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 57,000 pilots at 33 U.S. and Canadian airlines), seeks an experienced Sr. Communications Coordinator for our Ottawa, ON office. The Sr. Communications Coordinator provides strategic and tactical communications support for assigned Canadian pilot groups as well as for the ALPA Canada Board’s advocacy initiatives and communications to members, especially as they pertain to aviation and labour issues.

For pilot groups, s/he will work collaboratively with assigned pilot groups to build effective pilot communications plans and provide professional support in all areas of communications. Day-to-day s/he will provide leadership in helping individual pilot groups determine the proper development, packaging, placement, and timing of communications to advance specific pilot group goals.

For the ALPA Canada Board, s/he will execute programs and campaigns to promote the Board’s strategic priorities. Day-to-day, s/he will handle general communications, including media relations, social media, community/stakeholder relations, and other outreach support.

Overall, s/he will exercise leadership and initiative, influence the decision-making process, and ensure that project benchmarks and deadlines are met.  S/he 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 media and social media tactician, able to take complex issues and transform them into clear communications for multiple audiences.

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

Local, national, and international travel: 10 - 25%.

Minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Minimum Requirements:

• 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.
• Three (3) years of experience in a communications role at ALPA or in an equivalent advocacy and/or membership position elsewhere required, five (5) or more years strongly preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, oral and written, for effective interaction with internal staff, external contacts, and pilots, 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 and pilot groups.
• 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 media and PR/education campaigns; proven track record in pitching media and securing story placements.
• 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 judgment, capable of independent decision-making.
• Knowledge of ALPA and ALPA Canada Board policies, processes, structure, relevant issues, and strategic plans a plus.
• Knowledge of desktop publishing, presentation, design, and web content management preferred, with a willingness to learn new software applications to enhance effectiveness.
• Ability to speak and understand French is a plus.
• Software:  Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint required; Adobe Photoshop and InDesign desirable.  Sitecore 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 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 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 (lbs.). While on travel, could be responsible to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve binders, boxes, cases, and/or files weighing as much as 50 lbs. (Assistance may not always be available.)

ALPA offers competitive salaries with enhanced benefits, including:

• 24 days paid vacation and holidays 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; and
• contributions into individual RRSP account with an excellent match after one year of service.

Relocation not provided.