Field Communications Specialist

External Description

Field 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 seeks a Communications Specialist for office in Rosemont, Illinois.  ALPA represents more than 79,000 pilots at 42 airlines in the United States and Canada.  The Field Communications Specialist provides communications support to the United Master Executive Council (MEC) and occasionally contributes to ALPA-wide communication initiatives.  They will apply their skills toward the advancement of the MEC’s collective bargaining goals and other communications initiatives.  They will work with pilot leaders of the United MEC, providing professional support in all areas of communications.  This includes internal member communications, digital content creation, social media strategy and execution, e-newsletter development, and managing and coordination of town halls and informational meetings, coordinating closely with the Communications Strategist.

The successful candidate exercises initiative, builds relationships with ALPA’s professional staff and pilot leaders, is easy to work with, and ensures that project benchmarks and deadlines are met.  They must also exhibit excellent writing, problem-solving, consensus-building, and interpersonal skills to establish credibility with the pilots and staff.

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

Travel:  5 – 10%.

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.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant area, e.g., Communications, Journalism, 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 communications position elsewhere required, five (5) or more years strongly preferred.
• Excellent writing skills and attention to detail when reviewing and editing written materials required.
• Strong social media relations skills required.
• Advanced organizational, communications, and interpersonal skills required.
• Excellent time management skills, able to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment, and transition easily between projects a must.
• Ability to effectively interpret and disseminate complex information about aviation safety, labor contracts and collective bargaining, and communicate for public understanding desired.
• Possesses 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.
• Knowledge of desktop publishing, presentation, and design, with a willingness to learn new software applications to further enhance delivery and performance.
• Familiarity with a web content management system (CMS) and/or HTML software a plus.
• Software: Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint); Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign); social media software (Hootsuite or equivalent) highly desirable.

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 terrific benefits, including:

• 401k Plan with Non-Elective Employer Contribution of 12% plus 2% into a Market-Based Cash Balance Plan after 180 days of employment.  No employee contribution required!  The 401k plan includes a Roth option and 4-year vesting schedule.
• Generous health care benefits on day one – PPO, Kaiser (where available), and a High Deductible Health Plan which includes coverage for medical, dental, and vision benefits for employee, spouse, and/or dependent children;
• 15 days paid vacation and 13 holidays per year plus 2 volunteer days per year;
• Generous sick and bereavement leave;
• Competitive parental leave;
• Company-paid premiums for disability and life insurance;
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts;
• Retiree health plan;
• Education Assistance Program; and,
• Optional benefits including pet insurance, excess life insurance, legal plan, and qualified transportation fringe benefits, where available.
• Partial remote work opportunities.

PROJECTED ANNUAL SALARY RANGE:  $79,298.00  –  $113,283.00

Relocation not provided.

Sponsorship not available for this position. 

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