Manager, Public Affairs

The Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA) seeks a public affairs manager who is passionate about advocacy, public education, and empowering members. MCEA represents 14,000+ teachers and other professional educators in the Montgomery County Public Schools system in suburban Washington D.C. MCEA is one of the 15 largest union locals of educators in the nation and is an affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA). We are committed to educational excellence and social justice and believe that the well-being of our members is inextricably linked to the well-being of our students, their families, and our communities. We are a democratic, member-driven union. For more information, go to www.mceanea.org.

The Manager of Public Affairs serves as a strategic leader in MCEA. and as part of the Union’s management team, is accountable for executing the Union’s mission, goals, and priorities. As a member of the senior staff, the Manager of Public Affairs is responsible for the effective execution of the organization’s internal and external communications, managing media, and providing support for political and community engagement. The position manages a small team of staff dedicated to maximizing visibility, promoting union actions, activities, and campaigns, engaging with the external political process, and working with community partners to further the broader goals of the community and the Union. Additionally, this position provides support to appropriate related committees of MCEA and as needed. The candidate must be able to navigate competing priorities in a fast-paced setting and be flexible when priorities and needs change unexpectedly.MCEA values diversity, collaboration, and initiative.

Responsibilities:

• Work with Union leadership and staff to create, articulate, and promote the vision of the Union with members, stakeholders, media, and the general public.
• Supervise a small staff working on communications, political engagement, and community relationships to ensure messaging is consistent and proactive.
• Develop and implement an integrated communications strategy for legislative, internal organizing, and political campaigns.
• Draft talking points, speeches, and testimony for Union leadership on a variety of topics related to public education, legislation, and contract fights.
• Collaborate with other departments to develop a strategy for contract campaigns, membership drives, political engagement, and issue advocacy.
• Identify strategic media opportunities, oversee public press events, and respond to media inquiries.
• Draft press releases for local and national media.
• Draft op-eds for leadership and identify opportunities for placement.
• Oversee the management and messaging of e-newsletters, informational material, and social media channels.
• Oversee the organization of the website, maintenance, and updates.
• Prepare and submit reports to the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and membership meetings.
• Work with Union committees to prepare policy positions and necessary materials consistent with the MCEA legislative agenda.
• Amplify MCEA’s positions on relevant bills, including the preparation of testimony, the content of lobbying meetings, and written communications to elected officials.
• Work with MCEA political staff to implement MCEA ‘s candidate endorsement process.

Experience and Skills

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in work experience.
• 5+ years of experience in Strategic Communications or Public Relations.
• Experience managing a small team of staff.
• Experience with labor unions is helpful but not required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and planning skills and attention to detail, with the ability to anticipate, initiate, and advance multiple priorities and projects concurrently.
• Understanding of protocol sensitivities when dealing with stakeholders.
• Experience working with or on political campaigns.
• Experience overseeing customer relations management (CRM) platforms, content management systems and data analytics is strongly preferred.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and any other materials that you believe demonstrate why you are the best person for the job to JThompson@Mceanea.org

Travel Requirements:

Most work will be conducted in Montgomery County, MD. Travel within the county is required.

Salary: $155,000 / year

Position reports to the Executive Director

MCEA is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.