Media and Communications Specialist

American Association of University Professors

Department of External Relations

Media and Communications Specialist – Remote

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) is pleased to announce a one-year Special Appointment Media and Communications Specialist position to be filled as soon as possible in the AAUP’s Department of External Relations, which is responsible for the AAUP’s communications with members, leaders, and the public. This is an exciting opportunity at a critically important time for the AAUP and for higher education workers. As we unite and mobilize the higher ed sector against increasing partisan attacks, we are escalating our defense of college and university teaching and research. We invite you to join us in our vital work as we build coalitions to fight back against funding cuts, political threats and intimidation, interference with academic freedom, and job losses.

This position involves helping to build and maintain positive public relations between the AAUP and the news media, AAUP chapter staff and leaders, members, and the public. The Media and Communications Specialist will report to the Director of External Relations.

The AAUP is committed to a diverse workforce and strives to achieve a workplace environment respectful of the many cultures of our own employees and the higher education workers we represent, including a significant number of African-American, Asian-American/Pacific Islander, and Latinx employees, as well as LGBTQl-identified employees, and those who have immigrated from various countries. The AAUP values the benefits that diversity brings to the faculty profession and the labor movement. We seek applicants whose experience and perspective will contribute to strong representation of our diverse members.

This is a one-year Special Appointment position covered by the AAUP-United Staff of AAUP collective bargaining agreement. Renewal of the position for a second year is possible dependent on funding. Special Appointment positions are short-term appointments (not to exceed two years) for the purpose of fulfilling clearly defined, temporary projects, including but not limited to organizing assignments, pilot programs, and grant-funded projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide support for the AAUP’s communications department, with a focus on the media relations and social media programs.
• Build out and expand AAUP’s social media presence on multiple platforms. Draft and post written and visual content on our social media channels. Monitor our chapter leaders Facebook group and maintain the membership of the group, maintain lists on Twitter, analyze data relating to social media.
• Assemble, format, and disseminate media clips for various audiences, including AAUP and AFT members and staff.
• Post media clips, releases, and other materials on the AAUP website.
• Monitor and route media requests, send information to reporters.
• Help develop communications resources for our chapters, including web-based tutorials, webinars, and templates.
• Take and/or edit videos and photos for use on social media or the website.
• Travel occasionally to document member activity, participate in meetings, or provide communications support for AAUP leaders or chapters. As needed, work with AFT staff on communications to support joint chapters.
• Assist with outreach to the media, including handling logistics; sometimes drafting releases, story pitches, or op-eds; maintaining and building relationships with reporters; and helping train other staff and members to be spokespeople. Coordinate with AFT staff as needed on joint releases.
• Some general administrative work such as arranging conference calls or travel relating to media.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Experience and demonstrated interest in media relations and social media strategy.
• Ability to travel occasionally to document member activities.
• Self-starting, with ability to handle multiple priorities and tasks in a deadline-driven environment.
• One or more years of work experience in media relations, strategic communications, or related field required; work experience in media or social media preferred.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Strong technical aptitude; the successful candidate will need to know how or learn to use a web content management system, design software, the Action Network platform, and a WordPress blog, among other things.
• Commitment to racial equity required; demonstrated experience with racial equity or DEI initiatives preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work as part of a team and to successfully interact with a variety of personalities.
• Associate degree or equivalent professional experience required; BA in journalism, communications, or related subject preferred.
• Work experience with membership organizations, advocacy organizations, labor unions, and/or higher education environment preferred.

Compensation

Salary range: $72,671 to 75,606. Generous benefits package, including health insurance and 401(K).

Position Classification

The Media and Communications Specialist position is categorized as a one-year Special Appointment Senior Program Officer position in the Department of External Relations. This position is part of the staff union bargaining unit. This is an exempt position and not eligible for overtime pay.

Work Location

This position is remote with multiple in-person work sites nationwide.

To Apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and

contact information for three references. The cover letter, resume, and

references are all required. No phone calls please. Review of applications will

begin immediately and continue until an adequate number of qualified

applications have been received. For additional information about the AAUP,

please visit www.aaup.org.

The AAUP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, homelessness, or other characteristics unrelated to professional performance. (EEO Know Your Rights | Family Medical Leave Act | Employee Polygraph Protection Act).

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.