Communications Specialist/Campaigner (FT)

UNITE HERE is a progressive labour union, dedicated to creating greater equality and opportunity for workers in the hospitality industry. Communications Specialists are embedded in local worker campaigns and play a crucial role in designing comprehensive communications strategies using digital platforms, earned media and multi-media tools to raise the visibility of worker struggles. As a Communications Specialist/Campaigner with UNITE HERE Local 40, you will be part of a team that empowers people in low-wage service sector jobs to achieve better wages and benefits, dignity and basic rights at work.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Collaborating with union leadership to develop, plan and lead communications strategies that support workers’ organizing and contract campaigns and analyzing effectiveness of strategies to improve campaigns.
  • Creating messaging and designing materials for effective communication with multiple audiences, including union members, allies, news media, and the general public.
  • Designing leaflets, materials, and social media content.
  • Planning and implementing earned media outreach, including pitching news stories, organizing media events, and training union members to be spokespersons.
  • Writing, editing and/or producing member communications, newsletters, websites, videos, news releases, opinion editorials, fact sheets, and social media posts.
  • Adapting written and visual materials for effective use on multiple platforms, including social media, digital advertising, email and petition platforms, and other media.
  • Managing Local 40’s website and social media accounts and regularly creating engaging content and posting to various platforms.
  • Documenting member events and actions, including taking photos and video, and using content in engagement tools and social media platforms.

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated commitment to social justice and the fight for workers’ rights.
  • Relevant experience in organizing campaigns, campaign communications, graphic design, and/or media relations.
  • BA degree or relevant work experience, with a minimum of one-year experience working in communications.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the capacity to meaningfully engage with and frame issues for people of diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
  • Proven ability to effectively manage a workload with competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability and willingness to travel and work long or irregular hours during times of critical campaign need.
  • Proactive, self-starter who enjoys working cooperatively with staff and members.
  • Experience with digital engagement and creatively using social media platforms and other engagement tools for campaigns.
  • Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite or other graphic design software.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office or Google Business Suite.
  • Experience with creative media production in one more of the following areas: web development, photography, and/or video production/editing, a plus.
  • Valid driver’s license.

To apply for this position: please email your resume, cover letter and a sample of your work (or a link to a website portfolio of your work) to [email protected].

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Social Justice Union Organizer (Vancouver)

UNITE HERE Local 40, BC’s union for hospitality workers, is seeking a full-time Social Justice Union Organizer to recruit, train and mobilize workers to win strong workplace standards. We are committed to developing rank-and-file leadership, organizing the unorganized, and to building a strong, fighting labour union.

Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to working for social justice through a strong a labour movement. The successful applicant we are looking for is driven, courageous, open to feedback, hard working, and a fighter with a deep commitment to social change. The position entails irregular hours including work in the evenings and weekends.

Job Duties:

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to move workers to take collective action and build power.
  • Identify and meet with worker leaders to recruit and train them as union leaders for their particular workplace campaign, in union and non-union settings.
  • Promote rank and file leadership development.
  • Identify workplace issues, learn the relevant collective agreement language, and pursue resolution through the grievance and arbitration procedures.
  • Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate union recruitment strategies including policies, programs, and procedures.
  • Develop and establish member training material and sessions.
  • Organize and participate in meetings and demonstrations.
  • Frequently attend multiple distant locations within a short time span in order to meet with workers at their homes and other sites. Many of these locations will not be easily accessible by public transit.
  • Must have a valid drivers’ license.

Job Requirements:

1 year of experience as a labour/union organizer, rank and file union activist, and/or experience working with the student, immigrant, LGBTQ+, and/or environmental activist communities.

Contact: 

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume outlining relevant experience and including references to [email protected]. Only candidates meeting all requirements will be contacted for interviews.