AFT-MARYLAND
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Director, Communications

 

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) - Maryland is a federation of local affiliate unions representing teachers and other public employees throughout the State of Maryland.  The AFT-Maryland is seeking a highly qualified individual to provide leadership and coordination of the federation’s communication and marketing activities.

The incumbent will be expected to operate with a high level of independence and a high degree of independent judgment for a wide range of communications issues under the general supervision of the Executive Director/Chief of Staff, AFT-Maryland.  The incumbent also works under the general direction of the President, AFT-Maryland.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

The successful candidate for the position will clearly demonstrate the following attributes:

• Superior  strategic  thinking  combined  with  demonstrated  ability to  implement  tactical communications activities that are matched to the strategy;
• At  least  four  years  of  experience  in  communications  in  an advocacy organization, political campaigns and/or, most preferably, labor unions;
• A high level of project and resource management skill, and the proven ability to juggle multiple deadlines and balance competing priorities;
• Exemplary personal accountability, and the skill to hold team members and  consultants accountable in a constructive and instructive manner;
• The ability to share and discuss ideas with a balance of confidence and sensitivity;
• The ability to manage relationships both upwards and downwards, as well as “sideways” throughout the local affiliate organizations; and a demonstrated passion and commitment to the labor movement;

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

The successful candidate for the position will clearly possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree (Masters or equivalent practical experience preferred) in communications, public relations or journalism;
• Superior research, editing, presentation, analytical and writing skills, in multiple lengths and formats and to multiple audiences;
• Superior computer skills in MS Office Suite, as well as working knowledge of HTML and professional-grade graphic design software;
• Proven ability to develop/manage budgetary resources;
• Experience managing vendor and consultant relationships for maximum benefit to the organization served, including for graphic design, print production, video production and list management/CRM;
• Experience in managing and mentoring junior staff;
• Experience developing and maintaining credible and productive relationships with news media, and in managing rapid/crisis response;
• Experience   managing   organizational   communications   on   social   media     platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn and others.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Communications Director will have responsibility for the following:

• Refining and implementing AFT-Maryland’s comprehensive   communications   plan,   in   close consultation with the Executive leadership and governing body, consultants, and organizational stakeholders.
• Developing and managing comprehensive internal and external   communications calendars.
• Creating and managing production of printed and electronic external and member-facing AFT-Maryland communications vehicles, organizing materials, including a newsletter, multiple e-blasts, brochures, inserts, advertisements, videos, fact sheets and more.
• Actively monitoring the state and national media landscape on issues of relevance to AFT-Maryland, and providing communications counsel to leadership and staff.
• Developing and implementing a robust internal communications program for staff and stakeholders.
• Working in collaboration with the AFT-Maryland Communications Committee (comprised of local affiliate representatives), developing and helping implement a communications strategy and toolkit for local affiliates  with widely  disparate  needs  and  resources—  including  an  affordable  path  for  electronic communications, upgraded web and social media presence where appropriate, and standalone projects and/or materials that will assist locals in recruitment, organizing and political action.
• Overseeing and improving the AFT-Maryland website.
• Rationalizing AFT-Maryland’s e-mail lists and delivery  platforms for electronic communications.
• Thoroughly cataloging and then rigorously maintaining the organization’s digital and other communications asset base.
• Working in close collaboration with the AFT-Maryland political coordinator and the Director, Policy and Legislative to assist in political communications.
• Working in close collaboration with the Organizing Department to ensure that effective and affordable organizing materials are available.
• Working in close collaboration with the Community Engagement Coordinator to ensure that effective outreach materials are  available.
• Working in close collaboration with the national affiliates on communications initiatives. Identifying and implementing improvements to communications staff skill development. Developing a communications intern program.
• Developing and implementing strategies to promote available member benefits.

AFT-Maryland is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Category:   Professional

Position Type:   Full Time

Posted Date: Open Until Filled (First cut-off date for application screening is May 31, 2013.)

Salary:    Based on experience

Contact Information:     

Please submit electronically, your resume, cover letter highlighting qualifications and relevant work experience, and salary requirements to: hr@aft-maryland.org.

No phone calls or mailed applications, please.