Media Relations Specialist

Media Relations Specialist

Communications Department

www.ufcw.org

Organization:

United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) is North America’s neighborhood union; standing together to improve the lives and livelihoods of workers, families and communities. Our members work primarily in the retail food, meatpacking, poultry, food processing and manufacturing and retail store industries.

Location:

Washington, DC

Position Description:

This position supports the UFCW National Press Secretary and contributes to the development and implementation of strategic communications plans that support UFCW’s mission and enhance UFCW’s identity through news exposure. This role will regularly interface with the press, other UFCW International departments, Local Unions, external groups, and UFCW members and non-union workers. This is a professional position that involves the support of field activities that can involve travel with little notice.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include the following. Other duties may be assigned. This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented.

Maintains UFCW’s press, clips, and press inquiries lists for tracking purposes.

Provides communications support for the development and implementation of strategic communications plans, projects, and messaging programs on behalf of the Communications Department in support of UFCW’s various campaigns.

Helps distribute statements and materials to media and contributes to the placement of op-eds and LTE’S.

Takes incoming inquiries from reporters and works with press team to coordinate responses.

Schedules and staffs interviews with the press for union leaders and members.

Supports the pitching of stories to national and regional papers, magazines, long-form media outlets, T.V. and radio stations, and online outlets.

Identifies, screens, and trains UFCW members and non-union workers in public speaking and communications skills for media opportunities and assigned campaigns.

Develops relationships and interfaces professionally with staff at Local Unions across the country and staff at all levels of UFCW International.Interfaces professionally with external groups that have mutual interest.

Develops, edits, and proofreads internal and external communications materials including talking points, emails, press releases, op-eds, fact sheets, flyers, blog posts, text messages, social media posts, website copy, and other materials needed for assigned bargaining, organizing, and political campaigns.

Helps facilitate the coordination and on-the-ground execution of rallies, press conferences, and other public events for assigned campaigns.

Provides communications support for UFCW conferences, International Executive Board Meetings, and other work-sponsored and related events, including, but not limited to: writing speeches and remarks, developing visual materials and presentations as directed, staffing rehearsals, and providing logistical support.

Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, in the UFCW’s discretion. UFCW employees function as a team and, occasionally, and on a temporary basis, employees may be required to perform tasks usually performed by others. This might occur if a team member is absent or unavailable to complete a project and the team is responsible for the deadline. Because employees are required to work as a team, you are required to step up and fill in for a team member who is absent or needs assistance from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

At least two years of relevant experience or a bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Political Science, or Marketing is required. Outstanding written and oral communication skills. Experience working with media and has relationships with producers and reporters is preferred. Spanish language proficiency is preferred.

Communication Skills

Ability to write, prepare, and edit in a creative and clear manner under limited supervision, at a level acquired with one to three years of professional working experience, including internships. Experience with social media and integrated digital communications. Good oral communication skills.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Experience working with labor unions, on Capitol Hill, with a political campaign and/or a national advocacy organization is a plus, but not required.

Must exercise discretion in interactions among the International, Local Unions, and members.

Must possess the judgement and ability to self-start on projects and complete them within deadline under minimal supervision.

Job Demands

Work often is performed under stressful situations, with multiple projects occurring simultaneously under deadline. Frequent and last-minute travel, temporary relocation and irregular and/or unpredictable hours are to be expected.

Working Conditions

The work is performed in a normal office environment and sometimes outside. The noise level in the work environment is from moderate to very loud.

Physical Demands

This position involves, but is not limited to, written and oral communications skills, use of computer keyboard, close vision, sitting for long periods, stooping, bending and reaching.

COMPENSATION

Salary Range: $59,585 - $74,632.

The UFCW provides a very generous benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Life insurance provided with ability to purchase supplemental life insurance at favorable rates.
• Retirement Savings Account.
• 401(k) plan with employer matching.
• Pension plan.
• Dependent care reimbursement account program.
• Health care reimbursement account program.
• Transportation program benefits.
• Three weeks of paid vacation, 12 days of paid short-term sick leave, Extended Sick Leave program, paid parental leave.
• Prepaid Legal Plan (for DC/MD/VA only).

Duration:

• • This is a full-time position; posting closes when position is filled.

Vaccination Requirement: The

UFCW requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a

condition of employment, consistent with applicable law. Any request or

questions may be submitted to hrcovid@ufcw.org.

To apply submit cover letter, resume to: humanresources@ufcw.org

We believe our success rests on recruiting and retaining a diverse staff. UFCW is an equal opportunity employer.

Woman and people of color are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided pursuant to the state and federal laws.