Strategic Communications & Marketing Director

Strategic Communications & Marketing Director Location: Hybrid – Ottawa Area Position Type: Full-time, Permanent Reports to: President & CEO

About the Organization The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting General Aviation in Canada. Representing more than 10,000 private pilots, aircraft owners, and aviation enthusiasts, COPA serves as the voice of General Aviation across the country. Through advocacy, education, safety initiatives, and community-building, COPA champions the freedom to fly and helps steward a thriving aviation ecosystem.

Mission: To preserve, promote and inspire General Aviation in Canada. Vision: We are the stewards of a thriving General Aviation community in Canada – Aviation starts here.

The responsibilities and qualifications outlined below are indicative and may be subject to change or modification to meet the evolving needs of the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association.

Inspire. Connect. Win Hearts and Minds. At COPA, we don’t just inform - we inspire. As the national voice of General Aviation in Canada, we’re looking for a bold, strategic, and creative leader to shape that voice for maximum impact.

As our Strategic Communications & Marketing Director, you won’t just tell our story – you’ll help us win the hearts and minds of current and future members, policymakers, and the public. From defending the freedom to fly to engaging the next generation of aviators, you’ll bring COPA’s mission to life through powerful messaging, strategic insight, and meaningful engagement.

About the Role The Strategic Communications & Marketing Director leads all facets of COPA’s communications and marketing portfolio. This includes developing and executing integrated strategies that elevate the organization’s visibility, grow member engagement, support advocacy efforts, and build brand equity. The Director manages the Content Marketing Specialist and works cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners to deliver impactful communications to deliver impactful, mission-aligned communications.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Leadership & Brand Stewardship

• Develop and execute COPA’s national communications and marketing strategy.
• Shape compelling narratives that emotionally connect with members, the public, and decision-makers.
• Ensure consistency and excellence across messaging, visual identity, and brand touchpoints.
• Represent COPA’s voice in media, publications, and public-facing communications.
• Champion a strong and cohesive brand culture internally and externally.

Content, Media & Publications Oversight

• Lead the development of bilingual content across all platforms—print, digital, email, podcast, and social media.

• Oversee end-to-end production of COPA Flight magazine (digital and print), newsletters, special publications, and the In-Flight podcast, ensuring alignment with COPA’s mission and brand.

• Serve as editor-in-chief, responsible for editorial direction, contributor coordination, layout approvals, and tone consistency.

• Manage podcast production from concept to release, including guest sourcing, scripting, editing, and

promotion in collaboration with external partners.
• Supervise external vendors and freelancers for translation, graphic design, SEO, and web support.

Digital Engagement & Performance

• Lead COPA’s digital presence, including social media (Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn), email marketing, and website content, ensuring platform-appropriate, engaging, and consistent messaging.

• Drive audience growth and engagement through strategic use of SEO/SEM, storytelling, and targeted campaigns.

• Monitor and analyze performance using tools such as Google Analytics, social media dashboards, and email metrics to evaluate impact and ROI.

• Report on key outcomes to the CEO and Board; use insights to refine messaging, optimize campaigns, and identify emerging trends.

Team and Resource Management

• Manage and support the Content Marketing Specialist and contractors, providing clear direction, mentorship, and performance feedback.

• Foster a collaborative, values-driven, and high-performance culture within the communications team.
• Develop and manage the marketing and communications budget in line with COPA’s strategic and

financial priorities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Membership, Advocacy, and Aviation Operations teams to align

messaging and maximize impact.

Partnerships & Sponsorship Communications

• Support the Manager of Programs and Events in identifying sponsorship and advertising opportunities to increase brand visibility and member value.

• Work closely with external partners and sponsors to ensure brand-aligned messaging and communication of member benefit offerings.

Who You Are
• A strategic communicator and compelling storyteller who knows how to move people - not just inform

them.
• Experienced in leading integrated communications and marketing in a national, nonprofit, or

membership-based environment.
• Passionate about building trust, fostering community, and inspiring action.
• A digital-first thinker with a strong grasp of platform best practices, analytics, and content performance.
• Comfortable navigating advocacy, member engagement, and public awareness in a fast-moving

environment.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is a strong asset.

Qualifications
• 5+ years of experience in senior communications and/or marketing roles, with demonstrated team

leadership.
• Proven track record in brand development, digital strategy, and campaign execution.
• Excellent writing, editing, and content development skills.
• Experience managing vendors, freelancers, and/or communications staff.
• Familiarity with aviation or membership-driven organizations is an asset—but passion, purpose, and

adaptability matter most.

Core Competencies
• Strategic Thinking
• Project Management
• Emotional Intelligence
• Editorial Judgment
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Creative Problem Solving

Why COPA?
• We champion the freedom to fly and work every day to ensure general aviation thrives in Canada.
• We’re a mission-driven team, energized by advocacy, innovation, and community.
• You’ll have the chance to shape public perception, grow member engagement, and leave a lasting mark.

What We Offer:
• Mission-Driven Culture: Join a fast-paced, purpose-led team making a real impact in the world of

General Aviation.
• Flexible Hybrid Model: Work remotely with in-person collaboration one week per month at our

downtown Ottawa office.
• Competitive Compensation: The base pay range for this position is $80,000–$105,000, with the final

salary offer based on qualifications, job-related skills, and relevant experience. COPA offers a generous benefits package including extended health and dental care, life, and disability insurance, and an RRSP matching program.

• Work-Life Balance: Three weeks of vacation to start, plus a paid year-end holiday closure.

Ready to help us win hearts and minds? Send your resume and a cover letter telling us why you’re the storyteller COPA needs now.

To Apply:

If you’re ready to help us win hearts and minds, send your resume and a cover letter telling us why you’re the storyteller COPA needs now.

Apply via Charity Village, using the subject line: Strategic Communications & Marketing Director.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

COPA is committed to the principle of equal opportunity and does not discriminate based on race, ethnic background, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, family status, or disability.

Interviews will be conducted in two rounds, each lasting approximately one hour. They may take place in person or virtually, depending on the candidate’s location and availability. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis—we are looking to fill this position as soon as possible.