Communications Manager

Department for Profession​al Employees, AFL-CIO

Communications Manager

Based in Washington, DC
(hybrid)

Communications Manager
Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) 
Full-Time | Union | Washington, DC (hybrid)

The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) is seeking a Communications Manager to lead and manage all external DPE communications.

About DPE
DPE is a national coalition representing 25 unions whose members work in education, healthcare, media, the arts, sciences, engineering, and other sectors. We are a small, collaborative, and dedicated team working to advance the interests of professional and technical workers across the country.

About the Role
The Communications Manager works closely with the President and other staff to execute a proactive communications strategy, shape DPE’s public image, and advance our work on legislation, policy, campaigns, and organizing.

We are looking for a skilled communicator, exceptional writer, and creative strategist with a passion for the labor movement and storytelling.

Responsibilities
The Communications Manager will collaborate with DPE leadership and staff to execute the organization’s communications strategy, including:

Media Relations

• Drafting and editing press releases, talking points, advocacy materials, speeches, op-eds, and media advisories.
• Assisting with the development, execution, and distribution of content for digital platforms and websites managed by DPE.
• Pitching stories to reporters and establishing relationships with key journalists and producers to expand press coverage of DPE’s work. 
• Overseeing distribution and placement of DPE communications. 
• Monitoring press coverage about DPE, its affiliates, and issues affecting professionals.

Digital Communications

• Leading digital engagement to amplify DPE’s work and campaigns through social media and other tools, like Action Network. 
• Developing, executing, and distributing content for DPE’s digital platforms and websites, including designing one-pagers, fact sheets, and graphics. 
• Maintaining current websites and creating new campaign websites, including message development.
• Analyzing website and social media analytics to advise DPE leadership on the reach and effectiveness of DPE’s various communication tools.

External Communications:

• Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with affiliate communications teams.
• Collaborating on project ideas and campaigns that communicate the value of joining together in union.
• Ensuring consistent messaging across DPE’s communications channels and issue areas. 

Qualifications

• A passion for the labor movement and a commitment to its mission and values.
• At least two years of communications experience, ideally in labor, advocacy, or nonprofit sectors.
• Excellent writing across formats — press releases, op-eds, and social — with the ability to make research and policy accessible. 
• Demonstrated earned-media results: pitching reporters, placing stories and op-eds, serving as or preparing spokespeople.
• Experience managing digital channels, building or updating websites, and graphic design.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently. 

Salary and Benefits

• Salary range: $70,000 – $80,000 commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package including employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement/pension plan, 401(k), vacation and generous paid holiday schedule, and a hybrid work schedule.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a résumé, cover letter, and two professional references (former or current supervisors) to View email address on us.fitly.work .

DPE is an equal opportunity employer. Women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and candidates from working-class backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. 

WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information at .