Communications Specialist

AOPA; Washington; On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flight Training (Private Pilot License

Annual Flight Proficiency Program

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

Flexible Spending Plans

Health Savings Plan

401(k) with company match

Disability & Life insurance

Paid Time Off (PTO) 17 days

Paid Holidays 12

Work From Home Fridays

Parental Leave

AOPA Membership

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

AOPA in Washington, DC is seeking a communicator to support advocacy messaging across articles, social posts, and media outreach. You will work closely with Government Affairs and Communications to ensure timely, accurate messaging and coordinate content approvals.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree, 2+ years in corporate communications, and proficiency with Office 365; private pilot certificate preferred. Office in DC with occasional travel to The Hill and Frederick, MD as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in a related discipline (Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to draft and edit materials for public audiences.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Positive demeanor.
• At least 2 years' experience in corporate communications, public relations, journalism.
• Excellent project and time management with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on time-sensitive requests.
• Aviation-related experience or demonstrated interest in the field.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate and Coordinate with Government Affairs and Communications teams.
• Write and coordinate approval of articles and social posts related to AOPA’s advocacy initiatives.
• Develop networks with aviation/transportation outlets and reporters to raise AOPA advocacy profile.
• Assist with writing, editing, and proofreading advocacy articles and social posts.
• Liaise with Government Affairs to support Social team content.

Skills

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Time management

Independent & collaborative work

Aviation interest

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/Public Relations/Jounalism/Political Science

Tools

Office 365

Job description

Job Summary

This position, located in Washington, DC, assists in communicating AOPA’s advocacy efforts through strategic and creative channels in order to ensure AOPA members, the aviation community at large, and the general public are aware of AOPA’s role, influence, and effectiveness in advocating for aircraft owners and pilots.

Essential Functions

• Collaborate and Coordinate with both Government Affairs and Communications teams.
• Write and coordinate approval of articles and social posts, relating to AOPA’s advocacy initiatives.
• Develop network with key aviation/transportation outlets and reporters in order to increase AOPA advocacy profile and thought leadership.
• Assist with writing, editing, proofing, advocacy articles and social posts.
• Government Affairs department liaison to Social team for content.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline (Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to draft and edit written materials for public audiences.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Positive demeanor.
• At least 2 years' experience in corporate communications, public relations, journalism.
• Excellent project and time management skills, with emphasis on organization and prioritization.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively and handle time-sensitive requests.
• Highly proficient with a variety of platforms including Office 365 (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive).
• Aviation-related experience or demonstrated interest in the field.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Private Pilot Certificate.

Working Conditions

This position works in an office setting located in the heart of D.C.

Typical working hours are 8:30 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday, with a one-hour lunch break.

Generally, a climate-controlled environment with occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions when attending aviation related events, including exposure to higher altitudes and confined spaces if in a general aviation aircraft.

This position may require occasional travel in and around the D.C. area (The Hill) and to the Frederick, MD headquarters, subject to the direction/approval of the SVP of Government Affairs and Advocacy. Travel is generally by automobile, foot, or rail.

Physical Demands

The physical demands of this position are typical of a standard office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly be required to:

• Sit for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings.
• Use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
• Communicate effectively via email, phone, and in-person, which requires clear speech, hearing, and vision.
• Occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 15 pounds, such as boxes of materials or equipment.
• Occasionally stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms during the course of normal office activities.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Additional Information

• This position is located at AOPA’s Washington, D.C. office.
• The salary range for this position is: $65,000 - $80,000, depending on education and experience.
• Flight Training (earn your Private Pilot License for free) & Annual Flight Proficiency Program (so you can keep flying and remain proficient)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance is available for employees and their dependents the 1st of the month following their start date.
• Flexible Spending Plans.
• Health Savings Plan with employer contribution (for eligible participants).
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with a company match, and annual discretionary supplemental employer contribution.
• Company paid Short and Long-term Disability Insurance.
• Company paid Life Insurance and AD&D insurance with the option to buy up.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 17 days accrued during first year (accruals increase based on tenure).
• Paid Holidays: 12 holidays.
• Personal days: 3 (prorated based on hire date).
• Volunteer day: 1 (prorated based on hire date).
• Work From Home Fridays.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• AOPA Membership.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellness Program (earn medical insurance premium discounts).
• Gym Reimbursement Program.
• Supplemental insurance options (critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity).
• Tuition Reimbursement Program.
• Discount on AOPA swag.
• Business casual dress code.