Campaign and Media Communications Officer

Position description

Location: Washington, DC*

Application Deadline: When filled

*Please Note: Solidarity Center staff enjoy a hybrid telework/in-person schedule. All candidates applying for this role will be expected to work in the Washington, D.C. office a minimum of three days per week unless an ADA or health-related exemption is approved.

Summary: 

Solidarity Center seeks a creative, high-energy professional with a commitment to social justice and human rights, and some international experience, to support its growing campaign communications work. This specifically includes public engagement strategies around media relations and digital content creation. Central to the role will be gathering and analyzing campaign communications data and building and maintaining press relations to support the organization’s campaigns, programs, and priorities.

Under the supervision of the Campaign and Media Communications Director, this individual will need to execute effective communications and media strategies to support workers’ efforts to win economic justice, strengthen democracy, and advance broad social justice objectives. This position requires coordination with colleagues across all departments in headquarters and the field and entails occasional and at times frequent travel outside the United States. 

We are looking for a strong storyteller with a keen appreciation for news and digital media and effective campaign communications strategies. The successful candidate will be eager to build skills in strategic campaign communications and media relations. The Campaign and Media Communications Officer will support messaging and media relations strategies for complex global issues and to advance advocacy and campaign goals while navigating challenging jargon for myriad outlets and audiences. This position demands strong written and verbal communication skills and a creative, and a flexible approach to strategies in often fast-changing contexts. 

Specific duties:

• Support the creation and implementation of proactive and reactive/rapid response campaign communications strategies, including strong media relations list-building and media-pitching focused on Solidarity Center’s key issues and campaigns
• Assist with day-to-day execution of communications campaign work, including but not limited to conducting communications-related research, drafting, and editing documents, updating status reports, and coordinating logistics and deliverables for digital content tactics
• Maintain up-to-date media lists and track and report on campaign and media communications results
• Coordinate with SC staff to understand, capture, and uplift partner and worker voices and stories
• Monitor media coverage, informing leaders and staff about key issues and helping to develop responses
• Draft messaging for media outreach, campaign communications, and digital content associated with campaign strategies
• Coordinate media requests, working proactively with the press, including columnists, producers, influencers in the media, and commentators

Qualifications:

The Campaign and Media Communications Officer must have broad knowledge of current events and ongoing political, economic, social, and trade union developments relevant to Solidarity Center’s work. This individual must be able to handle multiple assignments and respond effectively to unexpected challenges in order to support the Campaigns and Media Communications Director and the Campaigns team in a deadline-driven environment. Fluency in a foreign language is a plus. International experience and familiarity with global worker rights and/or union-building campaigns will be valuable assets.

• Knowledgeable in AdWords campaign, Google analytic, Google Optimize A/B testing, graphic design software/platforms, digital content creation tools, social network aggregators, and other social media tools
• Understanding of the fast-changing digital and news media environments, including the ability to identify key event and media opportunities, secure interviews and produce appropriate and high-quality collateral—e.g., press releases, statements, and fact sheets
• Ability to collaboratively support plans and implement strategies that anticipate next steps, as well as respond to rapid-onset events
• Ability to investigate and learn new communications technologies 
• Ability to regularly meet deadlines
• Ability to understand and effectively articulate Solidarity Center’s mission and programs to diverse audiences
• Good writing/editing, storytelling, critical thinking, and analytical skills
• Good listening, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Good interpersonal skills, specifically the ability to relate to and communicate effectively with Solidarity Center staff, journalists, U.S. and foreign trade union leaders, representatives of non-governmental organizations, and worker leaders
• Experience working in a union; community, international human rights, electoral and/or political organization; or other labor-related organization is highly desirable
• Experience in international worker rights and union-building campaigns is highly desirable
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, labor relations, political science, international affairs, or a related field, and/or seven years of related work experience

Supervisor: Campaigns and Media Communications Director

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

This is a collective bargaining unit position, generously compensated with a gross annual salary starting at approximately $79,374 USD based on experience. A robust benefits package includes fully paid health insurance, a retirement plan and pension, life insurance, and ample paid time off for holidays, vacation, and medical leave. Pre-tax deduction programs are also available for commuting, dependent care, and health care expenses. In addition, we offer opportunities and funds for professional development.

The Solidarity Center cultivates the values of diversity, equality, and inclusion among its staff and partners. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under applicable law. Candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. If you are a candidate with a disability and require reasonable accommodations to apply for this position, please contact us at [email protected].

For Candidates Applying from the AFL-CIO: Solidarity Center works in partnership with the AFL-CIO on recruiting and filling positions. Our policy is to notify the AFL-CIO prior to interviewing any of its current employees.