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Job Posting: Communications Director

CT AFL-CIO
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Communications Director

Based in Rocky Hill, CT

ABOUT US

The Connecticut American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) is dedicated to improving the lives of working people. We represent a diverse coalition of hundreds of local unions, comprising almost 250,000 union members in the private sector, public sector, and building trades. Our members live and work in every city and town in our state and reflect the diversity that makes Connecticut great.

Together with our affiliates, Area Labor Federations, labor chapters, and community partners, we strive to ensure that all working people are treated fairly with decent wages, benefits, safe working conditions, dignity, equal opportunities, and a voice on the job.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Connecticut AFL-CIO is seeking an experienced, strategic, and creative Communications Director to lead the state federation’s internal and external communications programs. The Communications Director will help strengthen member engagement, support affiliate organizing and collective bargaining campaigns, develop compelling narratives about members, and advance the federation’s legislative and political priorities.

The Communications Director leads the organization’s internal and external communications strategy, provides communications support to affiliate locals, and works hand-in-hand with the Legislative and Political departments.

This position is based out of our headquarters in Rocky Hill, CT, but it allows for some remote work. During Connecticut’s political season and legislative session, the Communications Director will be expected to spend significantly more time in headquarters and in the State Capital.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Communications & Media Relations

  • Develop, lead, and implement comprehensive communications and public affairs strategies that advance the state federation’s mission, strategic priorities, organizational goals, and visibility.
  • Direct the organization’s internal and external communications strategy.
  • Direct media relations and earned media strategies, including proactive media outreach, press events, interview preparation, talking points, press releases, statements, speeches, and media response.
  • Develop and maintain the organization’s brand, messaging, and visual identity and ensure consistency across communications channels and campaigns.
  • Serve as the primary media contact for the organization and manage relationships with members of the media.
  • Advise leadership, affiliate unions, and staff on strategic messaging, public relations, and media engagement.
  • Lead crisis and rapid-response communications and advise organizational leadership regarding sensitive, high-profile, or emerging issues.

Digital & Print Communications

  • Oversee the organization’s digital communications strategy, including websites, social media, email communications, digital campaigns, and emerging communications platforms.
  • Serve as content manager for the organization’s website and digital communications platforms.
  • Direct the organization’s social media strategy and audience engagement efforts.
  • Monitor communication performance metrics and utilizes data to evaluate effectiveness and inform future strategies.

Coalition Building & Affiliate Support

  • Build and maintain relationships with affiliate unions, executive board leadership, labor communications staff, and coalition partners.
  • Serve as the communications lead for affiliate unions as needed.
  • Represent the Connecticut AFL-CIO at community, stakeholder, and coalition events as assigned.
  • Organize regular labor communications strategy meetings with affiliate communications staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum of five years of experience in communications program development and implementation.
  • Proven track record of securing print, radio, TV, and online media coverage.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience and deep familiarity with the labor movement and its structure.
  • A deep, proven commitment to building a strong labor movement dedicated to advancing economic, social, and racial justice.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a dynamic ability to build strong relationships, convey complex ideas clearly, and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and constituencies.
  • A strong work ethic with the ability to thrive both independently and collaboratively within a demanding, fast-paced team environment.
  • Flexibility and availability to work long hours, evenings, and weekends as needed to respond to rapid-response issues. A valid driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, and a willingness to travel within Connecticut and seldomly across the region is required.
  • Strong computer proficiency and digital literacy.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

  • Salary Range: $80,000 to $102,000 annually, commensurate with skills and experience.
  • Allowances & Reimbursements: Potential for up to an additional $11,640 per year in vehicle, cell phone, and home office reimbursements. Eligibility is pursuant to conditions of the collective bargaining agreement.
  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive high-quality benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Retirement Security: Excellent retirement benefits featuring both a defined benefit pension plan and a 401(k) with employer match.
  • Paid Time Off: Generous PTO package including vacation, personal days, sick leave, observed holidays, and compensatory time.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE & DEADLINE

To apply, please include:

  • Cover letter
  • Résumé
  • Three professional references
  • Three samples of your communications work – including speeches, messaging guides, talking points, press advisories, press releases, social media content, or other relevant materials

Please email all materials to ctafl-cio@ctaflcio.org.

Deadline to apply is Friday, November 20, 2026.