Communications Manager (Bakersfield, CA)

UDW Overview

United Domestic Workers of America, UDW/AFSCME Local 3930 is a statewide labor union that represents more than 170,000 home care and family child care providers in 45 counties in California. Founded in 1979, UDW is a diverse, progressive labor organization that seeks dynamic, committed individuals who will support our members and those for whom they care locally, statewide and at the national level.

UDW is one of California’s largest labor unions. We consistently support and lead important social justice initiatives like fighting for racial justice, income inequality, and affordable health care for all. We are committed to respect and dignity for seniors, people with disabilities, and the children in our care. We fight for better working conditions and fair pay for home care and child care providers, and full funding for life-saving programs like In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and subsidized family child care. For more information about UDW, please visit our website at www.udw.org.

Job Information

Job Title: Communications Manager

Job Type: Exempt (Salary)

Department: Communications

Reports to: Assistant Director of Communications

Job Location: Bakersfield, CA 93309

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Hybrid (In office/remote)

Salary Range: $66,560.00 to $103,638.00/year

Job Summary

The Communications Manager will play a key role in leading and preparing reports and communication materials, writing, and editing content, and executing projects. They will be responsible for coordinating and executing comprehensive communications plans and strategy, developing content, and directing creative execution to provide a consistent, targeted, and impactful message. The role also involves building and maintaining solid partnerships with internal staff and stakeholders to facilitate strategic communications designed to meet UDW’s goals. Additionally, the Communications Manager will propose and implement communication and marketing strategies to achieve organizational goals and objectives, as well as create and foster successful collaboration with the organization's front-line and management teams.

Duties And Responsibilities

• With upper management, devise and implement strategies to attract and retain members, utilizing targeted communication campaigns, outreach activities, and digital marketing techniques. This entails understanding the needs and interests of potential members, identifying relevant channels to reach them, and creating compelling messaging to encourage their engagement.
• Regularly assess performance metrics to track progress towards communication goals and objectives. Analyze data and trends to identify areas for improvement and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies within the field of communication and public relations. Conduct research to identify opportunities for innovative approaches and creative solutions that can further advance UDW's communication efforts.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including union members, organizational leadership, and external partners. Collaborate with different departments to ensure consistent messaging and unified communication strategies across all channels.
• Be prepared to handle member-to-member communication crises effectively, including developing and implementing crisis communication plans. Proactively safeguard UDW's reputation through transparent and timely communication.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, such as Operations, Government Affairs, Political, and Finance, to ensure alignment and integration of communication strategies. Foster a collaborative environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and constructive feedback.
• Measure the effectiveness of communication initiatives through ongoing evaluation and reporting. Utilize metrics and analytics to track key performance indicators and provide regular updates to leadership on the progress and impact of communication efforts.
• Stakeholder management: Manage and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including care providers, staff, elected officials, partners and allies. Collaborate with stakeholders to understand their needs, address concerns, and ensure alignment on deliverables.
• Change management: Lead and facilitate change initiatives. Effectively communicate changes, manage resistance, and support employees through challenging transitions.
• Continuous improvement: Drive continuous improvement efforts by implementing best practices, analyzing processes, and identifying opportunities for streamlining operations to serve UDW members and staff better.
• Develop and maintain positive relations within the community and media. Collaborate with media organizations and community groups that align with UDW's goals and mission. Network and build relationships with these entities to establish a strong presence and keep them engaged.
• Maintain membership through engagement and development. Take an active role in developing union leaders and members by leveraging your network and attending relevant events.
• Participate in community organizing efforts and alliances. Support identifying opportunities to collaborate with other organizations and community groups to maximize impact and reach.
• Regularly attending events to document through photography, videography, etc., preparing members for speaking roles, serving as a press liaison, engaging on social media platforms, and fulfilling any other assigned responsibilities. This role requires frequent event attendance, extensive travel, and versatility in handling various task.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Develop the skills of staff and member volunteers through training, coaching, and mentoring, fostering professional growth and advancement.
• Provide guidance and support to ensure staff's compliance with UDW policies and procedures and members’ compliance with the UDW Constitution.
• Organize workflow and allocate tasks, ensuring that employees understand their duties and responsibilities.
• Monitor employee productivity and provide constructive feedback and coaching to enhance performance.
• Receive and address complaints and resolve problems promptly and effectively.
• Maintain accurate timekeeping and other records pertaining to employee hours, leave, and attendance.
• Serve as a liaison between upper management and employees, conveying relevant information and feedback.
• Prepare and submit performance reports, highlighting achievements, areas for improvement, and progress towards goals.
• Make decisions on rewards and promotional opportunities based on performance evaluations and merit.
• Collaborate in recruiting new team members, ensuring a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment.
• Ensure strict adherence to legal requirements and company policies and procedures, taking appropriate disciplinary measures when necessary.
• Perform any additional duties as assigned by upper management to support organizational objectives.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strategic mindset: The ability to think strategically and develop communication plans that align with organizational goals and objectives.
• Excellent communication skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential. Proficient in crafting compelling messages, writing/editing content, and delivering presentations, adapting communication styles to different audiences and channels.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks, projects, and teams simultaneously while maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Strategic Thinking: Capacity to develop long-term communication strategies that align with organizational goals and effectively promote union membership and engagement.
• Passion for Social Justice: A genuine passion for labor rights, social justice, and advocating for workers' rights and dignity to effectively communicate the value of union membership and engagement.
• Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution: Ability to analyze issues, identify concerns, and work collaboratively with stakeholders to find resolutions.
• Analytical and Research Skills: Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret data related to union membership and engagement to inform communication strategies.
• Technological Proficiency: Comfortable using various digital tools and platforms for communication, data management, and member engagement, including social media platforms and specific union-related software.
• Public Speaking and Presentation Skills: Ability to confidently deliver presentations to various audiences, including union members, leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Cultural Competence and Diversity Awareness: Sensitivity to diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives within the union membership to create an inclusive environment.
• Project Management Skills: Ability to plan, organize, and execute multiple communication projects simultaneously.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Openness to change and ability to thrive in a dynamic work environment, adjusting strategies as needed and embracing innovation in communication approaches.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Demonstrated ability to lead a team and provide mentorship and guidance to junior staff members.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications, Education, And/or Experience

