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 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.

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 collective bargaining goals and ALPA-wide initiatives.
• Assist MECs and pilot groups with communication strategy, development, and execution, including during negotiations and special events.
• Determine the 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.
• Interpret and disseminate complex information about aviation safety, labor contracts, and collective bargaining for public understanding.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience). Master’s degree or post-graduate courses preferred.
• 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.
• Experience planning and implementing social media, PR, and education campaigns.
• Strong track record in developing, executing, and evolving comprehensive communications plans and campaigns.
• Ability to develop and execute multi-media strategies for key initiatives.
• Knowledge of ALPA policies, processes, structure, and strategic plans strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; basic videography, audio, and video editing required.
• Experience with Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator, InDesign, and Vyond desirable.
• Knowledge of Sitecore, Evoq, and/or HTML a plus.
• Self-starter with professional maturity, sound judgment, and independent decision-making ability.
• Exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills with attention to detail.
• Strong time management skills to work independently in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment.
• Professional demeanor to address complex issues and establish credibility in contentious circumstances.

Physical Demands

• Constantly operates a computer, smartphone, or tablet.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office and travel locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Occasionally required to move, raise, reach, and retrieve binders, books, boxes, and 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).
• Generous health care benefits on day one, including medical, dental, and vision (Aetna PPO, Aetna High Deductible Health Plan, Kaiser HMO). 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 for eligible expenses).
• Optional benefits: legal plan, supplemental life insurance, college 529 plan, pet insurance, long-term care insurance, and qualified transportation fringe benefits.
• Partial remote work opportunities after six months of service.

Pay

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