Director Employee Communications at Alaska Air Group in SeaTac, WA

Job description

Company Alaska Airlines The Team Guided by our purpose, core values, and leadership principles, we are creating an airline people love. Our corporate teams set the strategies and operational plans to ensure the success of our company. Whether we use our expertise in accounting, human resources, finance, planning, legal, marketing, or any of our operational divisions, our shared passion for travel and our guests is what motivates us to achieve excellence each day. If you share our passion for creating an airline people love, we want to hear from you. Role Summary 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. Key Duties 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. Job-Specific Experience, Education & Skills Required 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 en