National Press Secretary

Location: Washington DC, near Metro (on-site)

Duration: Full-time position; posting closes when position is filled.

Vaccination Requirement:  UFCW requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment, consistent with applicable law. Any requests or questions may be submitted to hrcovid@ufcw.org.

Position Description

This position assists the Communications Department in overseeing press strategies for the organization. This position will develop, plan, and implement media outreach plans that support the UFCW International Union in its organizing, bargaining, and political efforts. The position will also provide various stakeholders, including local unions and UFCW members, with support on media relations, media training, and other activities as assigned. This position will guide the following for the International Union:

Brand awareness and reputation in news media.
Overseeing work of assigned staff to effectively execute press strategies.
Working with UFCW local unions on messaging and media relations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Includes the following. Other duties may be assigned. This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented.

Develops and executes national, regional, and local press plans and strategies to support UFCW’s agenda.
Aggressively builds relationships with regional and national media contacts to shape the way
UFCW’s message and branding reaches UFCW members, opinion leaders, allies, and non-union
workers in UFCW’s core industries.
Helps identify, screen, and train UFCW members and non-union workers in media skills.
Develops, writes, and edits accurate and timely media relations materials, including press releases,
press advisories, op-eds, and other material.
Develops and executes talking points, speeches, letters, and articles for the International President
and other Executive officers as assigned.
Provides communications support for the International President and other Executive officers at
meetings, conferences, conventions, or public events.
Develops relationships with staff at all levels of the organization. Interfaces professionally with
external groups that have mutual interest.
Contributes to staff strategy meetings and stays current on developments in UFCW industries and
campaigns.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline; equivalent experience may be substituted with a minimum of 6 years of experience in media relations and press strategy. On-the-record experience preferred.
Thorough understanding of how to work with digital, print, and television media.
Established relationships with reporters, bookers, and producers.
Exceptional writer, who can quickly absorb complex issues and write about them in a concise and
compelling way with strong attention to detail.
Self-starter with a high standard for success. Must be able to proactively identify and follow
through on opportunities to improve their work and their organization’s reach.
Demonstrated ability to effectively manage work and supervise others.
Must be a team player, with a positive attitude, who enjoys collaborative work environments.
Must be able to prioritize effectively and consistently develop, execute, and manage both longand short-term projects and activities to meet deadlines and can report effectively on established
goals and metrics.
Ability to work with people of different backgrounds, cultures, and literacy.
Must be able to exercise discretion involving the interrelationships among the International,
regional offices, local unions, and members.
An understanding of labor or UFCW industries is highly desirable.
Work can, and likely will, require frequent last-minute travel and/or frequent irregular or
unpredictable hours.

This is an exempt position under the Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Reasonable
accommodations will be provided pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Compensation

The UFCW provides a very generous benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
Life insurance provided with ability to purchase supplemental life insurance at favorable rates.
Retirement Savings Account.
401(k) plan with employer matching.
Pension plan.
Dependent care reimbursement account program.
Health care reimbursement account program.
Transportation program benefits.
Three weeks of paid vacation, 12 days of paid short-term sick leave, Extended Sick Leave
program, paid parental leave.
Prepaid Legal Plan (for DC/MD/VA only).

To apply submit cover letter, resume to: humanresources@ufcw.org

*Skills assessments with passing scores are required as part of our pre-employment process. *

We believe our success rests on recruiting and retaining a diverse staff. UFCW is an equal opportunity employer. Woman and people of color are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided pursuant to the state and federal laws.