Bilingual Communications Specialist & Translator

About the role

The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the largest airline pilot union in the world and the largest non-governmental aviation safety organization (representing over 80,000 pilots at 42 Canadian and U.S. airlines), seeks an experienced Bilingual Communications Specialist & Translator for our office in Mississauga, Ontario.

The Bilingual Communications Specialist & Translator provides strategic and tactical communications support for the Association, International Committees, and Master Executive Councils (MECs) to build effective pilot communications plans and provide professional support in all areas of communications. Day-to-day responsibilities include:

• Providing leadership and strategic counsel to pilot groups on the development, packaging, placement, and timing of communications that advance Air Canada MEC goals.
• Executing programs and campaigns to support collective bargaining and advocacy priorities for Air Canada and other Canadian pilot groups.
• Delivering tactical communication support in media relations, social media strategy and execution, paid digital media strategy and procurement, community/stakeholder relations, and outreach.
• Offering communications counsel, exercising leadership and initiative, influencing decision-making, and ensuring project benchmarks and deadlines are met.
• Translating complex aviation-specific legal, economic, and safety data into visual narratives for video and graphic content across multiple media channels.
• Seeking new methods to deliver messaging and determining effective media vehicles to improve communications efficacy.
• Writing and editing copy for email, video, and social media while coordinating multiple media projects simultaneously.

Travel: 20 - 25%.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field from an accredited college or university is required; master’s degree or post-graduate courses preferred. Equivalent combination of education and practical experience may substitute.
• Three (3) years of experience in a communications role at ALPA or in an equivalent advocacy and/or communications position elsewhere required; five (5) or more years strongly preferred.
• Aviation and/or labour union experience and/or knowledge strongly preferred.
• Full professional or bilingual fluency in Quebecois French and English for oral and written communications, including translation between both languages, is required.
• Échelle québécoise translation certification, or equivalent, preferred but not required.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and time management skills, with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment.
• Ability to interpret and disseminate complex information about aviation safety, labour contracts, and collective bargaining for public understanding.
• Professional demeanor to address complex issues and establish credibility in contentious circumstances.
• Experience planning and implementing social media, PR, and education campaigns.
• Strong track record in developing and executing comprehensive communications plans, programs, and campaigns.
• Knowledge of ALPA policies, processes, structure, and strategic plans strongly preferred.

Skills

• Advanced Quebecois French and cultural nuance awareness, with the ability to interact with Quebeckers through any communications or social media channels.
• Skilled digital media tactician, able to transform complex issues into clear communications for multiple audiences in Canada and the U.S.
• Experience with social media (organic and paid), media relations, advertising (digital, outdoor, and print), video, email, and web support.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; basic videography, audio, and video editing.
• Experience with Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator, and InDesign; Vyond desirable.
• Knowledge of Sitecore, Evoq, and/or HTML is a plus.
• Desktop publishing, presentation, design, and web content management skills preferred, with a willingness to learn new software applications.

Physical Demands

• Constant computer/smartphone/tablet use; acute and discriminating vision (corrected or uncorrected).
• Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office and local metropolitan area.
• Regularly required to converse, exchange accurate information, and interpret written or spoken communications.
• Occasional bending, stooping, squatting, pushing, pulling, or moving items up to 10 lbs (e.g., binders, books, boxes, files).
• While traveling, may need to move luggage weighing up to 50 lbs (assistance may not always be available).

Benefits

• Non-elective employer contributions of 14% to individual RRSP account after 180 days of employment.
• 15 days paid vacation and 13 holidays per year, plus 2 volunteer days annually.
• Generous sick and bereavement leave.
• Company-paid premiums for family supplemental health care (medical, dental, prescription, and vision for employee, spouse, and dependent children), life insurance, critical illness coverage, and long-term disability insurance.
• Education Assistance Program that reimburses 100% of eligible expenses.
• Partial remote work opportunities available after six months of service.

Pay

Projected annual salary range: CAD $111,620.00 – CAD $159,457.00.

Relocation not provided.