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 seeks an experienced Sr. Communications Specialist for either our Ottawa or Toronto office (Mississauga). ALPA represents more than 74,000 pilots at 42 airlines in Canada and the United States. The Sr. Communications Specialistprovides 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, they will provide leadership and strategic counsel in helping pilot groups determine the proper development, packaging, placement, and timing of communications that advance MEC goals; execute programs and campaigns to support collective bargaining and advocacy priorities for pilot groups; and, provide tactical communication support in the following areas: media relations, social media strategy and execution, paid digital media strategy and procurement, community/stakeholder relations, and other outreach support.

Overall, they will provide strategic communications counsel, exercise leadership and initiative, influence the decision-making process, and ensure that project benchmarks and deadlines are met. They must exhibit exceptional writing, problem-solving, consensus-building, and interpersonal skills to establish credibility with pilot leaders and ALPA’s professional staff and be a skilled digital media tactician, able to take complex issues and transform them into clear communications for multiple audiences in Canada and the U.S.

In support of MEC and International Committee objectives, they seek out new methods to deliver pertinent messaging to various audiences and determine which media vehicles will improve communications efficacy; are able to effectively switch styles to write and edit copy for e-mail, video, and social media while coordinating multiple media projects simultaneously; and, anticipate the need for new video and motion graphic messaging across pilot groups. They must also be able to work fluidly with ALPA professional staff to translate a wide range of aviation-specific legal, economic, and safety data and process details into visual narratives for video and graphic content to be used on multiple media channels.

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

Travel required: 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 behaviour of any kind based on race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics, including Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities, as outlined in federal or provincial laws.  We highly value everyone and all are encouraged to apply, including minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities.

Minimum Requirements:

• Legally entitled to work in Canada.
• 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, seven (7) or more years strongly preferred. Aviation and/or labour union experience and/or knowledge strongly preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, oral and written, for effective interaction with internal staff, external contacts, and pilots and 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 with a positive attitude.
• Ability to effectively interpret and disseminate complex information about aviation safety and security, labour 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 PR/education campaigns.
• Track record in developing, executing, and evolving comprehensive and proactive communications plans, as well as specific programs and campaigns a definite plus.
• Must be a self-starter with professional maturity and sound judgement, capable of independent decision-making.
• 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.
• Proficient in English. Fluency in French is a plus but not required.

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). Also includes 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.)

ALPA offers competitive salaries with enhanced benefits, including:

• 27 days paid vacation and holidays per year plus 2 volunteer days per year;
• generous sick and bereavement leave;
• company-paid premiums for family supplemental health care (supplemental medical, dental, prescription, and vision for employee, spouse, and dependent children), life insurance, and long-term disability insurance;
• Education Assistance Program; and,
• Non-elective employer contributions of 13% made to individual RRSP account after 180 days of employment.

Relocation Not Provided.