Arena Careers

Title: Communications Coordinator

Location: Hybrid in Michigan

Type: Full-time

Salary: $50,000

ABOUT MICHIGAN UNITED

Michigan United is building a vibrant, inclusive democracy in Michigan where community members are organizing to build power to affect change at local, state, and national levels. We are working to dismantle systemic barriers perpetuating inequality by building power. Michigan United defines power as the ability to act, and it comes in the form of organized people and organized money. We focus on issues from a racial, economic, gender, immigrant, and environmental justice lens. We are a hub of people-centered leadership development, issue organizing, and civic power building. We are guided by our Theory of Change.

Michigan United is dedicated to dismantling oppressive systems and transforming lives through tangible victories and leadership development. We believe in the power of a united community driven by a shared vision and strategic action, capable of making significant impacts at local, state, and national levels. Our focus on organizing communities, training leaders, and tackling systemic barriers is crucial in shaping Michigan's future.

Our commitment to a democracy that reflects our base is at the core of our work, guiding us as we organize and mobilize communities, build collective power, and seek just outcomes. We are steadfast in these principles, aiming to create a Michigan where government and our economy are inclusive, accountable, and equitable.

Michigan United's approach is grounded in practicality, driven by our values, and focused on building a state where dignity, equity, and justice are realities, not just aspirations. Through strong relationship-building, continuous leadership development, and strategic collective action, we are paving the way for the radical, systemic changes our communities need and deserve.

Michigan United is a statewide organization of community members and institutions fighting for the dignity and potential of every person.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Communications Director, the Communications Coordinator plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing Michigan United’s communications strategy. This dynamic position requires a creative and detail-oriented professional who can seamlessly balance earned media efforts, digital content development, and crisis management. As a key member of the team, the Communications Coordinator will work collaboratively across departments to amplify the organization’s message, engage supporters, and strengthen Michigan United’s position as a leader in advocacy and social justice.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Earned Media

• Generate press releases and media advisories, make pitch calls, and develop relationships with various media outlets across the state.
• Identify compelling stories about the organization, its staff, and its impact, and pitch them to media outlets to generate positive coverage.
• Organize and execute press events, including press conferences, media briefings, and on-the-ground opportunities to highlight campaigns and initiatives.
• Track and catalogue press coverage.
• Support the management of crisis communications for the organization.

Digital Organizing and Content Development

• Write and post updates to the organization’s website using WordPress.
• Develop content and assist in posting social media content across platforms such as Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, LinkedIn, and more.
• Produce and edit video content for digital campaigns, social media, and event coverage.
• Live stream events across multiple platforms (YouTube, Facebook, Twitter/X, Twitch, StreamYard) to maximize reach and engagement.
• Move supporters from digital engagement to real-life action.
• Assist in writing emails and creating action pages on the EveryAction platform.
• Help produce newsletters to be shared with members and leaders.

Communications Stability

• Work closely with the Communications Director to develop, refine, and advance the messaging of Michigan United campaigns.
• Stay current on issues vital to affected communities, the political landscape, and other matters impacting Michigan United’s mission, goals, and objectives.
• Build relationships with current and prospective members, deepening their participation by involving them in the communications program.
• Develop talking points and key messaging to ensure consistency in public communications.
• Prepare speakers for events, press interviews, and public appearances, ensuring they are aligned with organizational messaging.

Fundraising

• Identify opportunities to leverage Michigan United’s work to generate donations from the public.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will have many of the below strengths, experiences, and qualifications:

• Passionate about economic and racial justice, deeply aligned with Michigan United's vision and Theory of Change.
• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Proven experience in media relations, digital content creation, graphic design, and social media management.
• Proficiency with digital platforms, including WordPress, EveryAction, Canva, Asana, Mobilize, and major social media platforms.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment and handle crisis situations with poise.
• Proactive and self-motivated, able to take initiative, work independently, and drive projects forward without constant oversight.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The salary for this position is $50,000, commensurate with experience. Michigan United also provides the following benefits:

• Health Insurance and a $1,200/year Health Savings Account or monthly health insurance stipend are available after 90 days of employment
• Individual Retirement Account (IRA) after earning at least $5,000 within the preceding two-year period
• An internet stipend of $34.62, and phone stipend of $23.08 per pay period.
• Generous paid time off policy (subject to blackout dates around primary and general elections)
• Paid sick time policy beginning at 16 hours and accruing up to 80 hours
• Floating Holiday Policy
• Mileage reimbursement policy

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Employees can be hybrid but must be based in the State of Michigan. Team members are located throughout the state. There will be in-person events, meetings, and activities. Our work schedule is standard business hours with flexibility. Evenings and weekends are occasionally required. There will be periodic travel around the state, with intermittent out-of-state travel.

TO APPLY

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply via the Paylocity link, or if you are unable to apply via the link, please send your application to [email protected]. Applications should include a resume, letter of interest, three professional references and work samples showcasing your relevant experience. Please ensure your cover letter highlights your experience related to the responsibilities outlined in the job description and your commitment to Michigan United's mission. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.

Michigan United is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As a racial, gender, and economic justice organization, we actively encourage underrepresented individuals based on race, ethnicity, income, gender identity, and sexual orientation, as well as those who share the life experiences of the members we serve, to apply.

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION

Michigan United Action, our affiliated 501(c)(4), is building long-term political power and transforming our political and economic system into one that puts people and the planet first. Our main office is in Southwest Detroit, with additional offices in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Flint.

Michigan United is represented by SOUL of MU & MUA, Statewide Organized United Labor of Michigan United, and Michigan United Action in collaboration with the Newspaper Guild of Detroit, Local 34022. The person hired for this position will become a bargaining unit member.