Posted by: Washington Education Association
Federal Way, WA, US
About the Washington Education Association
WEA is the state’s largest public employee union, representing more than 80,000 K-12 teachers, support staff, community college employees and other educators. WEA’s mission is to advance the professional interests of its members in order to make public education the best it can be for students, staff and communities. We work to strengthen education and improve learning for students by advocating for fair and effective education policies and by representing the frontline professionals who educate Washington’s children and youth. WEA is managed by an executive director and senior leadership team and governed by a member-elected president, vice-president and board of directors.
Position overview
The Director of Communications leads internal and external public relations and communications strategies, managing a six-person staff and serving as a member of the WEA’s senior leadership team, reporting to the executive director. S/he develops and manages a $2.5 million annual budget and works collaboratively with other WEA departments to support collective bargaining, member organizing, governmental relations and political action, professional development and public policy.
Responsibilities
- Develop and oversee the implementation of internal and external communications strategies, plans and programs in member communications, public relations, advertising, media relations, online and new media/social networking for 80,000+ members along with all education stakeholders across Washington
- Serve as a member of WEA’s senior management team and participate in the overall management of the Association
- Advise governance leaders and management on communications and PR strategies
- Supervise and support a six-member communications team, including hiring, evaluating, mentoring and coaching in a collective bargaining setting
- Work collaboratively with the public policy team in developing communication plans, setting strategy and crafting messages around ballot initiatives, legislative sessions, political campaigns, policy development and other union-related actions
- Write plans, speeches, white papers, messaging, presentations, member communications and other materials
- Work with outside consultants such as PR counsel, pollsters, media firms, ad agencies and graphic designers
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, public affairs, marketing or related field
- At least 8 years experience in communications, PR or related field in positions of increasing responsibility
- At least 5 years experience as a member of a senior leadership team
- At least 5 years supervisory experience directing, managing and supporting professional and support staff in a creative and collegial work environment
- Proven experience in developing strategic organizational communications plans and executing them with measurable success
- Experience in developing and administering departmental budgets
- Excellent skills in writing, interpersonal communications and public speaking (writing samples will be requested of finalists for the position)
- Ability to work well in a team environment, handle multiple priorities under pressure, respond to tight deadlines and answer to numerous stakeholders with competing needs
- Strong working knowledge of standard computer software programs such as Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.
- Ability to travel within and outside the State of Washington
- 12 or more years experience in communications management
- Master's degree
- Experience in and knowledge of local, state and national public education issues
- Experience with labor organizations and organizing efforts
- Experience in and/or knowledge of state and local politics
- Experience working with a government agency, public sector organization or non-profit
- Experience with paid advertising campaigns including work with ad agencies on creative development and media placement of TV, radio and newspaper ads
- Understanding of the role of new and social media in communications and organizing
- Understanding of audience identification and analysis, including experience in using polling and research to craft messages
- Experience in developing and conducting communications/media/public relations training
Send a résumé and cover letter detailing not just your skills and experience but why you feel you can be passionate about public education and the WEA to:
Teresa Moore
WEA Search Consultant
Moore Ink. PR & Fundraising Communications
teresam@mooreink.com
Applicants selected for interviews will be asked to complete a WEA job application available at http://www.washingtonea.org/content/docs/jobline/weaapp5.pdf.
