Communications Specialist I, II, III

Ontario International Airport; Ontario; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading airport authority in Ontario is looking for a Communications Specialist to enhance internal communications efforts. The ideal candidate should have a bachelor's degree in communications and experience in a similar role. Responsibilities include managing communication strategies, creating engaging content for internal audiences, and collaborating across departments to support the airport's mission. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Employer paid 401A through VOYA Financial

Qualifications

• Experience in creating internal communications.
• Ability to develop strong working relationships.
• Skills in drafting various written materials.

Responsibilities

• Manage internal communications strategies.
• Write engaging internal announcements and newsletters.
• Produce content for ONT’s communications.

Skills

Strong writing skills

Attention to detail

Crisis communication

Collaboration skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field

Tools

Cision

Mailchimp

SharePoint

Asana

Job description

We are currently seeking a highly motivated individual to join our Communications & Marketing Team! Depending on the qualifications and experience, you may be considered for one of the following levels below.

Applications will be accepted through July 28th, 2025.

COMPENSATION

Level I - $5,150.00 - $7,295.83 monthly

*Hiring Salary Range: $5,150.00 - $6,222.92 monthly

(starting salary will be within this range based upon qualifications)

Level II - $6,866.67 - $8,583.33 monthly

*Hiring Salary Range: $6,866.67 - $7,725.00 monthly

(starting salary will be within this range based upon qualifications)

Level III - $8,154.17 - $9,870.83

*Hiring Salary Range: $8,154.17 - $9,012.50 monthly

(starting salary will be within this range based upon qualifications.

Plus a generous benefits package to include medical, dental, vision and 10% employer paid 401A through VOYA Financial.

SUMMARY

Employees in this classification perform various complex technical and administrative functions related to communications efforts to provide vital support and information for both internal and external audiences highlighting Ontario International Airport’s (ONT) growing portfolio of programs, airlines, route development and concessionaires. Incumbents will establish and maintain a variety of working relationships with internal and external business professionals and draft, coordinate, pitch and facilitate communications about ONT’s brand and the organization to targeted audiences, while maintaining an authoritative location for content and collaborating with other organizational divisions and departments to draft effective, inclusive and timely communication.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Communications Specialist is expected to utilize skills and knowledge to perform the duties identified below. We are open to hiring a specialist at the I, II or III level, with class level dependent on years of experience and skillset. Incumbents within these receive increasingly complex duties and responsibilities as experience is gained. This role reports to the Communications and Public Relations Manager, who manages the Ontario International Airport Authority’s (OIAA) implementation of communications and public relations efforts and initiatives.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Important and essential duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Brand storyteller and writer focused on internal audiences. Will also contribute to some projects for external audiences as well.
• Contributes to the development of project-based communications plans; implements internal communications plans.
• Contributes to crisis communications plans/programs through appropriate channels.
• Produces brand-voice and tone editorial and advertorial content for ONT’s internal and external communications
• Contributes to the editorial calendar; collaborates across departments to develop story ideas, timelines and milestones to drive internal and external engagement.
• Outlines, drafts and produces a variety of communications and creative materials including internal announcements, website and intranet copy, video scripts, executive talking points, newsletters, signage, presentations, invitations and other related projects in a high-quality and timely manner.
• Conducts interviews with key stakeholders and various divisions and departments.
• Drafts and contributes to relevant content for the intranet; supports internal social media team by creating strong, persuasive, brand-voice content.
• Helps ensure communications and campaign materials effectively communicate key messages, including the organization’s business objectives, values, mission and priorities.
• Supports execution of events such as public events, video production, press days, tours as assigned and other internal events.
• Works collaboratively with business unit/functional areas and other communications staff including our public information officer (PIO) in the completion of projects from initial concept to distribution.
• Tracks metrics to measure effectiveness of targeted multi-channel communications.
• Helps develop and execute strategies to boost internal employee engagement.
• Contributes to multiple projects simultaneously in an organized fashion.
• Operates as an excellent verbal communicator with strong written skills and fastidious attention to detail.
• Ensures brand consistency across all communications and marketing materials.
• Ability to work under pressure and under tight deadlines.
• Does related work as assigned.
• May occasionally be assigned to other duties for training purposes, team needs or to meet technological changes or emergencies.

PROFILE OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Possesses subject matter expertise and a track record of accomplishment in all or many of the disciplines outlined
• Possesses outstanding attention to detail and accuracy
• Possesses strong writing, editing and storytelling skillset
• Demonstrated experience with content creation including newsletters, captions, editorial and advertorial in brand voice and tone, etc.
• Heightened awareness surrounding how to craft messaging in a way that is inclusive, intentional, thoughtful and encompassing of our core values
• Possesses strong written and oral communication skills
• Seasoned crisis communicator
• Ability to manage a heavy workload, prioritize what is important, adhere to tight schedules and deadlines, be proactive and stay cool under pressure
• Possesses excellent collaboration, organizational and presentation skills
• Possesses hands-on experience in editing for brand voice and tone
• Ability to understand and apply complex policies and procedures fairly and consistently
• Adept at organizing, meeting deadlines and multi-tasking
• Has experience crafting innovative communications using audio and video channels to diversify and amplify messages, including planning, scriptwriting and helping to oversee execution and distribution of those messages
• Ability to work in a highly demanding, rapidly changing and fast-paced environment
• Possesses the ability to interact effectively and courteously with employees at all levels of the organization, outside agencies, public/private groups and the general public
• Maintains familiarity with the airport's infrastructure, airline carrier operations and the communities served
• Ability to develop and establish strong working relationships with key partners as demonstrated by the level of two-way communication and feedback
• Ability to handle high-profile incidents effectively, appropriately and tactfully
• Possesses excellent command of the English language, including spelling, grammar, punctuation and syntax
• Strength in accountability and follow through
• Ability to consistently demonstrate the Core Values of OIAA
• Enthusiastic about OIAA’s mission to grow the airport and “boldly seize every opportunity to connect the Inland Empire to the world.”
• Background in journalism, copywriting, editing and/or creative writing

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Level I

Any combination of education, training and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform in the position.

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism or a closely related field is required.
• Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in creating and maintaining internal communications, preferably at a rapid-growth organization.
• Previous professional experience or familiarity with a medium or large commercial airport is desirable. Previous experience working for a government agency and/or in a highly regulated industry is also helpful.
• Proficiency in programs such as Cision, PR Newswire Outlook, SharePoint, Asana and Mailchimp or other digital newsletter platforms is desirable.

Level II

Any combination of education, training and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform in the position.

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism or a closely related field is required.
• Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in creating and maintaining internal communications, preferably at a rapid-growth organization.
• Previous professional experience or familiarity with a medium or large commercial airport is desirable. Previous experience working for a government agency and/or in a highly regulated industry is also helpful.
• Proficiency in programs such as Cision, PR Newswire Outlook, SharePoint, Asana and Mailchimp or other digital newsletter platforms is desirable.

Level III

Any combination of education, training and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform in the position.

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism or a closely related field is required.
• Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in creating and maintaining internal communications, preferably at a rapid-growth organization.
• Lead or supervisory experience of at least one (1) year is highly desirable.
• Previous professional experience or familiarity with a medium or large commercial airport is desirable. Previous experience working for a government agency and/or in a highly regulated industry is also helpful.
• Proficiency in programs such as Cision, PR Newswire Outlook, SharePoint, Asana and Mailchimp or other digital newsletter platforms is desirable.

LICENSES / CERTIFICATION

• Valid Driver’s License equivalent to a California Class C driver’s license
• Acceptable driving record at time of appointment and throughout employment
• Ability to pass all background / reference checks, knowledge examinations, as well as aptitude tests necessary to obtain an OIAA employee badge at ONT

Additional details on career page.