June 27, 2013

New York State Nurses Association seeking Communications Coordinator

The New York State Nurses Association is seeking a full-time Communications Coordinator to work with nurses to tell our union's story in the press and union publications as part of strategic campaigns to build our union's power, fight for safe patient care, and win healthcare for all.

The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to get press stories and coordinate strategic communications campaigns. This position is an excellent opportunity to engage nurses, patients, neighborhood leaders, lawmakers, and the press in the fight for strong unions, safe patient care, and healthcare for all.

About the New York State Nurses Association

We are the voice of more than a hundred thousand frontline nurses, and New York's largest union and professional association for registered nurses.

We are building a progressive mass movement of nurses, patients, and communities to pass legislation guaranteeing safe nurse staffing levels in New York's hospitals – with the ultimate goal of winning single-payer healthcare in New York and the United States.

In 2011, we elected new leaders who are transforming our union into a strong and effective voice for frontline nurses and our patients.

Job responsibilities
The Communications Coordinator, who is based in New York City and reports to the Communications Director, is responsible for the following:
• Assist our strategic communications campaign to pass safe nurse staffing legislation in New York State – in the press, online, and through member communication materials.
• Pitch story ideas and respond to inquiries from journalists to generate positive press coverage for our union.
• Train and coach members as NYSNA spokespeople.
• Interview members and tell their stories in compelling emails and blog posts.
• Use blast email, online petitions, Twitter, Facebook, microsites, and video to drive engagement of our members and the public in campaigns.
• Assist with editing and writing 10 issues a year of our magazine New York Nurse and other publications.
• Develop and implement multi-faceted strategic communications campaigns at NYSNA facilities and for new organizing.
• Work with designers to conceptualize and implement paid media campaigns, including print, TV, radio, and online.

Qualifications
We're seeking candidates who write well, run strategic media campaigns, and are deeply committed to progressive social change. You should have the following experience:
• At least two years of experience in union, social justice, or political communications.
• Experience using online and social media organizing tools to drive campaign engagement.
• A proven track record of getting print, television, and online press coverage.
• Excellent writing skills.
• The ability to communicate complex material to a broad and diverse audience.
• Experience with the healthcare industry, registered nurses, social justice, and labor strongly preferred.
• A demonstrated ability to balance heavy workloads in a fast-paced work environment.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, to complete projects and support our organization.
• Willingness to travel, as needed.

Compensation depends on experience and is highly competitive. Excellent benefits package includes family health coverage and a pension plan.

To apply, please submit the following to employment@nysna.org or by mail to Clarissa Jones-Winter, Director, Human Resources, 131 W 33rd St. New York, NY  10001:

• A resume and cover letter
• Two writing samples
• One sample of a story you successfully pitched in the press