Director Employee Communications

Alaska Airlines • Seatac, WA

3d • $172,550 - $267,450 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Employee Communications is responsible for leading enterprise employee communications across Alaska Air Group’s portfolio of businesses and brands. This leader will develop and execute internal communications strategies and lead a team that connects employees to company strategy, support and drive enterprise transformation, strengthen culture and build trust during periods of change. This role serves as a strategic advisor to senior executives and workgroup leaders, helping translate business priorities into clear, compelling communications that inspire action and engagement across a geographically dispersed workforce that spans the full enterprise.

Requirements

• 8 years of progressive communications experience, including time in employee communications.
• 5 years of leadership experience with either: 2 of those years directly leading people, or 3 years of advanced functional subject matter expertise in enterprise employee communications.
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Business or related field , or an additional two years of relevant training/experience in lieu of this degree.
• Experience leading communications during major business transformations, integrations or organizational change efforts.
• Understanding of frontline workforce communication challenges and best practices.
• Experience partnering with executive leadership teams and advising senior leaders.
• Demonstrated success developing communication strategies that drive engagement and behavior change.
• Exceptional writing, storytelling and executive communication skills.
• Experience leading and developing communications professionals.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in aviation, transportation, hospitality, retail or other highly operational industries.
• Experience working in unionized environments and partnering with labor relations teams.
• Background in culture transformation, employee engagement or change management.
• Advanced degree in Communications, Organizational Development, Business or related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the employee communications strategy supporting Air Group's business priorities and long-term vision that fosters trust, alignment and connection across the workforce.
• Ensure employees across our businesses and brands understand company strategy, performance, key initiatives and organizational priorities.
• Create communications that connect employees to purpose, values and culture while supporting distinct brand identities.
• Establish enterprise employee communications standards, governance and channel strategies that improve clarity, consistency and effectiveness across the organization while honoring the unique histories and cultures within each airline brand and operation.
• Ensure frontline employees receive timely, relevant and accessible information regardless of location, schedule or work environment.
• Collaborate closely with Labor Relations, HR, Operations, Commercial, Legal and Safety on internal communication strategies and employee engagement.
• Serve as strategic advisor to the Chief People Officer for Alaska Airlines and VP of People and Labor for Horizon Air to advance communication strategies that support HR priorities, employee experience and broader workforce strategy.
• Help ensure communication approaches support positive labor relationships and respect collective bargaining environments.
• Lead communication strategies supporting major enterprise transformations, integration efforts and organizational changes.
• Partner with executive leaders to navigate complex business initiatives and ensure employees understand the "why," "what" and "what's next."
• Develop change management communication plans that drive awareness, understanding, adoption and engagement.
• Anticipate employee sentiment, identify communication risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Help leaders communicate with authenticity, transparency and empathy.
• Create scalable communication tools that enable leaders to communicate effectively with teams across diverse workgroups.
• Develop executive communications for key moments including company updates, business performance, crises and strategic announcements.
• Lead and develop a high-performing employee communications team.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Establish communication measurement frameworks and use data to inform decisions.
• Manage budgets, vendor relationships and communication technology platforms.

Benefits

• Free stand-by travel privileges on Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines & Horizon Air with high priority status
• Select number of confirmed travel credits provided annually
• Comprehensive well-being programs including medical, dental and vision benefits
• Generous 401k match program
• Annual bonus plans
• Generous holiday and paid time off

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director