Communications Director

Fairfax County Federation of Teachers
AFT Affiliate Local 2401

Communications Director

Based in Northern Virginia

Status: Full-Time, Exempt, In Person (Field and in Office) Non-Bargaining Unit Position
Reports to: President 
Works closely with: Representation Department, Organizing Department, Administrative Department 

About FCFT
FCFT is a labor union based in Northern Virginia representing the Operational and Instructional workers of Fairfax County Public Schools, including transportation workers, custodians, teachers, counselors, social workers, maintenance and trades staff, food service workers, and clerical staff. We are an organizing union focused on building worker power and engaging the community around well-funded and supported public schools.

Position Summary 
The Communications Director works under the direction of FCFT’s President and oversees and executes all internal and external communications. This role will lead multi-media and digital strategy to strengthen FCFT’s public presence and brand, with a strong emphasis on lifting up workers’ voices. Key areas of focus include social media, website management, digital and print communications, media relations, newsletters/email campaigns, short-form video production, and content creation.

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic communications plan for the organization targeting both internal and external audiences.
• Develop and implement the organization’s internal communications strategy including: drafting and issuing regular digital newsletters, urgent digital updates, mailings, flyers, and graphics; and maintaining accurate and updated lists for email and text communications. 
• Develop and implement the organization’s external communications strategy including: managing and creating content for all social media platforms, maintaining and regularly updating the organization’s website, and strategically engaging partner organizations and individuals.
• Develop and implement the organization’s media strategy including: developing and maintaining relationships with the media; serving as the primary point of contact with the press and responding to media inquiries; identifying strategic media opportunities; organizing public press events; writing and pitching targeted op-eds; issuing press releases and media advisories; and providing support to spokespeople for interviews, speaking engagements, and opinion writing.
• Lead crisis communications planning and response, including rapid messaging and media engagement during high-pressure moments. 
• Design branded merchandise and manage the budgeting and ordering of merchandise, mailers, and posters.
• Ensure high-quality, consistent, and creative content in all communications that centers members and aligns with FCFT’s branding, mission, and goals. 
• Seek out members’ stories and develop and promote narratives based on worker input, highlighting organizing activities and campaigns.
• Bolster an affirming image of FCFT among internal and external stakeholders, while proactively combating negative anti-union or anti-public education narratives. 
• Coordinate with the President on messaging production and delivery and provide a monthly report to the Executive Board on meeting departmental and broader organizational goals.
• Collaborate with other departments to support their communications needs as assigned. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications 

• Minimum of five years experience in media, communications, and/or digital campaigns, ideally in labor organizing or political advocacy
• Proficiency in graphic design (Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva, Adobe Express), video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Final Cut), social media video editing (reels)
• Proficiency in web development and trouble shooting (Wix, Wordpress)
• Very online, and highly fluent with social media platforms, trends, and content scheduling
• Strong, fast, and accurate writer with an ability to center workers in messaging
• Experience crafting speeches, op-eds, newsletters, and/or reports
• Ability to integrate media strategy into organizing, political, or advocacy campaigns
• Knowledge of local and/or digital media landscapes
• Ability to work effectively with elected member leaders, staff, and community stakeholders in complex and sometimes politically sensitive environments
• Ability to balance multiple projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines

Preferred Qualifications 

• Familiarity with Fairfax and Virginia education and political issues
• Experience working with community partners and organizations
• Labor and/or Capitol Hill experience
• Experience in crisis communications
• Multilingual proficiency

Salary and Benefits:
The starting salary range for the position is $80,000 – $90,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid health benefits including medical, dental, and vision; paid time off, phone stipend; and mileage and expense reimbursements. Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) retirement plan after six (6) months of employment; the organization will match employee contributions up to 6%.

How to Apply: 
Please submit all via the link provided HERE : 

• A cover letter describing your interest in building worker power in Fairfax County Public Schools, including examples of organizing work or campaigns you’ve contributed to (and your role in those efforts)
• Your résumé
• Three professional references
• Three samples: one written (speech, testimony, press release, published work, etc.), one graphic design, and one video or website you’ve created

Equity Statement:
At FCFT, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce, and we provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. We welcome applicants with a range of experiences and encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet all qualifications listed. 

Current and former Fairfax County Federation of Teachers members are encouraged to apply.

This position is covered under a union contract with the Washington-Baltimore News Guild.

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