• A bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in communication or public relations roles.
• 5-7 years of experience in managing communication campaigns, writing and editing content, media relations, social media management, and event planning.
• 5-7 years of experience in developing and executing communication strategies, messaging frameworks, and targeted campaigns is highly valued.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools and platforms.
• Strong interpersonal skills: The ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder management, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and working effectively in a diverse environment is preferred.
• 5-7 years of experience in using analytics tools to track communication performance metrics and measure the effectiveness of campaigns is advantageous.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data to inform decision-making and optimize communication strategies are valued.
• Be adaptable and able to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Creativity in developing innovative communication approaches, problem-solving, and finding new ways to engage audiences is highly desirable.
• 5-7 years of experience with conflict resolution and mediation.
• Knowledge of labor laws, union operations, and workers' rights.
• Understanding of the challenges facing union members and strategies to address these issues.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Cultural competency and experience working with diverse populations.
• Political acumen and ability to navigate complex organizational structures.
  
  

Preferred Bilingual Language(s) In Either

• Spanish
• Vietnamese
• Korean
• Tagalog
• Russian
• Assyrian
• Somali
• Mandarin Chinese
• Cantonese
• Arabic
  
  

Requirements

• Flexibility and ability to work from a UDW office, 3 days/week
• A willingness to travel as needed and a reliable vehicle for business use.
• Valid driver's license
  
  

Employee Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life / AD&D
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Pension Plan
• Paid Vacation Days
• Paid Sick Leave
• Personal Day
• 16 Paid Holidays
• Floating Holiday
• Upskilling through eLearning platforms
  
  

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is primarily exposed to an office-type environment. The employee will frequently work on or around office equipment and furniture. The noise level in the work environment is low to moderate. The employee will frequently work with deadlines under pressure and will occasionally be required to work alone. The employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor environments, which may include exposure to vehicles, moving mechanical parts; vibration; odors, fumes, gasses, smoke, dust, or airborne particles; and outside weather conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UDWA is an equal opportunity employer, and, as such, does not discriminate an employee or applicant based on race, creed, color, age, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, disability, or any other classification protected from discrimination under applicable law.

Notice Of E-Verify Participation

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that your employer has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact DHS (888) 897-7781, dhs.gov/e-verify.

Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply for this position, please visit UDW’s career page and submit your application.

UDW’s career link → https://udwa.hiringplatform.com/list/careers