Communications Specialist Job Posting

A vacancy exists for the position of Communications Specialist. This position will be responsible for  developing and coordinating a variety of communications that support the work, mission, and vision of the Council and our union. The basic job duties are as outlined in the attached job description. The position has an excellent pay and benefits package, including a pension plan. The annual salary range is $62,292 - $99,432.

If you wish to apply for the position, please submit your resume to Executive Director, Shannon Douvier. You must include a daytime phone number with your resume. All resumes are to be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to 3335 West St. Germain Street, Suite 107, St. Cloud, MN 56301. 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with priority given to applications received by Friday, March 28th, 2025. Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted to schedule a date and time. If you have any questions, please contact Shannon Douvier at 218-885-3242 Ext 201.

Job Summary:

The Communications Specialist will coordinate and develop Council 65 communications. Administer council 65 website and social media platforms. Produce communications materials for a variety of union campaigns and priorities, including new organizing campaigns, our priorities in legislative session, press releases, and support during local contract negotiations. This position will work closely with Council staff and use communications strategies and tactics to produce a high-volume of content and materials that support the mission and vision of our union. Traveling to meet members in their workplaces to highlight the work AFSCME members do for our communities and educating members on how to tell their story, among other activities.

Job Duties:

Communications:

  • Assists in developing, implementing, and updating digital and traditional communication strategies.
  • Writes and develops high quality and well written op-eds, background pieces, fact sheets, press kit materials, leaflets, brochures, and other materials as needed.
  • Assists in responding to inquiries from the news media, including preparing union leadership, workers, and allies for media interviews.
  • Maintains a media outreach list for quick press releases.
  • Create and shares digital content, drive online engagement of workers and other stakeholders, and build online recruiting and engagement tools.
  • Leads the development of content and maintain digital assets, such as websites, social media, SMS, and other properties.
  • Collaborates with other AFSCME staff in updating social media content and messaging to membership through Action Network, Website, and other platforms.
  • Writes talking points, statements, and letters to the editor, and other written materials as needed.
  • Provides data analysis from analytic findings on campaigns.
  • Researches and evaluates various technologies as needed to assist organizers, staff, and leaders on the most effective use of technology to further our mission.
  • Provides mobilization support via communications platforms for federal, state and local elections, including candidate, legislative, issue and PEOPLE fundraising campaigns.
  • Develops relationships and works with allies, including other labor unions, progressive groups, candidates and parties to build progressive strength while representing AFSCME’s interests.
  • Administer, support, and train users on Union Hall (website), VAN, UnionWare, and Action Network.
  • Gives direction to Field Staff on messaging for Political/ Legislative campaigns that they are expected to communicate to assigned Local leadership and members.
  • Collaborates with assigned staff to produce and distribute a newsletter communication to membership through Action Network.
  • Performs other duties as required to support AFSCME 65.
Event Planning and Coordination:
  • Contact potential locations for events and provide RFPs to the Executive Director
  • Communicate with assigned individuals on-site for event planning (rooms, equipment, set up, food)
  • This will be for Council sponsored events such as: Convention, Training, DOTH, Executive Board meetings 

Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree in communications-related field preferred. Experience in communications and political organizing or related work or a combination of education and experience that would provide for the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

  • Equivalent combination of education and experience with other organizing campaigns (community organizing, ballot initiatives, etc) which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the primary responsibilities will be considered.
  • Experience developing and implementing communications strategy on a wide range of campaigns, including organizing, elections, political, and legislative, as well as experience working with community allies.
  • Experience creating written materials such as talking points, press releases, emails, and/or news articles/blog posts.
  • Knowledge of email, text messaging, and customer relationship management (CRM) tools, such as Action Network, Hustle, and Mobile Commons.
  • Experience creating social media content for Council platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, etc.
  • Knowledge of tools for graphic design, photography, and video.
  • Knowledge of organizing principles and the labor movement.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, strong attention to detail, and ability to quickly synthesize information.
  • General knowledge of the role and duties of union officers and staff and understanding of AFSCME IU and AFSCME Council 65 union philosophy.
  • Knowledge and ability to lead, train and coordinate field staff and member leaders on communications and messaging
  • Knowledge of federal and state labor laws, especially with respect to union organizing, political action, and relevant campaign finance laws.
  • Knowledge of anti-union employer tactics.
  • Ability to independently conduct research, use databases, implement communications strategies, and formulate conclusions.
  • Ability to exhibit leadership and motivational skills.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as a team member, on task, and on time.
  • Direct management experience of digital campaign execution and measurement.
  • Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite, UnionWare, VAN, Union Hall, and ActionNetwork.
  • Experience in the use of data and analytics to drive effective decision-making.
  • Excellent writing, verbal, and analytical skills.
  • Demonstrated capacity to continuously develop knowledge and skills related to use of rapidly changing technology.
  • Knowledge of unions or other advocacy organizations.

Direction and Decision Making: This position reports to the Executive Director on a regular basis regarding development and implementation of legislative/political action and communications plans. This position will be expected to work with directors, field staff, and members to effectively lead Council communications strategies and campaigns.

Physical Requirements (including physical requirements as required by ADA): Work is generally performed in an office setting, but job may require work in the field or in other settings to perform the tasks required to complete assignments. Must be available for frequent travel throughout Council 65’s jurisdiction across the states of Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota.

  • Long and irregular hours.
  • Ability to drive long distances safely in changing road conditions.
  • Overnight stays occasionally required.
  • Occasional temporary assignment to International campaigns out of geographical assignment.
  • Valid Minnesota Driver’s License.
  • Must pass pre-employment physical and drug screening.
  • Vision and hearing acuity necessary.
  • Must pass background check and reference(s).