Communications Organizer - Statewide Media

General Description The California Teachers Association (CTA) is a union of 310,000 educators across California, including K-12 and higher education educators. CTA’s mission is to protect and promote the well-being of its members; to improve the conditions of teaching and learning; to advance the cause of free, universal, and quality public education for all students; to ensure that the human dignity and civil rights of all children, youth and adults are protected; and to secure a more just, equitable, and democratic society. The Communications Organizer develops communication strategies, tools, tactics, and trainings for CTA members and supports local chapter campaigns. This role requires a strong understanding of unions and the labor movement and how to advance our mission through a variety of communication channels and tools including but not limited to earned media and press strategy for local, statewide and national media, email, social media, and more. Duties and Responsibilities Work under the direction of the Communications Manager. Primary point of contact on statewide earned media strategy including developing and maintaining ongoing relationships with journalists. Respond to media inquiries, pitch stories, and manage press events. Write news releases, pitch notes, background pieces, advisories, op-eds, fact sheets and other news-related materials. Prepare union members and leaders at all levels for interviews, including TV, radio, print, and other public appearances. Train and advise union members and staff on communications strategies, earned media, and interview preparation. Create and review messages and communications content across digital platforms and print publications to ensure consistency and message discipline across the union. Utilize digital advocacy tools and tactics to advance organizing, bargaining, and political campaigns. Support CTA chapters with communications strategy and crisis communications. Prepare and provide talking points and speeches for leaders. Performs other duties and projects as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s or higher degree in communications-related field preferred. Skill and experience in working with journalists in traditional and crisis communications. Knowledge of California statewide media landscape and journalists covering politics, public education, and labor. Strong writing skills and experience as an advocacy writer. Experience developing campaign messaging across digital, print and earned media. Skilled in using social media and digital communications to pitch news stories and monitor coverage and trends. Ability to work on several projects at a time, under pressure and with tight deadlines. Extensive experience leading communications strategy in high stakes, fast moving situations, including strikes, direct actions, and political campaigns. Ability to work in a team environment as well as individually. Deep understanding of the issues facing the public schools and the education profession. Experience in fast-paced campaigns situations, including contract campaigns, strikes and political campaigns. Demonstrated support for racial, social, and economic justice; worker's rights; and a well-funded public education system. Adaptable and flexible. Able to adjust seamlessly and effectively to changing factors and conditions that impact CTA campaigns, projects and other union programs. Experience in organizing and campaigning, with relentless drive to proactively surpass campaign/program goals under pressure and with the tenacity to tackle challenges head-on in a fast-paced, dynamic, and rapidly changing environment. Experience working with coalition partners on high profile labor and governmental matters and campaigns. Ability to research and fact check data and materials for internal and external communications. Proficiency with Windows PC environment, Microsoft Office, and media databases; Meltwater, Canva, and Salesforce a plus. Understanding of membership-based organizations and unions. Ability to obtain and maintain a valid California driver’s license. Ability to work and travel regularly, including evenings and weekends. Ideal candidate will be a self-starter, resourceful and highly motivated. *This position is in a bargaining unit represented by CSO. Salaries are established by a collective bargaining agreement. Step placement is also determined by the CTA/CSO Agreement. CTA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; we encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. CTA is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical or mental disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr California Teachers Association