Director External Communications

Department:
Communications & Culture
Our Company Promise
We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.
Job Description:
Bring strategy, leadership, and Heart to the stories Southwest Airlines shares with the world. As Director External Communications, you’ll set the strategy for the Team responsible for strengthening our external narrative, supporting long-term business priorities, and protecting our Brand reputation. You’ll lead and develop Team Members, provide trusted communications counsel to senior Leaders, and build collaborative relationships across the Company, media, aviation industry, and key external organizations. From proactively shaping meaningful stories to guiding communications during high-impact events, you’ll help Southwest respond with clarity, urgency, and professionalism. Your leadership will keep Southwest trusted, prepared, and connected to the Customers, Employees, and stakeholders we serve.
Additional details
The culture of Southwest Airlines means we value the camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation that occurs when we come together and interact face-to-face at our vibrant Corporate Campus. Due to the nature of this role, you would be required to work from our Dallas, TX Headquarters facility during business hours.
U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.
We’re committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics.
Model the Southwest Way
Guide and lead Team Members using SWA talent management practices to coach, develop, and engage Employees
Adhere to Company Values and competencies to foster a Culture of inclusion, recognition, and support of a safe work environment
Invest in Leadership and self-growth through participating in continuous learning and development
Responsibilities
Lead and guide the External Communications Team, helping to set and support a clear strategy that aligns with the larger Company Strategy
Ensure that the Team directly and proactively supports the needs of the Company at the highest levels to ensure it can achieve its multi-year objectives
Guide and coach Team Members; provide positive examples of Leadership and guidance for Team Member growth, encouraging collaboration, bias for action, and integrity in all actions
Identify and pursue new and existing opportunities to make a focused impact on the external narrative of Southwest through strategic thinking, proactive media outreach, and coordination with other Leaders
Pursue best practices, industry knowledge, and business/economic knowledge to benefit the evolution of Southwest's efforts
Set the strategy of the External Communications Team and ensure Team Members have clearly defined and focused areas of responsibility and that their efforts are aligned to the larger Company Strategy
Provide Leadership and guidance for the External Team activities and programs: Preparedness Teams include Emergency Response (ER), and Business Continuity (BC); Preparedness accountability dotted line reports to the Emergency Director (via Sr Director Outreach & Preparedness)
Collaborate with fellow Communications, Culture & Communications, and other Department Leaders to ensure appropriate actions are taken to promote our external narrative and protect our valuable brand reputation
Foster cross-functional and cross-departmental collaboration to create holistic and cohesive planning that meets the needs of various audiences
Ensure that the External Communications Team responds to media inquiries with a sense of urgency and professionalism, elevating significant opportunities and coverage to fellow Communication Leaders, the VP of Communications, and the SVP of Culture & Communications for awareness and context
Provide strategic communications guidance and counsel across the business as needed
Support the VP of Communications by proactively updating and preparing against any planned events and/or media coverage
Manage Team annual operating budgets and encourage behavior that is fiscally responsible
Develop relationships with the communications counterparts at other carriers via A4A or IATA events, and with outside entities such as the NTSB, FAA, and additional governing bodies, etc
Represent Team strategy and actions at internal meetings, including developing and delivering presentations
Manage external firm relationships and coordinate cross functionally to ensure broadscale alignment across Culture & Communications
Must be able to meet any physical ability requirements listed on this description
May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leader
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods including alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media
Skilled in understanding and applying information to contribute to the organization’s strategic plan
Skilled in considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one
Skilled in maintaining a positive working relationship with other departments and Leaders within Southwest
Ability to listen, understand, and communicate ideas presented in writing and/or in speaking with others
Ability to work well with others as part of a Team, communicate with the public, and effectively communicate in writing, by telephone or face-to-face
Education
Required: High School Diploma or GED
Experience
Demonstrated experience in directly or indirectly leading team(s)
Advanced level Business Acumen in functional area
Seasoned and specialized knowledge in:
Managing a communication, or emergency preparedness function, or related function
Formally growing and mentoring talent, skills and abilities across a diverse team
Licensing/Certification
N/A
Physical Abilities
Ability to perform work duties from limited space work station/desk/office area for extended periods of time
Ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet the demands of the job
Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy to meet the demands of the job
Other Qualifications
Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines
Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986
Must be at least 18 years of age
Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines
Ability to travel and available after business hours for emergency situations
Pay & Benefits:
Competitive market salary from $185,750-$206,400* depending on qualifications and experience. For eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, additional bonus opportunities are available and awarded at the discretion of the company.
Benefits you’ll love:
Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too)
Southwest will help fund your 401(k) retirement savings with Company contributions up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings**
Potential for annual ProfitSharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan- when Southwest profits, you profit***
Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents (including pets)
Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment. You will have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan with coverage retroactively available to your first day of employment.
Explore more Benefits you’ll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits
​*Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time.
**401(k) match contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits.
***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.
Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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