Communications Specialist

External Description

Communications Specialist  

The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) , the largest airline pilot union in the world and the largest non-governmental aviation safety organization in the world (representing over 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines) seeks an experienced Communications Specialist for our Tysons (McLean), Virginia office. The Communication Specialist provides communications support for the advancement of the Association’s collective bargaining goals and other ALPA-wide communications initiatives. They will work with assigned leaders of the MECs (Master Executive Councils), providing professional support in all areas of communication strategy, development, and execution. They will also assist non-assigned pilot groups and MECs, as needed, during end-game negotiations, special events, and other matters that require additional resources.

They must exercise excellent organizational and project management skills, take initiative, and ensure that project benchmarks and deadlines are met. They must also exhibit exceptional writing, problem-solving, consensus-building, and interpersonal skills to establish credibility with pilot leaders and ALPA’s professional staff. They must be able to develop and execute strategic media strategies that build awareness and support for key pilot group initiatives. They must have experience with social media (organic and paid), media relations, advertising (digital, outdoor, and print), video, email, and web support.

Day-to-day, they will help individual pilot groups determine the proper development, packaging, placement, and timing of communications that advance specific MEC goals and assist their colleagues on similar projects as needed. They will also provide tactical communication support in the areas mentioned above.

Interested applicants are requested to submit online portfolio link(s) showing previous work.

Local travel: 20 - 25%.

ALPA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in a safe workplace. We prohibit discrimination, harassment and harmful behavior of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, caste, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics as outlined in federal or provincial laws. We highly value everyone and all are encouraged to apply, including minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

ALPA is a member-driven, staff supported, union with two internal professional unions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant area, e.g., Communications, English, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field, from an accredited college or university is required, master’s degree or completion of post-graduate courses preferred; or, the equivalent combination of education and practical experience.
• Five (5) years of experience in a communications role at ALPA or in an equivalent advocacy and/or communications position elsewhere required. Aviation and/or labor union experience and/or knowledge strongly preferred.
• Must be a self-starter with professional maturity and sound judgment, capable of independent decision-making.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, oral and written, for effective interaction with internal staff, external contacts, and pilots, with attention to detail when reviewing and editing written materials.
• Must possess exceptional time management skills; be able to work independently in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment; and, transition easily between projects.
• Ability to effectively interpret and disseminate complex information about aviation safety and security, labor contracts and collective bargaining, and communicate for public understanding strongly preferred.
• Possesses the professional demeanor necessary to address issues of the most complex nature, to establish credibility in often-contentious circumstances, and to positively affect members, the media, and other audiences.
• Experience planning and implementing social media and PR/education campaigns.
• Strong track record in developing, executing, and evolving comprehensive and proactive communications plans, as well as specific programs and campaigns a definite plus.
• Able to develop and execute multi-media strategies that build awareness and support for key pilot group initiatives.
• Knowledge of ALPA policies, processes, structure, and strategic plans strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of desktop publishing, presentation, design, and web content management preferred, with a willingness to learn new software applications to enhance effectiveness.
• Software: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; basic videography, audio, and video editing required; Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator, and InDesign, Vyond desirable. Sitecore, Evoq, and/or HTML a plus.

Physical Demands:

Note: The physical demands described herein are characteristic of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential physical activities of this position described below.

Constantly operates a computer/smartphone/tablet. Regularly required to maintain a stationary position, move about the office and the local metropolitan area, determine what others have said or written, and converse with others and exchange accurate information.

Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office and travel (locally, nationally, and internationally). May also include occasional bending, stooping, squatting, and/or pushing and pulling or moving, e.g., to pack, unpack, and/or move cases.

Occasionally required to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve binders, books, boxes, and files up to ten (10) pounds (lbs.). While on travel, could be responsible to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve luggage weighing as much as 50 lbs. (Assistance may not always be available.)

Please apply online at

ALPA offers competitive salaries with terrific benefits, including:

• 401k Plan with Non-Elective Employer Contribution of 12% plus 2% contribution into a Market-Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCBP) after 180 days of employment. No employee contribution required! Employees can choose to make pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax contributions to the 401(k). The plan permits in-plan Roth conversions and has a 4-year vesting schedule. The MBCBP has a 3-year cliff vesting period; 
• Generous health care benefits on day one – Aetna PPO Plan, Aetna High Deductible Health Plan, and a Kaiser HMO Plan (where available), which includes coverage for medical, dental, and vision benefits for the employee, their spouse, and/or dependent children. Employees do not have to pay premiums if they enroll in the Aetna High Deductible Health Plan or the Kaiser HMO Plan;
• 15 days paid vacation and 13 holidays per year plus 2 volunteer days per year; 
• Generous sick and bereavement leave;
• Competitive parental leave;
• Company-paid coverage for long term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment;
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts;
• Retiree health plan and a retiree health account (retiree HRA). Funds in the retiree health account can be used to pay for eligible medical expenses in retirement;
• Education Assistance Program that reimburses 100% of eligible expenses;
• Optional benefits include a legal plan, supplemental life insurance, college 529 plan, pet insurance, long term care insurance, and qualified transportation fringe benefits (where available); and,
• Partial remote work opportunities are available after six months of service.

PROJECTED ANNUAL SALARY RANGE: $ 80,884.00 – $ 115,549.00

Relocation not provided.

Sponsorship not available for this position. 

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