Production & Sourcing Specialist

The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the largest airline pilot union in the world and the largest non-governmental aviation safety organization in the world (representing over 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines) seeks an experienced Production & Sourcing Specialist for our Tysons (McLean), Virginia office.  The Production & Sourcing Specialist performs graphic design, artwork adaptation, production file preparation, and assigned sourcing and supplier coordination for promotional product and print projects.  They create and revise artwork within established brand standards and creative direction, prepare vendor-ready files, and follow assigned work through proofs, production, shipping, and delivery.

The Specialist coordinates with requestors across the Association, project staff, Purchasing, and vendors to gather information, research products and suppliers, obtain quotes, and prepare procurement documentation.  They coordinate proof reviews, track approvals and vendor commitments, and maintain accurate project and supplier records.  Routine questions are resolved within established procedures, while complex design, sourcing, and/or production issues are flagged for additional guidance.

Success requires practical design skills, attention to detail, timely follow-up, and the ability to manage assigned work within established standards and procedures.  Clear communication, accurate records, and sound judgment in seeking assistance will support quality results and reliable delivery.

Interested applicants are requested to submit online portfolio links or work samples demonstrating relevant design and production work. 

ALPA is a member-driven, staff supported, union with two internal professional unions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Communications, Project Management, or a related field from an accredited college or university required; or, the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three (3) years of professional experience in graphic design, production support, project coordination, procurement, vendor relations, or a related field required; four (4) or more years preferred. Experience must include artwork adaptation or production file preparation and supporting projects involving vendors, review processes, and deadlines.
• Practical graphic design experience, supported by work samples demonstrating artwork adaptation and production file preparation.
• Working proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Acrobat.
• Understanding of brand standards, file specifications, proof review, and basic print and/or promotional product production.
• Ability to coordinate assigned work, communicate professionally with vendors and project staff, compare information, and maintain accurate records.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and follow-through; ability to recognize issues requiring additional guidance.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and communicate outstanding questions, decisions, and/or schedule concerns promptly.
• Working proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint; ability to learn CFlow, SharePoint, and related workflow tools.
• Experience with sourcing, supplier communication, procurement documentation, and/or production tracking preferred.
• Experience in an association, communications, advocacy, and/or union environment preferred.

Note:  The physical demands described herein are characteristic of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential physical activities of this position described below.

Constantly operates a computer/smartphone/tablet.  Vision, corrected or uncorrected, must be acute and discriminating.  Regularly required to maintain a stationary position for long periods of time; move about the office and the local metropolitan area; determine what others have said or written; and, converse with others and exchange accurate information.

Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office.  May also include occasional bending, stooping, squatting, and/or pushing and pulling or moving, e.g., to pack and/or move the shipping cases.

Occasionally required to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve binders, books, boxes, and files up to ten (10) pounds (lbs.).  While on travel, could be responsible to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve luggage weighing as much as 50 lbs.  (Assistance may not always be available.)

• 401k Plan with Non-Elective Employer Contribution of 12% plus 2% contribution into a Market-Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCBP) after 180 days of employment.  No employee contribution required!  Employees can choose to make pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax contributions to the 401(k). The plan permits in-plan Roth conversions and has a 4-year vesting schedule. The MBCBP has a 3-year cliff vesting period; 
• Generous health care benefits on day one –  Aetna PPO Plan, Aetna High Deductible Health Plan, and a Kaiser HMO Plan (where available), which includes coverage for medical, dental, and vision benefits for the employee, their spouse, and/or dependent children. Employees do not have to pay premiums if they enroll in the Aetna High Deductible Health Plan or the Kaiser HMO Plan;
• 15 days paid vacation and 13 holidays per year plus 2 volunteer days per year; 
• Generous sick and bereavement leave;
• Competitive parental leave;
• Company-paid coverage for long term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment;
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts;
• Retiree health plan and a retiree health account (retiree HRA). Funds in the retiree health account can be used to pay for eligible medical expenses in retirement;
• Education Assistance Program that reimburses 100% of eligible expenses;
• Optional benefits include a legal plan, supplemental life insurance, college 529 plan, pet insurance, long term care insurance, and qualified transportation fringe benefits (where available); and,
• Partial remote work opportunities are available after six months of service.

PROJECTED ANNUAL SALARY RANGE:  $ 69,341.00  –  $ 97,182.00

PM19