Communications Program Manager, Health Care

SEIU (Service Employees International Union)

JOB TITLE: Communications Program Manager

GRADE: MGT D, Annual Salary starts at $94,601

LOCATION: Washington, DC (HQ) or Remotely - Flexible

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW: The 2 million members united in the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) are at the forefront of a movement to build power for working people and empower all workers to form unions, no matter what job they do. SEIU members are from every walk of life, every political party, every background, every faith. They come from communities with their own stories and strengths, and that makes the Union all the more powerful because there's strength in numbers. SEIU members work across the healthcare spectrum providing high quality care and services. They are the workers who keep our nation's airports running and make sure landmark buildings are clean and secure. They provide essential public services and give a foundation of learning to our youngest and brightest. SEIU members believe in and are fighting for a Just Society where all workers are valued and all people respected—no matter where they come from or what color they are; where all families and communities can thrive; and where we leave a better and more equitable world for generations to come.

PURPOSE: This is a senior level position within SEIU communications and is responsible for the development and implementation of both state-based and national communications plans for healthcare campaigns and initiatives to unite more working people to bring about the changes that SEIU members are fighting for, including unions for everyone and a strong voice at work. This is an exciting role requiring a communicator experienced in movement building, advocacy and organizing communications and media relations. This person will be responsible for developing strategy with multi-disciplinary teams and candidates should really enjoy and excel in working in teams on a variety of strategies including organizing, political action and federal advocacy.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: (Examples provide a general summary of the work required and should not be treated as a total and complete list of expected duties to be performed by employees in the classification.)

• Manages strategy and implementation of national campaign and initiative communications to unite more working people across the healthcare industry in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico.
• Works directly with communicators within local unions to build national and state-based strategies and teams that will maximize our reach and effectiveness in meeting campaign goals.
• Ensures high quality standards, best practices, and consistency of message in all communications.
• Manages qualitative and quantitative research as needed, message development and message integration across projects.
• Drafts, creates and edits content creation for campaigns, as well as talking points, remarks, presentations for public events for members and leaders.
• Manages external media relations strategy, tactics, implementation and analysis.
• Provides media and spokesperson training for local leaders and members.
• Manages campaign event communications – strategy, message, look and feel, materials, marketing, media outreach, event flow and agenda.
• Provides assessment and feedback to colleagues, fostering autonomy and strong team values that support learning, growth and development.
• Supports communication needs of local communicators, encourages strategic growth and exchange of ideas and coordinates national strategy.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: This position is responsible for clear and effective planning, budgeting, and project management, and coordinates with divisions, departments, and campaign leaders on budget and management, recruiting and hiring and consulting or vendor issues as needed.

• As an effective manager, prioritizes the growth and development of communications staff that report to this position, including training, feedback, reviews, skills and career development.

CONTACTS: Include SEIU and affiliate staff and elected leaders, staff and leaders and other unions, community and allied organizations, relevant public officials, and experts on issues pertinent to the operations.

DIRECTION & DECISION MAKING: Reports to the Assistant Director of Communications.

• Must be able to act and organize time with extreme independence. This person will spend time managing and/or working with campaign staff, local leaders and members, nonunion workers, and community partners in order to implement and execute communications strategy.
• A high level of judgment, ability to take initiative and work independently; must be able to work with union members, leaders, and staff in complex and sometimes political situations.
• Must be able to handle multiple priority projects simultaneously and meet established deadlines.
• 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.
• Excellent writing, verbal, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated capacity to continuously develop knowledge and skills.
• Must be able to represent the International Union with local leaders, members, media, community allies, and elected officials and staff with a high level of professionalism.
• Excels in addressing demanding communications challenges, including crisis communications.
• Enjoys working on teams and in coalitions to reach shared goals.
• Strong political awareness and a self-starter on complex projects and events.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Five to eight years of related work experience.
• Experience developing and implementing communications strategy on a wide range of campaigns, including organizing, contract, political, and legislative, as well as experience working with community allies.
• Thorough knowledge of media and social media trends that are most effective for organizing and movement building.
• Thorough knowledge of paid, earned and shared media and experience in working with graphic designers, video producers to produce dynamic and effective content.
• Excellent writing, verbal, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated capacity to continuously develop knowledge and skills related to use of rapidly changing technology.
• Knowledge of unions, healthcare industry and policy, and other advocacy organizations preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must have the ability to work in an office (or similar) setting with or without reasonable accommodation. Travel in addition to long and extended work hours are required.

To apply, please include in your application a cover letter, resume and two writing samples (media release or media statement, blog post, Op Ed and/or event remarks).

Apply Here: https://www.click2apply.net/Pd5Ndkh1YrL7HeKUnqEo

PI128649399