Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Organizationalaffiliations
Awards
Languages
Websites
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Biruk Zerihun Assefa

Washington,D.C.
Biruk Zerihun Assefa

Summary

Professional Summary

A highly skilled professional with almost a decade of experience in the labor movement. Key strengths include strategic communications and media relations, project management, leadership development, political and legislative advocacy, organizing, and planning events that drive engagement and promote organizational objectives.

Proven expertise in developing and executing media campaigns, crafting effective press materials, writing compelling speeches, and managing large-scale events and projects. Adept at working in teams, building strong relationships, and collaborating across departments to deliver high-quality work that meets organizational goals. Strong background in social justice advocacy and leadership development, with a track record of creating impactful programs for working families, activists, and veterans. Experienced in handling multiple projects simultaneously, managing budgets, and meeting tight deadlines, while ensuring excellence in execution and maintaining stake holder relationships.

Click below to view samples of my previous work:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JsTcccnyLd3fXmUbmduIRI6u9AjHSuhr/view?usp=sharing

Overview

11
years of professional experience

Work History

Freelance Communications Specialist
10.2023 - Current

Job overview

  • Created and delivered a diverse range of content, including press releases, media advisories, talking points, speeches, mass emails, and more for various clients
  • Collaborated with clients to align content with their voice and target audience
  • Developed and executed media plans and strategies to increase coverage
  • Prepared spokespeople through extensive individual and group training
  • Maintained long-term client relationships by consistently meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality work
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring all client expectations were met or exceeded.

Communications Workers of America (CWA)

National Press Officer and Senior Editor
05.2021 - 08.2023

Job overview

  • Communicated CWA's objectives and achievements effectively to the media
  • Planned and executed CWA's press strategy, responded to media inquiries, pitched stories, and managed press events
  • Drafted press releases, media advisories, op-eds, statements, talking points, and other media-related materials
  • Proactively pitched stories and arranged media appearances for union leaders and subject matter experts
  • Trained union leaders and activists for media opportunities, including interviews and public appearances
  • Built relationships with reporters and producers at local and national levels
  • Supported communication efforts during bargaining campaigns, strikes, and other actions, advancing the union's position
  • Coordinated with organizers to support non-union workers joining CWA, applying media pressure to ensure fair practices
  • Collaborated with the legislative and political teams to promote pro-worker policies and candidates
  • Managed a team of media consultants assisting with long- and short-term projects
  • Worked with allied organizations, elected leaders, and activists on media and communications strategy.

Communications Workers of America (CWA)

Senior Campaign Lead for Human Rights and Social Justice Programs
06.2018 - 05.2021

Job overview

  • Developed curriculum and facilitated training for union members to become effective activists in social justice campaigns
  • Collaborated with departments, regional staff, and union leadership to engage activists and provide ongoing support
  • Managed the development and publication of training content, including piloting new material and managing program budgets
  • Led the CWA Minority Leadership Institute, overseeing agenda, curriculum, logistics, and budgeting
  • Launched the CWA Veterans for Social Change program, securing funding, managing partnerships, and coordinating training institutes
  • Managed CWA's participation with the Poor People's Campaign, preparing speeches, managing resources, and coordinating member engagement
  • Organized national conferences and events, including the Biannual CWA National Human Rights Conference and the National Juneteenth Annual Celebration
  • Supported the CWA National Civil Rights and Equity Committee and the CWA National Women's Committee by organizing meetings, managing budgets, and facilitating involvement in national programs.

Communications Workers of America

Legislative Associate
09.2015 - 06.2018

Job overview

  • Tracked legislation and assisted in developing lobbying strategies to advance CWA's positions in Congress and other legislative bodies
  • Participated in national campaigns on issues such as labor, trade, banking, and commerce
  • Organized lobby visits, rallies, and meetings with elected officials and legislative aides
  • Assisted in planning and executing events, including CWA's biennial Legislative & Political Conference
  • Drafted various documents, including co-sponsor letters, statements of support, email blasts, and more.

United States Student Association

Trainings and Conventions Coordinator
06.2015 - 08.2015

Job overview

  • Assisted in developing training curriculums and modules
  • Aided in planning the annual National Student Congress, including logistics, materials, and agenda
  • Coordinated communications between staff, delegation leaders, labor unions, and board members.

AFL-CIO

Civil Rights Intern
06.2014 - 06.2015

Job overview

  • Coordinated and developed content for large-scale programs and social events
  • Managed partnerships with labor affiliates, constituency groups, and community organizations
  • Assisted in coordinating programs focused on social justice, including criminal justice reform and voting rights
  • Supported the planning and execution of heritage month programs, including Black History Month.

Davis and Davis Law Firm

Investigative Intern
10.2013 - 01.2014

Job overview

  • Developed investigative reports for major capital cases
  • Organized and edited documents, keeping staff informed of policy changes
  • Analyzed case-related data and presented accurate results.

Mary's Center Clinic

Administrative Aide
06.2013 - 08.2013

Job overview

  • Organized patient files and documents by category
  • Coordinated the administration of vaccines and medical supplies
  • Assisted in managing schedules for nurses, doctors, and patients.

Education

University of The District of Columbia, College of Arts & Sciences
Washington, DC

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Cum Laude
05.2018

University Overview

School Without Walls Senior High School
WASHINGTON, DC

High School Diploma
06.2014

University Overview

Skills

  • Media Relations & Strategy: Proven ability to execute media plans, pitch stories, and coordinate press events, while building relationships with local and national media outlets
  • Content Creation & Editing: Expertise in developing press releases, speeches, newsletters, and media materials with strong editing and proofreading skills
  • Project & Program Management: Experienced in leading large-scale projects and programs, managing timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful execution
  • Team Leadership & Training: Skilled in managing teams, providing media training, and facilitating leadership development programs for union members and activists
  • Event Planning & Logistics: Strong organizational skills in coordinating national conferences, virtual events, and other large-scale programs, handling all aspects of logistics and execution
  • Client & Stakeholder Management: Excellent at maintaining long-term relationships, collaborating with clients, and ensuring projects meet expectations and goals
  • Crisis & Strategic Planning: Capable of developing crisis communication strategies and executing effective campaigns under pressure
  • Advocacy: Experienced in creating and managing programs focused on human rights, social justice, legislative, and political advocacy

Organizationalaffiliations

Organizationalaffiliations
  • Founder & Former President - University of the District of Columbia Student Labor Action Project
  • National Honor Society

Awards

Awards
  • Charles A. Horsky Full Scholarship
  • Pepco Holdings Inc. School of Business and Public Administration Scholarship
  • Kappa Scholarship Endowment Fund - 2014 Recipient
  • AFL-CIO Summer Internship Completion Certificate - 2014

Languages

Amharic
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Freelance Communications Specialist
10.2023 - Current
National Press Officer and Senior Editor
Communications Workers of America (CWA)
05.2021 - 08.2023
Senior Campaign Lead for Human Rights and Social Justice Programs
Communications Workers of America (CWA)
06.2018 - 05.2021
Legislative Associate
Communications Workers of America
09.2015 - 06.2018
Trainings and Conventions Coordinator
United States Student Association
06.2015 - 08.2015
Civil Rights Intern
AFL-CIO
06.2014 - 06.2015
Investigative Intern
Davis and Davis Law Firm
10.2013 - 01.2014
Administrative Aide
Mary's Center Clinic
06.2013 - 08.2013
University of The District of Columbia, College of Arts & Sciences
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Cum Laude
School Without Walls Senior High School
High School Diploma
Biruk Zerihun Assefa