Strategic Communications Director

Staff Recruitment Announcement

Strategic Communications Director

Sacramento, CA

Affiliated with: AAUP, SEIU, AFL-CIO

CFA is a union of 29,000 faculty members, librarians, counselors and coaches of the California State University (CSU) system.  On the 23 CSU campuses, CFA members work hard to teach our students the critical thinking skills, the technical know-how, and the cultural insights they need to be thoughtful, productive, and artistic participants in our society.

CFA is one of the largest higher education labor unions in the U.S. and is a national leader in its advocacy for anti-racism and social justice. As the exclusive collective bargaining representative, CFA negotiates a contract with the CSU administration that promotes academic freedom, upholds faculty rights, delivers financial protection for the faculty, and promotes faculty participation in the governance of the CSU.

CFA is seeking candidates with a strong knowledge and background in racial and social justice work.  Candidates who have relevant experience (formally or informally) and can translate that into the range of job responsibilities listed below are strongly encouraged to apply.

CFA is proud to be a member-run union and believes in employing hard-working and creative staff whose talents complement those of our elected leadership.  For more information about the CFA, visit our website at www.calfac.org

Strategic Communications Director

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.