Illinois AFL-CIO

Director of Communications

Based out of in Springfield, IL
(with travel and hybrid considered)

 

Job Summary:
The Director of Communications should be a forward-thinking individual with a background in communications, either traditional or digital, with an understanding of the labor movement in Illinois. The candidate is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing the organization’s communication strategy and providing communications support to affiliated unions and labor councils. The candidate plays a key role in political, legislative, and issue campaigns, and provides counsel to executive officers on organizational priorities.

Responsibilities:

• Develop strategic communications plans to advance organizational goals through earned and digital media;
• Develop and implement an effective strategy for internal and external communications, including social media, mobile, and email campaigns;
• Coordinate with political and legislative departments to develop communications plans and materials that support their efforts; 
• Build and manage relationships with reporters and media outlets across Illinois; 
• Plan and coordinate press conferences and rallies, capturing photo and video content from events for website and social media;
• Provide communications support to affiliate unions and labor councils, and convene regular Communications Directors meetings to share best practices across organizations;
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the organization to guide the decision-making process;
• Manage the organization’s website, posting regular updates and information;
• Draft messaging, talking points, and speeches for officers as needed; 
• Ensure distribution of daily news summaries of relevant and important issues; 
• Track and analyze the effectiveness of the Illinois AFL-CIO’s communications and brand strategy;
• Develop and update organizational content and assets that adhere to brand standards; and, 
• Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications and Skills:

• Minimum 3 years of related work experience in communications, public relations, digital advocacy, or media with on-the-record experience 
• Experience working for or with labor unions or labor organizations; community or policy organizations; and/or on political, legislative, or issue campaigns is a plus 
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, political science, or another related field
• Demonstrated writing skills required; design and video skills a plus
• Strong attention to detail and project management skills to be able to see a project from planning to execution
• Ability to adapt to new trends in media and communications
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines

The Illinois AFL-CIO is headquartered in Springfield, IL. This position will be regularly required at in person meetings and events across the state, particularly in the Chicagoland region and Springfield. Candidates for this position must be Illinois-based, but hybrid-remote arrangements will be considered.

Other Requirements 

• Access to a reliability vehicle (occasional travel across Illinois required)
• Ability to work weekend and evening hours as needed 

About the Illinois AFL-CIO:
The Illinois AFL-CIO is the state federation of labor representing over 900,000 union members in 1,500 affiliates across Illinois. The IL AFL-CIO is dedicated to improving the lives of working people in Illinois through grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy and political engagement.

Benefits:
The salary range for this position is between $89,000 and $122,000 depending on experience. This is a union position, governed by a collective bargaining agreement, that offers a competitive salary, with a benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a defined benefit pension plan and paid leave.

The Illinois AFL-CIO is an equal opportunity employer.

To Apply:
Interested applicants should email a résumé and brief cover letter to IL AFL-CIO Chief of Staff Samantha McClain at samantha.mcclain@ilaflcio.org with subject line: Communications Director.