Communications Specialist

Oregon AFL-CIO - Based in Portland, Oregon

The Oregon AFL-CIO is the statewide federation of labor unions representing over 300,000 working Oregonians and acts as a voice for the members of over 400 local unions as well as all workers. The team at the State Federation is a progressive, talented, and hard-working group of social justice advocates poised to continue the fight for a fair and more just economy.

Are you passionate about economic fairness and social justice? Do you want to improve the lives of working people and strengthen the labor movement? If you answered, “YES!” then the Oregon AFL-CIO may be the right place for you. We are part of the largest federation of labor unions in the United States and the Oregon AFL-CIO team of dynamic professionals is dedicated to growing worker power and ensuring every working person has a voice on the job. When you work at the Oregon AFL-CIO, you’re more than just an individual employee - you’re helping to lead a movement with a proud history and a bright future ahead.

Who We’re Looking For:

We’re looking for a seasoned communications professional to strengthen and expand our communications capacity as a voice for all Oregon workers - and to add value and sophisticated support to the various communications needs of our affiliate unions, partners, and allies: people with experience in driving effective communications programs for labor unions, advocacy organizations, political campaigns, government, or nonprofits; recent college grads, grad students, or professionals with diverse communications experience; ideal candidates will possess a diverse range of communications skills and a passion for social and economic justice.

Key Role Responsibilities:

• Works with leadership, Communications Director, and other staff to develop, implement and maintain:
  • Robust communications support for all organizational programs
  • Ongoing support for the communications needs of affiliate unions, partners, and allies
  • Growth orientation and strategy for all areas of communications program
• Duties include:
  • Graphic Design in both print-based and digital media
  • Photography and Videography at events, including editing photos and videos
  • Writing professionally and persuasively about Oregon Labor issues, priorities, and objectives
  • Social Media Management via Facebook, Instagram, X, and evolving platforms on behalf of the Oregon AFL-CIO and allied campaigns and partners
  • Analysis of Oregon AFL-CIO communications efforts, including email trends, website visits and behavior, and social media metrics
  • Earned Media Support to garner attention from journalists about Oregon AFL-CIO and affiliate campaigns and events
  • General Communications Duties will be assigned as needed and vary depending on current needs and priorities
• Engages with affiliate staff to develop and support communications goals and objectives as needed
• Helps develop and implement communications plans for a variety of Federation-wide events, partner campaigns and events, and other organizational priorities
• Works with Oregon AFL-CIO team and affiliates to accomplish organizational priorities beyond communications program areas (including participating directly in political action, door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, voter registration, etc. and supporting biennial Convention planning and program)
• Other duties as assigned

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Share vision of building a bigger, broader, bolder, and more inclusive labor movement
• Preference for a candidate with at least three years of demonstrated communications experience in labor, political or issue advocacy campaigns, non-profits or similar community organizations/campaigns
• High level of interest in local and national media coverage on issues of concern to union members and Oregon working families such as affordable housing, retirement security, worker safety, union organizing protections and affordable health care
• A commitment to economic and social justice for all Oregon workers and their families, especially those in historically marginalized communities through empowering and uniting workers to create change in their workplaces and communities
• Ability to work collaboratively as well as independently in a fast-moving environment
• Excellent writing, editing and interpersonal communications skills
• Graphic design experience and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Canva
• Experience using major social media platforms in a professional setting
• Competency in Google Drive programs, Microsoft Office, project management tools, and other standard office computer programs
• Experience with Constituent Relationship Management systems such as Action Network
• Experience with Squarespace and Wix or comparable website platforms
• Experience with sound systems, live streaming, hybrid meeting infrastructure, and related technology used to run events like rallies, picket lines, meetings, and conventions
• High level of individual motivation, project and time management, and organizational skills
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent listening, interpersonal, communication and problem solving skills
• Possess a commitment to progressive social change and winning for workers
• While we strive to maintain a healthy and sustainable work/life balance, the position may sometimes require long and extended hours and some travel as needed
• Proven experience in building relationships with labor leaders, community leaders, and worker advocacy stakeholders
• Ability to work collaboratively and foster a positive work environment and culture
• A valid drivers’ license and access to a reliable vehicle