Position: Press Secretary
Overview:
The Press Secretary is the primary media contact and on-the-record spokesperson servicing all divisions of the Michigan AFL-CIO, including the Michigan AFL-CIO, the Michigan AFL-CIO Workforce Development.
Institute, Michigan AFL-CIO Advocates, and the Michigan AFL-CIO Labor Foundation.
The Press Secretary will report to the Communications Director. The Press Secretary’s work plan will be determined by the Michigan AFL-CIO.
Duties:
- Serve as the primary media contact and on-the-record spokesperson servicing all divisions of the
- Michigan AFL-CIO, and assist the Communications Director in managing rapid response and crisis communications when necessary.
- Develop, secure approval of, and execute a proactive earned media outreach strategic plan to secure fair coverage in traditional and new media, in addition to responding to incoming media requests.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with and pitch stories to news reporters.
- Identify and chase opportunities for each division of the Michigan AFL-CIO to secure earned media coverage.
- Produce high-quality written materials, including but not limited to press releases, op-eds, speeches, and letters to the editor.
- Assist the Communications Director in the development and execution of a strategic communications plan as directed.
- Attend meetings and events for the Communications Director when necessary.
- Organize and execute media visibility events to amplify and elevate our issues, such as protests, rallies, and speeches.
- Prepare and staff Executive Directors and Officers for media interviews, press conferences, and events and meetings in the field.
- Train workers and leaders to be spokespersons for the labor movement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Michigan AFL-CIO affiliates at the state level and with critical locals, including through participation at the communications coordinating table for fellow labor and progressive communicators to coordinate issue-based messaging and strategy
- Independently prioritize and keep on track of multiple simultaneous time-sensitive projects across the Department and proactively communicate project updates to the Communications Director
Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree is required in public relations, marketing, journalism, English, creative writing, public policy, or a closely related field
- 3+ years (or 2+ cycles) of experience in political communications
- On-the-record experience with print, radio, and TV news reporters is strongly preferred
- Experience in branding and marketing is a plus
- Graphic design and video production experience is a plus
- Familiarity with and commitment to the labor movement and an understanding of labor’s goals is required
- Ability to prepare and provide regular written reports about execution of work plan and earned media coverage, including but not limited to weekly clips report
Ability to maintain multiple media distributions lists and track engagement with reporters as well as news coverage using media relations software
- Familiarity with media monitoring and public relations tools like Cision, Meltwater preferred
- Strong time management and organizational skills are required, including a demonstrated ability to independently manage and prioritize multiple tasks and projects in high-pressure situations and under difficult deadlines
- Excellent communication skills are required, including the ability to quickly synthesize and distill complex information into concise, impactful public-facing messaging; the ability to communicate with and on behalf of individuals from diverse ethnic, racial, age, gender, educational, occupational, and socio-economic backgrounds; and the written communication skills necessary to write effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with short deadlines
- Computer skills are required, including knowledge and extensive use of e-mail, Zoom, Teams,
- Google Meet, Microsoft Office, and Google Drive.
- A valid driver’s license, continuous use of a reliable vehicle, automobile liability insurance, and willingness to travel regularly
- Occasional travel to other parts of the state and out-of-state may be necessary. Overnight travel will be infrequent but may be required
- Long work hours, some holiday work, and frequent participation in evening and weekend activities are required, and attendance at early morning calls or events will be expected
Compensation: $55,000 - $65,000 salary with negotiation possible for extraordinarily qualified applicants.
The Michigan AFL-CIO offers a competitive benefits package.
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Diversity & Equal Opportunity
Our organization is an equal opportunity employer, and we actively seek to build diversity among our officers, staff, and members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color, LGBTQ, veterans, and disabled candidates are encouraged to apply.
Organization
The Michigan AFL-CIO is a non-profit federation of more than forty labor unions that represents over 1 million working people across Michigan. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families—to bring economic justice to the workplace and social justice to our state and the nation. Employees of the
Michigan AFL-CIO may work in collaboration with one, or all, of our affiliated nonprofit organizations in the Federation including:
Michigan AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institute: our affiliated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established to combat economic and environmental injustice by connecting the unemployed or underemployed with the training and resources necessary to find gainful employment and transition Michigan to a cleaner, greener economy.
Michigan AFL-CIO Labor Foundation: our affiliated 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization established to combat economic and social injustice by connecting the working people with resources within Michigan’s charitable, educational and legal systems.
Michigan AFL-CIO Advocates: our affiliated 501(c)(4) non-profit organization was established to unite labor leaders, policy makers, and the general public to educate and advocate around policies, programs, and projects that can bring economic justice to the workplace and social justice to communities across Michigan.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 10 hour shift
- 12 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- Weekends as needed
Application Question(s):
- How many years of political communications experience do you have?
Education:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Lansing, MI 48933