Director of Communications

Every day, the members of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East save lives, deliver babies and care for the sick, seniors and people with disabilities. We are frontline caregivers in hospitals, nursing homes, homecare, clinics, pharmacies and all other areas of the healthcare industry. We are nurses, nurse aides, techs, lab workers, clerks, housekeepers, dietary workers, transporters, pharmacists, social workers and many other types of medical professionals.

With over 450,000 members throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Florida, and Washington, DC, 1199SEIU is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in the nation. 1199SEIU members are moving forward in all our regions and nationally by working in coalition with progressive organizations to build the strongest voice for all working people.

Since our founding in 1932, our mission has been to stand up for quality healthcare, good jobs and social justice for all. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called 1199 his favorite union and referred to us as “the authentic conscience of the labor movement." Over the years 1199SEIU has won some of the highest standards for healthcare workers in the country, including good wages and benefits, safe staffing, paid time off, secure retirement, model childcare and education benefits and a real voice in the workplace. Our members are highly politically engaged and active, so we have the strength to advocate with government and elected officials for our patients, families and communities.

We are affiliated with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) which has over two million members and is the largest labor union in North America.

Position Overview

1199SEIU is seeking a strategic, innovative leader to serve as the Director of Communications.

The Director will develop and implement the union’s strategic communications plan and support the growth and impact of the union by elevating its public profile and ensuring message alignment across its political, organizing, and community activities.

The Director leads high-impact, integrated communications strategies to support 1199’s mission and strategic priorities, with an emphasis on member engagement and union growth.

The Director will serve as a thought partner and trusted counsel to the President and executive officers and will manage a talented, dedicated team across five states and serve on the executive management team.

The ideal candidate is a creative communications strategist, a thoughtful and experienced manager and a collaborative leader.

This is an incredible opportunity for a talented leader to use the impact of communications to help build power for union members and working families.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement creative, impactful communication plans that support 1199SEIU’s strategic goals and enhance the union’s profile and reputation among key audiences, including members, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with staff and leadership in five regions, coordinating messaging priorities and campaign strategies to amplify 1199SEIU’s work.
• Oversee development and production of 1199SEIU’s communications including digital, media, editorial, and creative services.
• Develop and execute a communications strategy to position elected officers as national thought leaders for working people and labor issues.
• Manage and mentor a high-performing team, promoting a culture of excellence, innovation, and accountability.
• Develop and foster strong external relationships with media and key influencers.
• Lead efforts to create innovative, compelling engagement strategies and content, ensuring consistency in organizational voice, tone, and messaging.
• Serve as a spokesperson and manage media interactions, prioritizing media opportunities, and developing talking points and materials for 1199SEIU’s leadership.

Key Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in communications, ideally in advocacy, political campaigns, unions and/or government, with at least five years of senior leadership experience.
• Deep expertise in strategic communications including earned media, digital media, rapid response, crisis communications, messaging development, and media relations at a national or large-scale level.
• Significant experience managing staff with a focus on mentoring, professional development, and driving cross-functional collaboration. Management experience with a unionized staff is strongly preferred.
• Expertise in the political and advocacy world, with an understanding of issues impacting working families.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to connect with a variety of stakeholders, including the media, members, and movement partners.
• Proven ability to direct, coach, mentor, motivate, and supervise staff effectively through a collaborative, results-driven approach work.
• Ability to develop and implement comprehensive communication plans that align with organizational goals and engage diverse audiences effectively.
• Proficiency in digital and media strategy, with demonstrated experience in managing multi-channel content strategies.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to travel and manage a flexible, fast-paced schedule, with occasional evening and weekend work.
• Deep commitment to working people and social and racial justice.

Physical Requirements, Direction and Decision Making

The position is based in New York, NY and is expected to work in the office four days a week.

The Director of Communications reports directly to the President.