 Talcott Avenue

Watertown, MA 02472
EMAIL: jste...@seiu509.org

FAX:     617-924-8248

 

Writing and relevant skills test may be required.

 

The deadline for application is February 26, 2016. No phone calls please.