Communications Director

Fairfax Co Federation of Teachers • Springfield, VA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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

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.

Benefits

• paid health benefits including medical, dental, and vision
• paid time off
• phone stipend
• mileage and expense reimbursements
• eligible to participate in the 401(k) retirement plan after six (6) months of employment
• the organization will match employee contributions up to 6%

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed