Communications Specialist

Affiliate:

AFSCME Local 61/NAPE

Location:

Lincoln, NE

Salary Range:

$55,000

Posting Date:

September 16, 2026

Job Description

The Communications Specialist is responsible for producing a variety of digital and print materials and promoting best communications practices in support of the mission, vision, and goals of our union. The Communications Specialist works closely with the Executive Director and Field Staff to develop and execute comprehensive digital and print campaigns with the goal of engaging both members and potential members into deeper participation in our union. The Communications Specialist provides assistance in developing and implementing communications strategies incorporating traditional and digital tactics.

Job Duties

The Communications Specialist amplifies the voices of working people in ways that inspire members and move the public by:

• Writing and producing materials for public audiences. This includes writing content for stories, news articles, talking points, speeches, letters to the editor, op-eds, background pieces, fact sheets, videos, social media, and press kit materials.

The Communications Specialist manages:

• Our website, social media feeds, and regularly creates and curates content
• Direct mail campaigns
• Strategic communications plans for internal and external organizing campaigns

The Communications Specialist develops media strategy by:

• Providing proactive media outreach, fielding inquiries from the news media, and helping prepare members to be spokespeople so working people are front and center in the media.

What We're Looking For/Qualifications

• Passionate story teller with a commitment to economic and social justice
• Demonstrated commitment to building collective power and being able to communicate across differences
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in the field of communications/journalism
• Experience developing social and new media campaign strategies and programs.
• Experience in developing campaign messaging
• Press and media relations skills with demonstrated ability to gain a broad audience for messages
• Ability to create high quality digital and print materials
• Knowledge of communications tools such as Action Network, WordPress, Mobile Commons, Scale to Win, Vimeo, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, graphic design software such as Canva/Adobe Creative Suite, and video production
• An ability and willingness to travel extensively across Nebraska.
• An ability to work long hours, nights, and weekends in order to achieve campaign goals.
• A valid driver's license and vehicle.

Salary & Hours

Communications Specialists are full-time overtime exempt staff represented by the NAPE/AFSCME Staff Union (NASU) with a salary range beginning at $55,000/year based on experience. Single coverage health insurance is provided at no cost, and generous vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and retirement benefits are offered.

The successful candidate will begin in November 2026.

To Apply

Send a resume and cover letter explaining why you would be a great fit to: admin@napeafscme.org. Please apply no later than October 1 for full consideration.

About our Union

The Nebraska Association of Public Employees/AFSCME Local 61 represents nearly 9,000 employees of the State of Nebraska, Nebraska State College System, Nebraska Department of Education, and Richardson County. Founded in 1972, the union was instrumental in securing collective bargaining rights for state employees in the 1980s. Our union is in the middle of a strong organizing campaign, has experienced significant membership growth in the past two years, and looks to continue to grow in strength and numbers!

Web: www.napeafscme.org

Facebook: facebook.com/nape.afscme Twitter: @napeafscme61

Instagram: @nape.afscme