Public Relations Coordinator, Air Line Pilots Association

The Air Line Pilots Association, International, the largest airline pilots union in the world and the largest non-governmental aviation safety organization in the world, seeks an experienced Public Relations Coordinator for a new position in our national office in Herndon, Virginia. ALPA represents over 53,000 pilots at 39 airlines in the United States and Canada.  It constructively engages all stakeholders that can affect the interests, careers, and professional lives of our pilots.  To serve our membership well, the Public Relations Coordinator will be an integral member of the Communications department.  S/he will assist with a diverse range of public relations and communications initiatives for the Association to maintain ALPA's position as a leader in the pilot aviation field; keep members and other key audiences informed about critical issues and demonstrate the value of membership; generate positive media coverage of aviation and pilot-related topics; increase public visibility and brand awareness of ALPA; and, advance ALPA’s policy objectives with key legislators and regulatory agencies in Washington and Ottawa.

The Public Relations Coordinator will also assist with writing and editing communication documents, as needed, for the department and individual pilot groups; contribute content for websites, magazine, blogs, and social media, as needed; provide support for web site development and design and maintenance for web pages and sites for ALPA members, committees, and campaigns; produce content and help coordinate production of media outreach materials; research media contacts and media coverage of ALPA’s issues; and, manage reactive outreach, fielding media inquiries and coordinating responses to breaking news by developing and distributing strategic messages.  The successful candidate needs to possess working knowledge of strategic communications, audience analysis, and the news media, as well as mature judgment and professionalism mixed with passionate assertiveness.  S/he is a self-starter who displays strong initiative, possesses exceptional writing skills, and works well with a team on deadline.  

Apply here.

Minimum Requirements:

  

·       Bachelor's degree in relevant area, e.g., Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field, from an accredited college or university; or, the equivalent combination of education and experience. 

·       Three years prior or related experience required, five years strongly preferred.   

·       Demonstrated expertise in public relations or communications position required, agency experience preferred.   

·       Experience planning and implementing PR campaigns strongly preferred.

·       Excellent writing, verbal, and interpersonal skills.  

·       History of attention to detail when reviewing and editing materials.

·       Proven advocacy writer with an ability to quickly turn around quality copy with tight deadlines.

·       Must be a self-starter with professional maturity and sound judgment, capable of independent decision making.

·       Must possess exceptional time management skills, able to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment and transition easily between projects.

·       Possesses professional demeanor necessary to address issues of the most complex nature, to establish credibility in often-contentious circumstances, and to positively affect media, member, and other audiences.

·       Proven track record in pitching media and securing story placements preferred.

·       Ability to effectively interpret and disseminate complex information about aviation safety, labor contracts, and collective bargaining and communicate for public understanding.

·       Knowledge of desktop publishing, presentation, and design, with a willingness to learn new software applications to further enhance skills and contributions.

·       Software: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) required; Adobe Photoshop and InDesign desirable.

·       Travel: 5 - 10%.