Communications Specialist

ALPA, the largest airline pilot union and non-governmental aviation safety organization (representing over 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines), seeks an experienced Communications Specialist for our Tysons (McLean), Virginia office.

About the role

The Communications 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 Master Executive Councils (MECs), 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.

Local travel: 20 - 25%.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic media strategies that build awareness and support for key pilot group initiatives.
• Provide communications support for MECs, including strategy, development, and execution.
• Assist pilot groups during negotiations, special events, and other high-need situations.
• Determine proper development, packaging, placement, and timing of communications to advance MEC goals.
• Provide tactical communication support in social media, media relations, advertising (digital, outdoor, print), video, email, and web.
• Exercise excellent organizational and project management skills to meet benchmarks and deadlines.
• Demonstrate exceptional writing, problem-solving, consensus-building, and interpersonal skills to establish credibility with pilot leaders and ALPA staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field (master’s degree or post-graduate courses preferred). Equivalent combination of education and practical experience also accepted.
• Five years of experience in a communications role at ALPA or in an equivalent advocacy/communications position elsewhere.
• Aviation and/or labor union experience strongly preferred.
• Self-starter with professional maturity, sound judgment, and independent decision-making capability.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written) for effective interaction with internal staff, external contacts, and pilots.
• Strong time management skills; ability to work independently in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment.
• Ability to interpret and disseminate complex information about aviation safety, labor 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 and PR/education campaigns.
• Strong track record in developing, executing, and evolving comprehensive communications plans and campaigns.
• Knowledge of ALPA policies, processes, structure, and strategic plans strongly preferred.
• Willingness to learn new software applications to enhance effectiveness.

Skills

• Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Basic videography, audio, and video editing
• Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator, InDesign (desirable)
• Sitecore, Evoq, and/or HTML (a plus)
• Desktop publishing, presentation, design, and web content management (preferred)

Physical Demands

• Constant computer/smartphone/tablet operation.
• Regular stationary positioning, movement about the office, and local metropolitan travel.
• Regular sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and occasional travel (local, national, international).
• Occasional bending, stooping, squatting, pushing, pulling, or moving items (e.g., binders, books, boxes, files up to 10 lbs).
• While traveling, may need to move luggage weighing up to 50 lbs (assistance may not always be available).

Benefits

• 401k Plan with 12% non-elective employer contribution plus 2% contribution into a Market-Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCBP) after 180 days (no employee contribution required).
• In-plan Roth conversions and 4-year vesting schedule for 401(k); 3-year cliff vesting for MBCBP.
• Generous health care benefits on day one (Aetna PPO, Aetna High Deductible Health Plan, Kaiser HMO) covering medical, dental, and vision for employees, spouses, and dependent children (no premiums for High Deductible or Kaiser HMO plans).
• 15 days paid vacation, 13 holidays, and 2 volunteer days per year.
• Generous sick and bereavement leave.
• Competitive parental leave.
• Company-paid long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment coverage.
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts.
• Retiree health plan and retiree health account (HRA) for eligible medical expenses in retirement.
• Education Assistance Program (100% reimbursement of eligible expenses).
• Optional benefits: legal plan, supplemental life insurance, college 529 plan, pet insurance, long-term care insurance, qualified transportation fringe benefits.
• Partial remote work opportunities after six months of service.

Pay

Projected annual salary range: $80,884 – $115,549.