AFL-CIO Technology Institute
&
AFL-CIO Working for America Institute

Communications Manager

Based in Washington, DC

 

Job Title: Communications Manager
Department: AFL-CIO Technology Institute and Working for America Institute
Reports to: Deputy Director, Technology Institute
Based in: Washington, DC
Salary Range: $80,000 – $100,000

About AFL-CIO Technology Institute
The AFL-CIO Technology Institute is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization launched in 2021 to bring the voices of working people and unions into technology development and innovation policy. Creation of the Institute was a core recommendation of the 2019 AFL-CIO Commission on the Future of Work and Unions, a multi-sector collaborative of union leaders determined to build a powerful strategy to prepare our movement for the future of work.

The Opportunity
The Technology Institute seeks a creative and experienced communications expert to amplify its shared vision and mission with a national audience of policymakers, philanthropists, and partners, including workforce experts, academics, and industry. The Communications Manager will build internal and external communications networks and materials, develop communications infrastructure and support needed to develop an organizational voice within the labor movement on technology, and execute on diverse program streams and strategies. In addition, this role provides an opportunity to enhance the Institute’s website, create social media presence, and work across development initiatives and events to produce engaging collateral.

This is an ideal role for an early/mid-career communications professional ready to take the next step in their career, have room to grow, try new things in a start-up environment, and help shape the future for working people across the country.

To Apply
Please submit your résumé and cover letter to: cbieber@aflciotechinstitute.org. We will review all applicants and, upon qualification, contact you to determine the next steps.

Responsibilities
Develop and Execute Communications Strategy, Infrastructure, and Supports

• Manage the communications strategy to amplify initiatives to internal stakeholders and external audiences, including traditional and digital media, policymakers, and the public.
• Lead all external communication efforts as it relates to tech and workforce. Prepare principals and surrogates for major speeches, media engagements, op-eds, columns, video scripts, and messaging/framing, including crafting a wide array of compelling and easily digestible copy on deadline that educates, inspires, and moves the audience to action.
• Collaborate with AFL-CIO affiliates, outside allies, and partners to develop joint communications strategies and plans for shared projects; facilitate buy-in, develop a joint communications strategy, set/manage deadlines for partners, and execute on implementation.
• Work cross-functionally to define key themes, messages, and objectives to drive awareness and engagement on TI and WAI priorities, including communications research and stakeholder collaboration.
• Monitor mainstream press, trade press, and tech press to develop news & info streams for stakeholders and create distribution architecture; disseminate clips in digestible daily content.
• Build out internal networks and press lists and cultivate relationships with key reporters.
• Collaborate with the organizations’ leadership team, team members, and key stakeholders to contribute to grant applications, reports, and other development materials as necessary.

Create Communications Collateral

• Conceptualize and write compelling content to increase awareness of TI’s mission and programs and encourage donor engagement and financial support.
• Work with program departments to conceptualize, create and revise campaign materials.
• Contribute creatively to message framing, audience targeting, campaign planning, etc., and execute print and online collateral.
• Conceptualize and write a variety of educational and policy materials for print and online use that moves the audience to take action.

Manage Social Media and Media Events

• Manage the Technology Institute's online presence, including branding, website, and social media streams.
• Use social media tools and established contacts within the traditional and progressive social media community to extend message reach and impact.
• Create media events and other press opportunities to highlight Technology Institute’s stakeholders, partners, and allies.
• Track progress to goals for brand awareness, increasing engagement and traffic to the website and social media streams, etc.

Key Qualifications
Strategic Communications Expertise

• Minimum of five to seven years of increasing writing and communications responsibility and success.
• Be resourceful and creative, demonstrate strong project management and problem solving skills.
• Data-driven and experienced in meeting and exceeding goals.
• Demonstrated success in writing a range of advocacy materials, including speeches, op-eds, columns, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to adjust tones and capture diverse voices for varying audiences.
• Extensive experience integrating messaging in social media outreach such as Instagram, Twitter, Linked In, TikTok, Facebook, and elsewhere.
• Interest in leading the build-out of communications infrastructure: branding, communications strategy, website, social media presence, etc.
• Bachelor’s degree in English or related field preferred or equivalent experience.
• Aligned with AFL-CIO’s mission, values, and commitment to the labor movement
• Commitment to the labor movement and its role in advancing economic and racial justice.
• Experience working in or with labor movement organizations is preferred but not required.

Collaborative Relationship Builder

• Confidence and ability to establish effective working relationships at all levels.
• Established relationships in the traditional and social media communities.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and translate complex concepts into easily digestible content.
• Ability to exercise excellent political judgment and complete discretion.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $80,000 – $100,000 and any offer will be determined based on a candidate’s skills and relative work experience.

• The Technology Institute offers employee benefits including
• Excellent employer-paid comprehensive health care, medical, and vision benefits
• Generous leave including annual vacation and sick leave
• Employer Paid Retirement/Pension Plan and 401(k) Savings Plan Match
• A hybrid work culture with the option to work from home up to two times per week

The AFL-CIO Technology Institute is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. We welcome a diverse pool of applications, believe it is critical that our staff represent the larger labor movement, and are committed to building a culture and community that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion.