Bilingual Communications Specialist

Bilingual Communications Specialist at Air Line Pilots Association

The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the largest airline pilot union and non-governmental aviation safety organization globally, seeks an experienced Bilingual Communications Specialist for its Toronto office, located in Mississauga. This role provides strategic and tactical communications support to the Association, International Committees, and Master Executive Councils (MECs) to develop effective pilot communications plans and offer professional support across all communication areas.

Day-to-day, the Bilingual Communications Specialist will offer leadership and strategic counsel, assisting pilot groups in determining the appropriate development, packaging, placement, and timing of communications that advance MEC goals. They will execute programs and campaigns to support collective bargaining and advocacy priorities for pilot groups and provide tactical communication support in media relations, social media strategy and execution, paid digital media strategy and procurement, community/stakeholder relations, and other outreach efforts.

Overall, this position demands communications counsel, leadership, initiative, and the ability to influence decision-making processes to ensure project benchmarks and deadlines are met. Candidates must exhibit strong bilingual, writing, problem-solving, consensus-building, and interpersonal skills to establish credibility with pilot leaders and ALPA’s professional staff. A skilled digital media tactician, they will transform complex issues into clear communications for diverse audiences in Canada and the U.S. Essential experience includes social media (organic and paid), media relations, advertising (digital, outdoor, and print), video, email, and web support.

In support of MEC and International Committee objectives, the specialist will seek new methods to deliver pertinent messaging, determine effective media vehicles, and seamlessly switch styles to write and edit copy for email, video, and social media while managing multiple media projects. They will also anticipate the need for new video and motion graphic messaging across pilot groups and collaborate fluidly with ALPA professional staff to translate complex aviation-specific legal, economic, and safety data into visual narratives for various media channels.

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

Local travel of 20-25% is expected.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and practical experience. A master’s degree or post-graduate courses are preferred.
• Three (3) years of experience in a communications role at ALPA or an equivalent advocacy and/or communications position is required; five (5) or more years are strongly preferred.
• Aviation and/or labor union experience and/or knowledge is strongly preferred.
• Must be a self-starter with professional maturity and sound judgment, capable of independent decision-making.
• Full professional or bilingual fluency for oral and written communications in French and English is required, along with the ability to write and translate oral and written communications from French to English and English to French.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written) for effective interaction with internal staff, external contacts, and pilots, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Exceptional time management skills, ability to work independently in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment, and a positive attitude when transitioning between projects.
• Ability to effectively interpret and disseminate complex information about aviation safety and security, labor contracts, and collective bargaining for public understanding is strongly preferred.
• Professional demeanor to address complex issues, establish credibility in contentious situations, and positively influence members, media, and other audiences.
• Experience planning and implementing effective social media and PR/education campaigns.
• Strong track record in developing, executing, and evolving comprehensive communications plans, programs, and campaigns is a definite plus.
• 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 is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of desktop publishing, presentation, design, and web content management is preferred, with a willingness to learn new software applications.
• Required Software: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; basic videography, audio, and video editing. Desirable Software: Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator, InDesign, Vyond. Sitecore, Evoq, and/or HTML are a plus.

Physical Demands

The role involves constant computer/smartphone/tablet operation, regular stationary work, moving about the office and local area, and conversing with others. It also includes sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and moving about for local, national, and international travel. Occasionally, it requires moving, raising, reaching, and/or retrieving items up to ten pounds (or up to 50 lbs. when traveling with luggage).

Benefits

ALPA offers competitive salaries with enhanced benefits, including:

• Non-elective employer contributions of 14% to individual RRSP accounts after 180 days of employment.
• 15 days paid vacation and 13 holidays per year, plus 2 volunteer days.
• Generous sick and bereavement leave.
• Company-paid premiums for family supplemental health care (medical, dental, prescription, vision for employee, spouse, and dependents), life insurance, critical illness coverage, and long-term disability insurance.
• Education Assistance Program reimbursing 100% of eligible expenses.
• Partial remote work opportunities available after six months of service.

Key skills/competency

• Bilingual Communication
• Communications Strategy
• Media Relations
• Social Media Management
• Digital Marketing
• Content Creation
• Public Relations
• Advocacy Campaigns
• Video Production
• Stakeholder Engagement