Application Requirements: Please submit a cover letter, current resume, and writing sample.
General Description
The manager of the Communications Department serves as part of the Training, Information and Development Division (TIDD) management team reporting to the Associate Executive Director. Also part of the TIDD team are the managers of the Instruction and Professional Development and Human Rights departments and the assistant manager of Communications.
The Communications Manager serves as a member of the senior management team of the TIDD, provides strategic counsel to the Associate Executive Director and plays an integral role in the development and administration of the programs and initiatives of the Division. The Communications Manager is in charge of developing and implementing a comprehensive internal and external communications strategy for the Association, including message development, media relations, social media and multi-media advocacy, association publications, member engagement, and training. The Communications Manager also works closely with Governmental Relations regarding political and legislative action, and works with the CTA Board of Directors and various member committees. This position reports directly to the TIDD Associate Executive Director and oversees staff, including the assistant manager.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Develops and recommends Association policies for internal and external communications.
- Coordinates the planning and implementation of Association public relations and promotional activities.
- Assists in developing partnerships with external organizations.
- Assists the Associate Executive Director of TIDD in the development and implementation of CTA’s overall communications and message strategy.
- Assists the Associate Executive Director of TIDD in developing paid media campaigns for the association.
- Manages all media relations, crisis communications, and earned media activities of the Association in cooperation with the assistant manager.
- Manages and coordinates electronic communications for the Association, including the Association website, social media advocacy, electronic newsletter, and other multi-media related activities.
- Assists in reviewing publications for CTA executive management.
- Develops and recommends a budget for the department.
- Implements staff performance review programs.
- Directs staff who provide assistance to chapters in crisis situations and in developing communication skills.
- Manages the membership promotion and development program of the Association.
- Manages CTA internal and external communications efforts in CTA-endorsed political campaigns and statewide elections.
- Uses knowledge of how social media integrates to current and upcoming technology and recommends how the Association should integrate social media across digital collateral, web, and video.
- Maintains a solid understanding of the marketing potential of social platforms.
- Consults with and provides assistance to the Associate Executive Director of TIDD regarding public opinion research related to communications strategies.
- Consults with and provides communications assistance to Association governance bodies, including State Council, CTA Board of Directors and various member committees.
- Manages the publication and dissemination of Association publications and promotional publications, including the CTA magazine, higher education newspaper and electronic publications.
- Manages video production for the association.
- Manages the preparation of speeches and talking points for the Executive Officers, CTA Board of Directors, and Executive Management.
- Manages the development and implementation of CTA’s communications training programs, including those to CTA members, chapters and staff.
- Performs such other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Director or their designee.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required. Relevant advanced degree and/or certification preferred.
- A minimum of five years state association or equivalent experience required, with at least one year of management-level experience preferred.
- Proven experience successfully managing individuals, teams, projects, budgets, and strategies.
- Effective skills in collaboration, interpersonal relations, team building, negotiation and consensus building.
- Ability to think strategically, analytically, and technically about content.
- Demonstrated capacity for developing and understanding strategy and translating that strategy into practical deliverables.
- Demonstrated skills in social media relations, print publications and media relations, writing, editing and production.
- Thorough understanding and knowledge of the Association’s communications.
- Ability to make presentations on behalf of the Association before educators, local education associations, governance boards, committees, the public, and representatives of the print and electronic media.
- Successful experience with and skill in organization and coordination of complex group projects and activities.
- Broad understanding of the critical issues and problems facing teachers and public schools in California and the nation.
- Ability to provide public relations support to CTA/NEA chapters as requested, including during bargaining crises.
- Superior verbal and written communications skills, with the ability to tailor messages for various purposes.
- Familiarity with and the ability to use effectively various forms of public opinion research. Imagination, ingenuity and initiative to be applied in planning programs and campaigns in support of CTA organizational goals.
- Proficiency in the use of computer technology and the ability to learn and use the Association’s supported software programs.
- Knowledge and experience in the use of communication strategies in elections and political campaigns.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a valid California driver's license.
* This position is external to the CSO bargaining unit.
