Communications Specialist (Remote)

The Communications Specialist plays a pivotal role within the Communications department, supporting the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) by contributing to the development and implementation of a broad-based communications and outreach plan that effectively engages and promotes the work of NASWA with our members and other federal and state stakeholders through all forms of communications and multimedia.

Background on NASWA

The National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) is the national organization representing all 50 state workforce agencies, D.C. and U.S. territories. These agencies deliver training, employment, career, and business services, in addition to administering the unemployment insurance (UI), veteran reemployment, and labor market information programs. NASWA provides policy expertise, shares promising state practices, and promotes state innovation and leadership in workforce development.

Position Overview

The Communications Specialist plays a pivotal role within the Communications department, supporting the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) by contributing to the development and implementation of a broad-based communications and outreach plan that effectively engages and promotes the work of NASWA with our members and other federal and state stakeholders through all forms of communications and multimedia.

The Communications Specialist’s primary role will be serving as the lead communications staff to the Open UI Initiative along with other UI service areas including the UI Information Technology Support Center (UI ITSC) and the UI State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES). The position will work closely with these business units to promote programs, projects and products using a multimedia strategy.

Additionally, this position will assist with the development and implementation of outreach and other communication strategies promoting NASWA’s products and services. This includes managing routine and critical communication initiatives, website content, messaging content and quality assurance, communications to states and other stakeholders and development of recurring publications.

Roles and Responsibilities

Lead Communications Staff for Open UI Initiative, UI ITSC and UI SIDES

• Meet regularly with, develop, and oversee marketing/communications plans.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure effective execution of marketing plans.
• Develop and implement outreach and communications campaigns and strategies while ensuring consistent branding and alignment with NASWA’s overall branding requirements.
• Create and deliver outreach and communications for the service areas to ensure it is consistent with NASWA's communications strategy.
• Foster productive working relationships, maintain awareness of products and services and be attuned to changes in deliverables and expectations in the work performed.
• Identify metrics to measure, evaluate, and analyze the effectiveness of campaigns promoting its programs and products.
• Work with the service area teams on talking points and presentations surrounding speaking engagements.
• Coordinate logistics and develop collateral for conference exhibits.
• Write, edit, and proofread all communications materials including but not limited to articles, blog posts, webinars, press releases and social media content.
• Develop and maintain relationships with media contacts and monitor media coverage.

Additional Duties

• Assist as needed with NASWA Services communications and marketing plans.
• Assist in creating and scheduling engaging content for NASWA's social media platforms, ensuring consistency with the organization's message and branding.
• Attend meetings and conferences annually as needed assisting in both a communications and events capacity.
• Assist in the development of other publications including the State of the Workforce Report, Legislative Priorities, and various Newsletters.

Competencies and Skills 

Required

• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to successfully plan, organize and administer creative communication campaigns.
• Ability to communicate through a variety of methods including orally, in writing, and various forms of media in a clear, concise, and creative manner appropriate to a variety of audiences. Strong attention to detail and ability to quickly shift between competing priorities. Advanced knowledge of English spelling, grammar, and technical editing.
• Ability to consult with technical project staff, and effectively translate project outcomes and products for appropriate audiences.
• Ability to stay positive and motivated and to motivate, inspire, and work well in a small team environment.
• Ability to oversee or conduct multiple concurrent tasks, operations, or programs.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with ability to meet deadlines and self-motivate.
• Knowledge of communication principles and practices. Able to think analytically and strategically
• Excellent customer-facing and internal communication skills.
• Team player with the capability to work independently.
• Proficiency in using social media platforms.

Experience

Required

• 4+ years relevant experience in marketing, communications, or related roles.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in association or nonprofit communications and/or state government communications.
• Proven success designing and executing outreach and communications strategies and campaigns.
• Proven success developing and delivering media and social media campaigns.
• Ability to quickly familiarize yourself with new communications tools, software, and applications.

Preferred:

• Experience with and knowledge of government services and environments, ideally including familiarity with unemployment insurance and workforce development or related fields.
• Familiarity with the following: email marketing platforms, MS Office, Adobe Creative Suite (i.e., Photoshop and InDesign), Salesforce CRM, various social media platforms.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

Education

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field. For non-degreed candidates, at least 6 years’ relevant, progressive experience working in marketing, communications or related roles.

Job Details

Location: Remote/Telework position

Reports To: Communications Lead

Term: Full Time

Salary Range: $60,000 to $70,000 per year commensurate with experience.

Funding: This position is funded through 2026, with the possibility of additional opportunities beyond that time

Benefits: NASWA offers competitive benefits including a great health care package, 401(k), flex time, generous time off, remote work stipend, education assistance and other great options.

Travel: Travel to Washington, D.C., any of the 50 states and 3 U.S. territories as needed for conferences and meetings. Ability to make travel arrangements and manage travel related complications. Travel as needed, approximately 10-15%.

How to Apply: Submit cover letter and resume to recruiting@naswa.org no later than January 24, 2025.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

NASWA is an equal-opportunity employer. NASWA does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, military status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, disability, matriculation, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by Federal or District of Columbia law. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all facets of employment, including recruiting, hiring, employment, promotion, demotion, dismissal, compensation, and training opportunities.