Communications Specialist

CFA is a union of 28,000 faculty members, librarians, counselors and coaches of the California State University (CSU) system. In classrooms on the 23 CSU campuses, CFA members work hard to teach our students the critical-thinking skills, the technical know-how and the cultural insights they need to be thoughtful, productive and artistic participants in our society.

In its role as the exclusive collective bargaining representative, CFA negotiates a contract with the CSU administration that promotes academic freedom, upholds faculty rights, delivers financial protection for the faculty, and promotes faculty participation in the governance of the CSU.  CFA is proud to be a member-run union and believes in employing hard-working and creative staff whose talents complement those of our elected leadership.  Implementing our union’s vision requires the best staff team we can find to build on the talent that already works with us.  For more information about CFA, visit our website at www.calfac.org.

Communications Specialist

CFA is seeking a Communications Specialist (2 positions) to join the Research and Communications department and anchor our internal and external communications and media programs. Our Internal communications include a weekly email newsletter, specialized member communications and campaign materials, and other printed and electronic media. External communications includes maintaining an active website and social media presence, developing an earned media strategy, and supporting public actions and other events.

Our team is excited to welcome an applicant who brings their creativity and a willingness and desire to learn; she/he/they will be experienced working in the labor movement or related social justice organizations and actively contribute to CFA’s commitment to anti-racism and social justice. They must be self-motivated, deadline-oriented individual with a willingness and desire to learn new skills, and work with people in labor unions and academia.

Essential Job Duties:

• Writes, reviews, and edits weekly email newsletter to members;
• Develops messaging consistent with organizational mission and priorities;
• Anti-racism and social justice transformation, including intentionally working to infuse anti-racist and social justice values into the everyday work of CFA;
• Develops print and digital materials, including multi-media presentations for statewide events;
• Trains elected member leaders and active members for media interviews and other speaking engagements;
• Writes press releases, op-eds, brochures, fact sheets, talking points; and other materials, in collaboration with Research and Communications team.
• Coordinates press interviews and media event logistics;
• Monitors and creates content for organization’s digital presence;
• Assist with mass email and text campaigns, including data and list management;
• Develops and maintains productive relationships with CFA officers, members, interns and staff. 

The ideal candidate for our team will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• A strong commitment to advancing racial and social justice transformation in the union movement, the university and beyond;
• Ability to work independently, handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet strict deadlines;
• Demonstrated experience in strategic communication planning and implementation;
• Demonstrated graphic / visual design skills
• Project and production management skills
• News gathering, writing, and careful proofreading abilities
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, Final Cut Pro
• Ability to work with Drupal web interface
• Ability to work collaboratively and strategically with CFA officers, members, interns and staff;

Requirements:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Familiarity working with union officers and member-based committees;
• Previous union experience a plus.
• Ability to travel occasionally (typically 4-5 times per year) and work long and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends during campaigns.

Other Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license, an automobile for business use, and proof of minimum insurance coverage.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs.

Salary/Benefits/Location:  CFA offers a fully paid benefit package including medical, dental, vision and generous paid vacation. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement; salary is commensurate with experience. The position is based in Sacramento, CA.

To apply send cover letter, resume, references, two writing sample and a sample of a creative work (print design, video, or photography) to searchcommittee@calfac.org.

CFA is an Affirmative Action Employer.  Women, People of Color/Native People, members of the LGBTQIA community, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.