Communications Specialist, Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs

Friday, July 25, 2008

Communications Specialist

The mission of the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs (AFOP) is to improve the quality of life for migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their families by providing advocacy for the member organizations that serve them. Our vision is that farmworker families will live and work in a healthy, safe environment; earn a living wage; be treated equally under labor standards laws; have increased access to educational and social opportunities; and be recognized, valued, and respected.

AFOP is seeking an experienced communications specialist to coordinate media outreach, manage and produce its publications, as well as provide communications support to its programs and member agencies.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

•   Serve as lead writer and editor of AFOP’s bimonthly newsletter, Washington Newsline. This publication keeps federal policymakers and member agencies informed on farmworker job training program matters, on child labor, immigration reform, and other advocacy issues. The newsletter also features other news relevant to farmworkers and to farmworker service organizations throughout the United States.
•   Write and edit other AFOP publications, including annual reports, advocacy briefings, and topical reports.
•   Work with the Executive Director to develop and disseminate AFOP’s communications strategy to diverse audiences.
•   Promote awareness of AFOP’s work in the media through press releases, letters to the editor, and op-eds.
•   Manage AFOP’s listserv, photo library, and online News Room.
•   Travel occasionally within the United States to conferences and cover some policy events and Congressional briefings in the Washington, DC area.
Requirements:
•   Minimum educational requirement: B.A. in English, Journalism, or a related field.
•   Excellent writing skills
•   Experience publishing or writing for periodicals or newspapers.
•   Must be extremely motivated and able to complete large projects with minimal supervision.
•   Must have experience operating desktop publishing software.
•   Strong attention to detail, self-starter.
•   Fluency in Spanish helpful but not essential.
Competitive salary and excellent benefits. Opportunity for growth into communications and grant writing.

To apply, send cover letter, resume, and writing sample to:
Jane Hagan
AFOP
1726 M Street NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
Email: hagan@afop.org
Deadline for receipt of applications: Monday, August 18, 2008. No phone calls, please.