Public Affairs Director

United Nurses Association of California/Union of Healthcare Professionals

San Dimas, CA

BACKGROUND

The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals represents more than 19,000 registered nurses and other health care professionals. UNAC/UHCP, as the association is known, is affiliated with the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO.

Since forming in 1972, UNAC/UHCP has grown into a mature and highly respected professional union that is a powerful force for registered nurses and medical professionals in Southern California. Please visit www.nursesunite.org for a comprehensive picture of this dynamic and growing union.

OVERVIEW OF THIS JOB
           
This position is responsible for designing, implementing and managing the Union’s varied public affairs programs. The Director is a strategic advisor to the UNAC/UHCP Officers and an integral part of the Union’s leadership team. The Director is responsible for hiring, training, and supervising the Public Affairs department’s staff. The Director, in conjunction with the Union’s Treasurer and/or Controller, is responsible for establishing and managing the Public Affairs department’s annual budget.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Directs and manages the Union’s Public Affairs department staff.
• Works with Union leadership and staff to craft and implement strategic communications programs for bargaining, organizing, legislative, and community outreach programs.
• Serves as the Union’s primary public voice, in the absence of a Union Officer.
• Manages the publication of the Union’s primary member newsletter, The VOICE.
• Develops, writes and edits content for The VOICE.
• Develops, writes and edits content for the Union’s web site.
• Develops, writes and edits testimony for public hearings.
• Manages the design, layout, content and production of leaflets, brochures, newsletters and advertising in support of the Union’s bargaining, organizing and legislative activities.
• In consultation with staff and Union affiliate leaders, designs and implements Union affiliate communications mechanisms.
• Identifies and engages opportunities to expand the Union’s brand identity with Union members, other unions, legislators, and the public.
• Plans and manages a strategic press outreach program to raise awareness of the Union’s issues.
• Develops and implements a speakers’ training program for Union members and activists.
• Serves as the Union’s primary representative before allies regarding strategic communications strategies, including such allies as central labor councils, union communicators’ groups, other health-care unions, unionized employers, etc.
• Works with Union leadership to plan and prepare for the Union’s biennial convention.
• Attends biennial UNAC/UHCP convention.
• Attends UNAC/UHCP staff meetings.
• Attends Executive Council and Board of Directors meetings, as assigned.
• Performs related work as required/assigned.

DIRECTIONS AND DECISION MAKING

This position works under the direction of the UNAC/UHCP President. Work is performed independently, but keeps the UNAC/UHCP Officers regularly apprised of activities and developments.

REQUIREMENTS

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and/or current, active RN, RNP, PA, or OD license or other appropriate professional license and good standing with BRN or appropriate licensing agency (if applicable),
• Three to five (3-5) years experience managing a public affairs/communications department; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Previous experience with the labor movement or other progressive organizations.
• Significant experience managing, leading and motivating staff.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, experience working with the news media.
• Familiarity with web site development.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple public affairs projects and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to communicate and interact effectively with Union affiliate leadership and Union members, including excellent “one-on-one’ interpersonal communications.
• Salaried position; may require nonstandard work hours and/or weekend and holiday work.
• Extensive travel may be required, primarily within Southern California; current valid drivers license

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Very competitive starting salary depending on experience
• Fully paid dependent health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance
• Defined benefit pension plan and 401.k retirement plan
• Excellent vacation and leave provisions

UNAC/UHCP is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce.

TO APPLY

Please send cover letter and resume electronically to:

Jim Potterton
Margolies and Potterton
Search Advisors to Labor
jpotterton@sbcglobal.net

For more information about this position and/or to have a confidential discussion about your interests contact:

In California:                                                      In New York:
Jim Potterton                                                     Ken Margolies
831 332 9324                                                   917 886 2429
jpotterton@sbcglobal.net                                   kam47@cornell.edu