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Education Writers Association

Assistant Director

Education Writers Association, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022

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Assistant Director, AFT Job Title: Assistant Director Unit: AFTSU Job Number: AFTSU 554159909 Supervisor: Chief Publications Editor Department: Communications Annual Salary: $126,729

Special Note: The AFT is a union of professionals that champions fairness, democracy, economic opportunity and high-quality public education, healthcare and public services for our members, their families and our communities. We are committed to advancing these principles through community engagement, organizing, collective bargaining and political activism, and especially through the work our members do.

The AFT is a place-based employer, and this position is assigned to the AFT National headquarters office in Washington, D.C. This job requires the ability to drive and travel throughout the U.S.

The assistant director will serve as a writer and editor in the AFT Communications department. The assistant director’s role will be to emphasize storytelling across AFT’s core constituencies, produce quality and compelling content that brings to life the voices, values and victories of AFT members, as well as provide in-depth story coverage on a range of topics – including human rights, the student debt crisis and other issues.

Position Summary: Under the supervision of the chief publications editor and senior director of the Communications department, the assistant director will plan, write and revise engaging content that persuasively explains the AFT’s positions on various issues and shines a light on AFT members’ work. This content will appear on the AFT’s website, in its blog (AFT Voices), in e-newsletters and other digital channels. The ideal candidate is a strong storyteller who can translate complex education and labor issues into accessible, emotionally resonant narratives that highlight the impact of AFT members. This role is ideal for a journalist or writer with sharp editorial judgment, a collaborative spirit and a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling to inspire action and build solidarity.

Position Responsibilities:

Research, pitch, write and/or edit articles for AFT’s website, for AFT Voices and other AFT publications and campaigns.

Serve as the communications liaison to AFT’s PreK-12 Teachers, Higher Education and Human Rights and Community Relations departments to ensure that their work is elevated through coordinated storytelling and messaging.

Attend AFT’s divisional Program and Policy Council meetings and other conferences to cover key issues and campaigns of the divisions and/or their affiliates and identify stories featuring members and locals.

Collaborate with the production team on images, pull quotes and layout/design and adhere to AFT’s editorial style, voice and brand.

Produce and edit two monthly e-newsletters (AFT Teachers and AFT Higher Education).

Collaborate with the media affairs team to cultivate “story corps” contributors and amplify media statements with substantive resources and supporting articles.

Contribute to the annual production of organizing materials and the biennial State of the Union report.

Primary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

A minimum of 6 years of experience in journalism or related writing/editing roles.

Exceptional writing, interviewing and storytelling skills with the ability to craft clear, persuasive and emotionally engaging content.

Excellent written and verbal communications skills, with the ability to respond quickly to developments of importance to the AFT.

Strong editorial judgment and ability to tailor tone and framing for varied audiences and platforms. Ability to work effectively with leaders and staff in complex and sometimes political situations.

Demonstrated ability to work under and meet tight deadlines and collaborate effectively in a fast-pace, mission-driven environment.

Some travel is required.

Secondary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Familiarity with AFT issues and/or its affiliates is a plus.

Experience working in or reporting on education and/or labor is desirable.

Job Seekers: Help EWA by mentioning that you found this career opportunity on EWA’s website.

Employers: Looking to find the best talent in education reporting and communications? Post your employment opportunities with EWA.

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