Communications Specialist

JOB SUMMARY The Communications Specialist will be responsible for assisting with the daily operations of the Communications department including creating and promoting new print and digital communications, social media management, association marketing, media outreach, and working together with ONA staff and members to design and implement effective communication plans. In particular, the Communications Specialist will focus attention on providing communications support for one of ONA’s three major departments: Labor and Organizing, Government Relations and Professional Services. As a key member of the Communications team, the Communications Specialist should support and advance equity, diversity, and inclusion as core values of ONA and as a crucial lens through which we do our work. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Acts as advisor to all ONA departments, but with a particular focus on Labor and Organizing, on matters relating to public relations, marketing, and strategic communications. Creates, monitors, evaluates, and anticipates the need for content for press releases, press statements, media advisories, newsletter articles, news stories, flyers, posters, and other forms of electronic and print communications. Understands and advocates for equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of communications work, including bringing an equity lens to processes, procedures, and goals of the department and the organization. Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to advance the communication goals of ONA. Coordinates responses to public information/media/interview requests and ensures effective communication practices in those responses. Working with the Communications Department, develops, plans, implements and/or coordinates various ONA-wide activities (e.g. community outreach, media/public relations functions, etc.) for enhancing community relationships, improving member services/programs, and promoting a positive public image. Ensures correct implementation of ONA brand standards, ensuring all communications follow ONA brand and style guidelines. Ensures all external ONA communications are professional, accurate and clear. Contributes to ONA programs and events and acts as facilitator, speaker, and trainer. Acts as an ONA spokesperson when necessary. Coordinates message development between departments. Attends meetings and events as needed. Performs other work and assignments as directed by the Communications Director, Executive Director, or other members of the Executive Leadership Team. Other duties as assigned. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This position has no supervisory responsibilities. JOB EXPECTATIONS/COMPETENCIES Job Knowledge: Must possess and continually update requisite knowledge and understanding of assigned duties, responsibilities, policies, procedures and compliance requirements to perform the position. Work Product: Must demonstrate quality, including accuracy and thoroughness, in work required for the position. Must plan and complete acceptable quantity of work within deadlines. Member Focus: Must consistently exhibit proper conduct with ONA members through verbal and written communications. This includes listening, understanding member expectations/perspective and acknowledging and responding to concerns in a timely and helpful manner. Dependability/Accountability: Must follow through on assignments and take ownership of work. Must be reliable and responsible, and adhere to procedures, practices and work schedule. Collaboration/Teamwork: Must demonstrate cooperation and teamwork, and value and seek input and expertise of others. Must contribute to the team environment by working effectively with others on the team, and treat co-workers with respect, honesty and fairness. Communication: Must communicate effectively and respectfully with co-workers and associates verbally and in writing. Must follow instructions and share information appropriately. Commitment to JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) & Welcoming Behavior in the Community: Must create a welcoming and learning environment with productive and positive workplace relationships. Must build and support a diverse and inclusive community by demonstrating respect in the workplace. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE A minimum of three years’ relevant experience in a corporate, political, labor, or non-profit environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience writing, creating and publishing content for print, digital and social media. Ability to design both print and digital materials. Strong knowledge of communications and public relations principles. Prior experience in communications, marketing, media, design, or public relations in a labor union, non-profit or health care environment is preferred. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND/OR REGISTRATIONS N/A QUALIFICATIONS Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to the safety or health of employees or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS Proficient in MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Canva, and Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Photoshop; as well as social media management tools, basic website content management systems, email marketing systems; Must be familiar with databases and basic office equipment. PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties. Physical Activity: Primarily office activities. Physical requirements/demands: Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time in an office environment. Must be able to type. Must be able to periodically walk up to 100 feet and lift up to 40 lbs. Visual requirements: Must be able to read a computer screen and written documents. Must be able to see well enough to drive safely during daylight and nighttime conditions. OTHER Periodic travel may be required along with occasional evening or weekend work. Hybrid schedules are available as appropriate for job duties and subject to supervisor approval. DISCLAIMER The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified. #J-18808-Ljbffr