Director of Communications

Company: Massachusetts Teacher Association
Location: Quincy
Posted on: September 24, 2022

Job Description:

TITLE : Director of Communications DIVISION: Communications UNIT: Non-Unit REPORTS TO: Executive Director-Treasurer Who we are: The Massachusetts Teachers Association ("MTA") represents over 115,000 members and nearly 400 locals across the state and employs a full-time staff of over 150. Our members are public school teachers, faculty, professional staff, and education support professionals working at public schools, colleges and universities. As a member-driven organization and the largest union in New England, our collective power makes MTA an influential voice for educators, students, and their communities. We are proud to be an advocate for social, racial and economic justice and for a public education system that provides one of the cornerstones of a democratic society MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: The Communications Director develops and implements a strategic plan for the union's communications programs, overseeing public relations, internal communications, media relations, paid media, and digital and social media outreach and advocacy. The Director advises MTA leaders, locals, and colleagues on all aspects of public relations and member communications strategies and plays a key role in advocacy coalitions and political campaigns. In addition, the Director serves as the editor of MTA Today, the MTA's newsprint magazine, and oversees MTA's Public Relations/Organizing Campaign, a grant program with an annual budget of more than $1.5 million. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: DIVISION MANAGEMENT

• Directs all operations of the division and develops a communications strategy that aligns the work with the MTA Blueprint Strategic Framework.
• Manages an eight-person staff, ensuring appropriate coverage of and response to developments involving the MTA and public education in general.
• Assigns responsibility for and participates in developing materials including press releases, position statements, internal member written communications, videos, social media posts, and stories for MTA Today and the website.
• Supervises the association's presence on the internet, including social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.
• Carries out association policies and personnel procedures, including performance evaluations.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with vendors such as paid media firms, pollsters, researchers, printers, and website developers.
• Prepares and administers the Division annual budget as well as assisting with budgeting for political and issue campaigns.
• Performs other duties, as required. COLLABORATION AND MESSAGE QUALITY
  • Collaborates with other divisions to ensure that internal and external communications are aligned with MTA's image and goals.
  • Advises and collaborates with the President, Vice President, Executive Director- Treasurer, other staff, and MTA locals on communications strategies to promote the MTA as the voice of public education.
  • Evaluates public relations methods, public opinion and internal member data, and digital analytics and advises MTA leaders, staff, and locals concerning all methods of strategic communications.
  • Plays a lead role in designing public and member polling.
  • Reviews writing, design, and production of materials for continuity of messaging, as well as journalistic quality and integrity.
  • Manages and participates in development of materials and posts for membership recruitment, organizing campaigns, legislative and political action programs, and collective bargaining activities.
  • Participates in organizing efforts, campaigns, and coalitions and brings public relations and media expertise to these initiatives. INTERNAL MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
    • Advises and collaborates with the President, Vice President, Executive Director- Treasurer, other staff, and MTA locals on communications strategies to connect rank and file members to the life of the union.
    • Oversees preparation of internal leadership communications by the President, Vice President and Governance Division.
    • Oversees writing and production of materials to promote MTA events and generate member engagement. MEDIA/PUBLIC RELATIONS
      • Monitors media coverage, informs leaders and staff about key issues, and develops or oversees preparation of responses.
      • Oversees and maintains frequent communication with media contacts such as reporters, columnists, and editorial board members.
      • Ensures timely response to media inquiries, message preparation, and gatekeeping where appropriate.
      • Works closely with the Government Relations division on direct mail and other political communications.
      • Assists locals and staff to generate media coverage of MTA events and activities, as well as those involving coalitions and campaigns.
      • Oversees research and monitoring of rightwing attacks on public education. LOCAL COMMUNICATIONS
        • Oversees and participates in communications assistance provided to MTA's nearly 400 union locals including public relations, crisis communications, website and social media development.
        • Provides for training of members and MTA field and events staff in public relations, media, and social media tools and best practices.
        • Oversees division staff who are assigned to assist locals to develop communications plans for bargaining and issue campaigns and crisis situations. MTA TODAY and OTHER PUBLICATIONS
          • Oversees the production of the print and electronic editions of MTA Today and serves as the magazine's Editor.
          • Supervises and plays a role in production of all MTA print and digital publications (such as MTA Today, membership materials, and member handbooks), including writing, editing, graphics, photography, layout and design. PUBLIC RELATIONS/ORGANIZING CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
            • Serves as co-chair and administrator of the Public Relations/Organizing Campaign Committee and oversees granting process.
            • Coordinates regularly with the Division of Finance and Accounting on all related reporting, budget, and fiscal matters.
            • Prepares PR/Organizing materials needed in conjunction with the MTA budget process MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
              • Bachelor's degree (master's degree preferred).
              • Proven track record as a public relations or communications director or equivalent professional background.
              • Extensive knowledge of social media platforms, other forms of digital communication, and cutting edge trends.
              • Exceptional writing, messaging, and editing skills.
              • Extensive knowledge of media relations.
              • Demonstrated understanding of how to produce effective promotional materials for union engagement, advocacy, and campaigns.
              • Understanding of and commitment to a vision of a labor movement that advances racial, economic, and gender justice and a common good agenda.
              • Experience in magazine or newspaper editing and publication, including content and copy editing, page design and layout, and production a plus.
              • Ability to conceive of and oversee complex projects, including website development and paid media campaigns.
              • Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with a wide variety of groups and individuals.
              • Demonstrated ability to respond rapidly and meet deadlines while juggling multiple assignments.
              • Familiarity with Adobe InDesign, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint.
              • Familiarity with digital photography.
              • Knowledge of printing methods and advertising processes a plus.
              • Driver's license and car (or alternative personal transportation) for in-state travel.
              • Willingness to travel and to work long hours, nights, and weekends.
              • Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. MTA reserves the right to waive any qualifications at its discretion The MTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff.
                
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Keywords: Massachusetts Teacher Association, Quincy , Director of Communications, Executive , Quincy, Massachusetts