Director Communications

Position Title: Director, Communications
Reports to: Vice President, Communications and Marketing
Duration: Permanent
Location: Montreal, Canada

Major Functions and Responsibilities

The Director, Communications is responsible for leading and executing ACI World's global communications and public relations activities. Supporting the organization's advocacy, thought leadership and commercial objectives, the role oversees strategic communications, media relations, publications, social media, content development and awareness campaigns. The incumbent manages a team of three communications professionals and ensures consistent, impactful messaging across all channels.

Communications

• Develop and implement ACI World's annual communications strategy and operational plan in collaboration with the Vice President, Communications and Marketing.

• Develop and manage the annual communications budget, ensuring the cost-effective allocation of resources and ongoing budget monitoring.

• Write and coordinate all speaking materials for the Director General, including speeches, presentations, keynote remarks, talking points and briefing notes, ensuring consistent messaging and alignment with ACI World's strategic objectives.

• Ensure consistency of ACI World's brand identity, key messages and corporate positioning across all communication channels and materials.

• Identify and implement technologies, tools and processes that improve communications efficiency and effectiveness.

• Lead, mentor and support communications team members by establishing priorities, monitoring performance and ensuring the timely delivery of objectives.

Media Relations

• Develop and execute a proactive media relations strategy that enhances ACI World's global visibility and influence.

• Promote ACI World's objectives through media outreach, press releases, interviews, media events and thought leadership opportunities.

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, industry influencers and media stakeholders.

• Respond to media enquiries and identify opportunities to position ACI World as a leading voice in the aviation industry.

• Maintain and continuously enhance media distribution lists and media monitoring systems using public relations software and databases.

• Collaborate with internal subject matter experts and external stakeholders to amplify key advocacy messages and organizational initiatives.

• Prepare regular performance reports and analyses of media coverage, reach, engagement and impact.

Publications

• Oversee the planning, production, translation and distribution of ACI World publications, reports, guidance materials and other corporate content.

• Supervise the Manager, Communications and Publications, to ensure the high-quality and timely delivery of publications and related materials.

• Collaborate with the Marketing team to maximize the visibility and promotion of publications through integrated campaigns.

• Support publication marketing activities, including copywriting, editing, proofreading, promotional campaigns, advertisements and launch communications.

• Oversee publication-related administrative processes, including invoicing, distribution, sales follow-up and CRM updates.

• Monitor publication performance and recommend improvements to increase reach, engagement and commercial success.

Social Media

• Develop and implement a global social media strategy aligned with organizational priorities and measurable key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Manage the Community Manager and oversee ACI World's social media presence across all platforms, ensuring a consistent brand voice and messaging.

• Monitor social media trends, analytics and audience engagement to optimize performance and identify growth opportunities.

• Coordinate social media support for advocacy initiatives, events, publications and organizational campaigns.

• Produce and present regular performance reports and recommendations based on social media analytics.

Blog and Thought Leadership

• Oversee the strategic direction and editorial management of the ACI Insights blog.

• Oversee the annual editorial calendar aligned with organizational priorities and industry trends.

• Conduct interviews, coordinate contributions from guest authors and subject matter experts, and write or edit original content.

• Promote blog content across ACI World's communications channels to maximize readership and engagement.

• Measure and report on blog performance, audience growth and content effectiveness.

Creative Content

• Lead the development of compelling content that supports ACI World's advocacy, membership and commercial objectives.

• Draft and edit opinion pieces, articles, presentations and other strategic communications materials tailored to diverse audiences.

• Oversee the creation of multimedia and digital content, ensuring consistency with ACI World's brand and communications objectives.

• Ensure all content meets high standards of quality, accuracy, clarity and relevance for the intended audience.

Advocacy, Visibility and Awareness Campaigns

• Develop and execute communications campaigns that increase awareness of ACI World's advocacy priorities, programs and industry leadership.

• Support global advocacy initiatives through integrated communications strategies, media engagement, digital content and stakeholder outreach.

• Collaborate with internal teams, ACI regional teams and external partners to maximize campaign reach and impact.

• Monitor campaign effectiveness and provide recommendations for continuous improvement based on performance metrics and audience insights.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform other duties and undertake special projects as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• Higher education, preferably with a specialization in communications, public relations or journalism.

• Minimum of two years' experience leading a team.

• Minimum of seven years' communications and marketing experience, preferably in the aviation, transport or tourism sectors, or within a trade association.

• Strong experience working with global media and securing proactive media coverage.

• Strong team management skills with a focus on professional development.

• Expert-level editing, writing and proofreading skills, with both speed and quality essential for success in this role.

• Excellent command of written and spoken English, with a clear and engaging writing style.

• Technologically savvy, with experience using modern communications and digital tools.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a multilingual, multicultural workplace.

• Ability to synthesize large volumes of complex information into clear, accessible content tailored to a wide range of audiences.

• Additional languages, such as French or Spanish, would be an asset.

• Available to travel as required.

ACI World Values

The successful candidate must demonstrate and embody ACI World's values:

• Stewardship

• Member-focused

• Integrity

• Excellence

• Collaboration

• Innovation

• Inclusivity

What we offer

• A challenging and exciting position in an international and multicultural environment.

• Hybrid work environment

• 4 weeks of vacation/year.

• 5 sick days/ year.

• 5 mental wellness days/year.

• Employee cell phone (iPhone) with TELUS Health virtual care included.

• Health insurance coverage from your first day of employment.

• RRSP company matching contributions

• Opus/EXO Transit discount on monthly pass.

• Employee recognition points earned to convert into redeemable gift cards

• Very flexible employee monthly wellness account to use to achieve a greater work life balance