Senior External Communications Manager

Alaska Airlines • Seatac, WA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior External Communications Manager is the sole subject matter expert in strategic external communications and serves as the divisional go-to media contact at Alaska Airlines (AS), Hawaiian Airlines (HA) and Horizon Air (QX). As an individual contributor, this role owns communications for a broad and complex portfolio serving as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and plays a critical role in shaping the airline’s reputation with media supporting company initiatives alongside industry stakeholders, and key partners.

Requirements

• 7 years of experience in professional communications.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field or an additional two years of relevant training/experience in lieu of this degree.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm under pressure, think strategically and effectively manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible messages on a deadline.
• Strong media relations experience, including on-the-record spokesperson responsibilities.
• Demonstrated success working collaboratively with senior executives and cross-functional teams to drive strategy to human impact through compelling narratives.
• Proven experience leading communications for complex, high-profile business initiatives.
• Strong media relations track record, including success in proactive corporate or business storytelling and executive support.
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently, exercise strategic judgement, prioritize effectively, and drive work forward proactively.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while balancing urgency with strategic priorities.
• Flexible schedule and willingness to be on call during evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed as well as work within a hybrid in-office environment.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum age of 18.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in communications or related field.
• Deep understanding of airline or transportation industry; experience in highly regulated industries.

Responsibilities

• Lead as the subject matter expert in external communications strategy for divisional storytelling initiatives across areas of the business.
• Manage key media moments by owning end-to-end communications for product launches, partnership announcements and campaigns.
• Exercise considerable latitude and initiative to balance big messages with consistent storytelling to reinforce the airline’s reputation and advance business goals.
• Partner with executives and subject-matter experts to prepare for announcements, interviews, and speaking engagements.
• Craft compelling narratives that position the airline as a premium global airline that delivers a remarkable travel experience rooted in safety, care and performance.
• Develop press releases, op-eds, media pitches, social content, executive talking points, and Q&A documents that deliver consistent and compelling messages.
• Secure earned media placements that highlight the airline’s role in regional, national, and international markets.
• Build trust with executives, colleagues, and journalists to amplify messages.
• Monitor coverage and measure the effectiveness of storytelling campaigns, incorporating insights into future strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Guest Experience, Brand Marketing, Loyalty, Network Planning, Alliances, Real Estate, etc.) to ensure communications are accurate, aligned, and strategically timed.
• Support thought leadership opportunities to position airline executives as trusted voices in aviation and innovation.

Benefits

• Free stand-by travel privileges on Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines & Horizon Air
• Comprehensive well-being programs including medical, dental and vision benefits
• Generous 401k match program
• Quarterly and annual bonus plans
• Generous holiday and paid time off

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees