Communications Specialist

International Brotherhood of Teamsters Headquarters

Strategic Initiatives Department

Based in Washington, DC (In-Person, Full-Time)

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) is seeking a Communications Specialist to work in the union’s Strategic Initiatives Department.

Employer Background

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters union is the largest and most diverse union in the country with over 1.3 million members. For more than a century, the Teamsters union has been standing up for working people. Beyond freight drivers and warehouse workers, the Teamsters represent workers in virtually every occupation imaginable – from airline pilots to zookeepers, and nearly everything in between.

Position Description

Under the general supervision of the Director, Strategic Initiatives Department, or his/her designee(s), the Communications Specialist facilitates effective and timely delivery of communications materials, including but not limited to digital and print news stories, press releases, web content, and other project assets. Monitors and updates communications tools and outlets to ensure public-facing content remains visible and interactive. Assists Project Managers and Senior Communications Specialists in writing, editing, or drafting of content, as assigned.

This position’s day-to-day work will likely include some combination of the activities below:

• Assists Project Managers and Senior Communications Specialists in writing, editing, or drafting content, as assigned.
• Assists in updating Teamster.org and organizational microsites with relevant and timely content, as provided by other Communications team staff.
• Assists in updating International Union and campaign-specific social media sites and digital apps with new content, as assigned or needed.
• Composes correspondence for Director and Assistant Directors of the department, the General Secretary-Treasurer, and the General President, as requested.
• Attends department and team meetings, as needed and assigned, to gather information and work collaboratively with staff.
• Attends regular meetings of divisional liaisons to maintain awareness of communications, research, and economic projects under development across the department.
• Assists designers within Communications team to prepare materials and signage, and help ensure ordering and delivery of related assets, for Teamsters special events, meetings, and conferences.
• Assists local unions with accessing or ordering Teamsters posters, signage, magazines, videos, and promotional items, as need arises.
• Conducts building tours of the International Headquarters, as requested.
• Responds to routine telephone inquiries, as need arises.
• Proofreads stories, press releases, project materials, memos, letters, and related internal and external communications materials, as requested.
• Reviews various news outlets to locate stories of interest to the International Union and labor movement, on a regular basis.
• Adheres to all department and organizational policies and procedures.
• Performs all duties and responsibilities as related to the position or assigned by the Director, Strategic Initiatives Department, or his/her designee(s).

The position is based in Washington, DC. Candidates must be available to work in-person full-time at our DC headquarters.

Experience and Qualifications

Successful applicants will have the experience and qualifications listed below:

• Bachelor of Arts degree with emphasis in communications and journalism preferred.
• Internship in communications/journalism environment preferred.
• 1-3 years’ experience in a professional communications position required.
• Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Office software in a Mac or PC environment required
• Working knowledge of WordPress and/or other content management systems is strongly preferred
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud, QuarkXPress, or other design software is preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated excellent organizational skills.
• Demonstrated pleasant telephone manner.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $64,392.00 to $79,316.00. The IBT offers a robust benefits package including a 100% employer-paid health and welfare plan, vacation and sick leave, pension, FICA reimbursement, and 401(k) option.

The Teamsters headquarters building offers all employees access to a subsidized cafeteria, two onsite gyms, and protected bike parking. The building is only a 10-minute walk from Union Station in Washington, DC. Personal vehicle parking is not provided but paid garages are nearby.

Application Submission Instructions

To apply for this position, submit your resume and follow the prompts to submit the required application materials.

The IBT is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and candidates with diverse backgrounds and life experiences to apply.