Open Position: Communications Lead

POSITION TITLE:  Communications Lead

ACCOUNTABLE TO:  Director of Governmental and Community Relations

RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position will work to promote and achieve the goals and priorities of the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) by providing professional and technical guidance, strategic recommendations and team leadership in the development and maintenance of cohesive, effective communications to MNA members and the public. The Communications Lead will focus on external communications and public relations, including earned and paid media.  The Communications Lead will also have a non-managerial leadership role in helping the 4-person Communications Team plan, implement, and evaluate the communications of the Association.

Primary Job Duties:

  • In coordination with Director of Governmental and Community Relations, act as lead coordinator for a four-person communications team and all components of MNA communication plans
  • As primary liaison to external communications consultants, lead on marketing efforts for the organization including public polling, message and theme development, and paid media across digital and traditional media platforms.
  • Act as the voice of MNA, working in collaboration with others to determine initial tone and content of MNA communications
  • Coordinate with all MNA departments and necessary structural bodies to develop and maintain an overall MNA public relations campaign as well as campaigns around contract negotiation, new organizing, legislative and electoral work, and healthcare delivery and policy initiatives
  • Act as liaison between MNA’s Communications Department and other departments
  • Coordinate with staff from various departments to make sure that all tasks are on track with project requirements, deadlines, and schedules
  • Help plan, implement, and evaluate effective communication education curriculum, trainings and best practices for the communication team, staff and members
  • Create external content for MNA’s publicly targeted communications channels
  • Media Relations including;
    • Establishing and maintaining relationships with members of the media and journalists
    • Monitoring and reporting on MNA presence in media and with the public
    • Writing press releases and shepherding through approval process
    • Drafting positions and responding to specific requests by media and journalists
    • Providing media training for MNA members and elected leaders

Secondary Job Duties:

  • Serve as backup for others in the Communications Department, including; Digital Communications Specialist, Internal Communications Specialist, and Production and Graphics Specialist
  • Develop ideas for and writing of campaign themes, articles, interviews, and presentations
  • Serve as lead staff on collaboration and execution of communications campaigns with the Minnesota AFL-CIO and other partners
  • Act as liaison between MNA external communication consultants and the organization, as appropriate
  • Create budget proposals associated with departmental needs and communications campaigns, in collaboration with Directors
  • Act as primary preceptor for new communications staff
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or other relevant areas of study;
  • 5-10 years of experience in strategic, organizational, or nonprofit communications, some of which must be related to public policy or advocacy and;
  • Proven record of strong leadership skills leading or working within a team

OR

  • a combination of education and experience that demonstrates an applicant’s knowledge of team leadership and external communications

 AND a combination of the following.

  • Knowledge of unions, the labor movement, and their mission
  • Knowledge of union organizing, political, and advocacy campaigns
  • Knowledge of healthcare and nursing issues
  • Proven dedication to furthering social justice issues important to nurses
  • Ability to educate and train members and diverse audiences to understand issues and translate their experiences into content
  • Strong relationships with members of media
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Efficient writing and editing skills
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to develop constructive relationships
  • Ability to accept feedback and move ideas you disagree with
  • Capacity to prioritize tasks, work independently and be part of a team

MNA is invested in providing education and training in the above areas to ensure that the future employee gains the necessary skills to become successful in this position.

Work/life balance is prioritized, but the ability to work occasional weekends, evenings and travel to MNA facilities will occasionally be required. Transportation required.

Salary: Per MNASO Local 1, Unit 2 Contract Agreement.  Minimum starting salary of $88,885.68 commensurate with experience. MNA is an EEO/AA Employer. This position will be eligible for a hybrid work schedule upon passage of probation.

Contact: Send letter of application, resume, references and salary requirements to Brenda Woodall, HR Manager at Brenda.Woodall@mnnurses.org