Communications Specialist

University Professional & Technical Employees
CWA Local 9119

Communications Specialist

Based in either Northern California or Southern California
(statewide applicants considered)

Job Title: Communications Specialist
Location: Either Northern California or Southern California (statewide applicants considered). 
Starting Salary: Dependent on Experience

UPTE-CWA Local 9119 is a dynamic and growing member-run, statewide union representing 28,000 University of California technical, research, and healthcare professionals. We are seeking a Communications Specialist , Los Angeles or Southern California preferred (other locations in California will be considered). The Communications Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting and implementing comprehensive communications strategies to support UPTE campaigns.

Under the supervision of the Communications Director, the Communications Specialist will be responsible for helping develop and execute communications plans to support the union's work. Candidates with a demonstrated commitment to economic and social justice work are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

• Execute communications plans that support organizing, legislative, political, contract, and mobilization campaigns.
• Draft a range of written communications, including e-mail blasts, social media posts, campaign literature, talking points, newsletter articles, and website content.
• Proofread and copyedit communications materials for accuracy, grammar, and consistent messaging.
• Manage the union’s mass email, text messaging, and digital advocacy tools.
• Generate content for and manage UPTE social media.
• Produce fliers, infographics, and videos on important union issues and campaigns
• Provide press support and help coordinate press conferences and other external communications.
• Conduct interviews with members.
• Contribute to the production of a monthly newsletter.
• Help maintain the UPTE website.
• Provide photography and videography support at events including strikes, rallies, and more.
• Assist in the planning and execution of events, virtual town halls, and conferences.
• Complete administrative support tasks as needed.

Preferred Knowledge and Experience: 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex information into concise, impactful messaging.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with short deadlines.
• Demonstrated work on external communications for labor, political, and/or progressive issue-advocacy campaigns.
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize multiple tasks and assignments.
• Knowledge of social media platforms and experience with managing social media accounts.
• Familiarity with mass email programs, as well as broadcast and P2P texting platforms.
• Experience with the Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, etc) as well as other design tools such as Canva.
• Knowledge of video production and editing software preferred.
• Some knowledge of website design and web building tools like Squarespace.

Compensation: Starting salary range $80,759.63 – $145,107.31 consummate with experience, and an excellent benefits package including a 6% 401k match, all university holidays, auto allowance, and flexible work arrangements. 

To Apply:
Email: View email address on us.fitly.work

Please include the following:

• A résumé with the months and years of employment for each position.
• A cover letter addressing your qualifications and ability to carry out the duties of the position as described above.

Position open until filled.

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