Working for CFA

The Strategic Communications Director will lead a communications strategy that advances CFA’s anti-racism and social justice mission, ensuring that messaging not only informs but mobilizes and builds power for our members and the communities we serve. This role is responsible for shaping public narratives, influencing policy, and ensuring that communications strategies support long-term structural change. The Strategic Communications Director will integrate communications with advocacy, organizing, and movement-building efforts. The ideal candidate is not just a skilled communicator but a strategic thinker who can challenge dominant narratives, center historically marginalized voices, and develop messaging that is intersectional, equity-focused, and justice-driven.

Our team is excited to welcome an applicant who brings their creativity and a willingness and desire to learn; they will be experienced working in the labor movement or related social justice organizations and actively contribute to CFA’s commitment to anti-racism and social justice. They must be a self-motivated, deadline-oriented individual with a willingness and desire to learn new skills, and work with people in labor unions and academia.

Essential Job Duties:

• Develops proactive, justice-centered narratives strategies that challenge dominant media frames, amplifies member and other frontline voices, and strengthens campaign communications;
• Leads efforts to dismantle harmful narratives and build new, transformative narratives centering racial, social, and economic justice;
• Ensures that all communications efforts are deeply integrated with grassroots organizing and policy advocacy, amplifying the lived experiences of those most impacted by systemic oppression;
• Cultivates relationships with racial-justice focused journalists, independent media, and community-based news outlets to amplify underrepresented voices and drive justice-centered narratives;
• Leverages digital storytelling, multimedia content, and grassroots-driven social media strategies to uplift community narratives and mobilize action for justice;
• Collaborates with member leaders on communications strategies, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and priorities;
• Strengthens power building though deep, equity driven partnerships with labor, grassroots organizations, and communities on the front lines of racial, social, and economic justice strategies;
• Cultivates a communications team that centers anti-racism, equity and organizing, ensuring that staff are trained in justice-centered narrative strategy;
• Proven leadership and supervisory experience. Manages, mentors, and evaluates staff, providing guidance, leadership, and development opportunities.

The ideal candidate for our team will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• A strong commitment to advancing racial and social justice transformation in the union movement, the university and beyond, including intentionally working to infuse anti-racist and social justice values into the everyday work of CFA
• Demonstrated graphic / visual design skills
• Project and production management skills
• News gathering, writing, and careful proofreading abilities
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office
• Ability to work with Word Press
• Ability to work collaboratively and strategically with CFA officers, members, interns and staff;
• Proven track record of implementing strategies that successfully influence target audiences and help shape/change opinions on critical issues for the organization;
• Familiarity working with union officers and member-based committees;
• Previous union experience a plus.

Requirements:
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Demonstrated experience in strategic communication planning and implementation.
• Demonstrated experience in a leadership role managing communications for an organization.
• Ability to work independently, handle multiple projects simultaneously, and meet strict deadlines;
• Ability to travel and work long and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends during campaigns.

Other Requirements:
• Valid driver’s license, an automobile for business use, and proof of minimum insurance coverage.

Salary/Benefits: CFA offers a fully paid benefit package including medical, dental, vision, SEIU defined benefit pension plan, 401(k) with employer match, and generous paid leave. Salary range is $160,000 – $180.000 commensurate with experience.

To apply send cover letter and resume with references in PDF format to: searchcommittee@calfac.org.

The deadline for applying for this position is June 15, 2025.

CFA is an Affirmative Action Employer.
Women, People of Color/Native People, members of the LGBTQIA community, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

CFA complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact searchcommittee@calfac.org

CFA’s Director of Government Relations is a management level position with overall responsibility for formulating and implementing CFA’s Legislative program. Lobbying and extensive legislative experience with demonstrated ability to manage a strategic legislative operation within a union/progressive organization setting, as well as supervision of these functions, is required.

CFA’s Director of Government Relations must have substantial “hands on” experience in building a legislative program around organizational goals, and must be able to develop and present a vision for a strategic program. The Director must be able to manage a program that enhances CFA’s power, fosters internal organizing and chapter development, and encourages members to develop strong relationships with elected officials. The Director must also develop and maintain productive working relationships with affiliates, partners in labor, and allied community organizations.

• Qualified candidates must possess excellent writing, verbal and analytical skills, and be able to work well as a member of a team operating under a member governance structure. Extensive working knowledge of California politics, budget and the legislative process is essential. The Director of Government Relations reports directly to the Executive Director.
  
  Essential Job Duties:
• Capacity to train and support legislative staff, planning, assigning, and directing work, appraising performance, and resolving team conflict
• Coordinates the legislative team to advance CFA-sponsored bills in alignment with CFA priorities
• Works to formulate Labor’s position on legislative issues and make recommendations
• Convenes and manages the union’s contract lobbyists
• Engage member leaders in the legislative agenda of the union by co-staffing the PAC/LEG committee with the Political and Strategic Campaign Director to vet candidates for endorsements and help determine the legislative priorities of the union
• Develops materials for leaders and Board members to craft strategic priorities
• Develops strategies for achievement of legislative priorities
• Develops oral and written communication about CFA-sponsored legislation
• Coordinates the legislative team to advance CFA-sponsored bills
• Prepares written fact sheets, letters of support and opposition, and other communications on legislative and administrative issues
• Builds and maintains relationships with union leaders, policymakers, allies, and staff
• Builds and participates in coalition to advance workers’ rights, as well as the rights of those represented by coalition members
• Prepare and present written and oral testimony before legislative and administrative bodies
• Develop and foster relationships with legislative and administrative bodies that reflect the values and direction of the overall vision of the Political Strategy & Government Relations department (e.g. Calpers, Board of Trustees)
• Research and analyze legislative proposals introduced by unions, allies, opponents, and legislators
• Respond to affiliated unions needs for support to advance their issues
• Engage in outreach, where appropriate, to organizations outside of the labor movement but with a similar focus on victories for historically disadvantaged communities
• Represent CFA at various meeting and events
• Participate in and organize various CFA-sponsored meetings and trainings
• Work with CFA’s Political Strategy team to staff political and electoral campaigns as needed
• Effectively collaborate with the Director of Political Strategy
• Work cross-functionally to develop and implement CFA legislative goals
• Other duties as assigned
  
  The ideal candidate for our team will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
• A strong commitment to advancing racial and social justice transformation in the union movement
• Ability to work independently, handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet strict deadlines;
• Possess excellent writing, verbal and analytical skill
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and empowering working people to build power
• Ability to work long and irregular hours and travel occasionally
• Ability to work in high pressure environment
• Ability to work collaboratively and strategically with CFA officers, members, interns and staff;
• Demonstrated ability to infuse anti-racism and social justice work into the everyday work of CFA;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Extensive knowledge of California politics, budget and legislative process
• Proficient in Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Report as required
• Other duties as assigned

Other Requirements:

Valid driver’s license, an automobile for business use, and proof of minimum insurance coverage.

Salary/Benefits: CFA offers a fully paid benefit package including medical, dental, vision, SEIU defined benefit pension plan, 401(k) with employer match and generous paid leave. Salary range is $160,000 – $180,000 commensurate with experience. 
To apply send cover letter and resume with references in PDF format to: searchcommittee@calfac.org.

The deadline to apply for this position is July 15, 2025.