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 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.

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.

International travel: 25–45%.

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 a relevant area (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 an 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, 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 write and speak French fluently preferred.
• 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, establish credibility in often-contentious circumstances, and 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.
• 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.
• 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 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. While on travel, could be responsible for moving, raising, reaching, and/or retrieving luggage weighing as much as 50 lbs. (Assistance may not always be available.)

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 may choose pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax contributions. 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), including medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents. No premiums for the Aetna High Deductible or Kaiser HMO plans.
• 15 days paid vacation and 13 holidays per year, plus 2 volunteer days.
• Generous sick and bereavement leave.
• Competitive parental leave.
• Company-paid long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment.
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts.
• Retiree health plan and retiree HRA for eligible medical expenses in retirement.
• Education Assistance Program reimbursing 100% of eligible expenses.
• Optional benefits: legal plan, supplemental life insurance, college 529 plan, pet insurance, long-term care insurance, and qualified transportation fringe benefits (where available).
• Partial remote work opportunities available after six months of service.

Projected Annual Salary Range: $80,884.00 – $115,149.00

Relocation not provided.

Sponsorship not available for this position.

Apply here