Sr Manager Ground Operations Communications

Department:

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:

As Sr Manager Ground Operations Communications, you’ll lead the Team responsible for keeping approximately 30,000 frontline Employees across Ground Operations, Cargo, Provisioning, and Ground Support Equipment informed, connected, and prepared. Serving as a trusted advisor to Ground Operations Leaders, you’ll shape and execute communication strategies that translate complex operational and business priorities into clear, timely, and accessible messages. From daily procedures and irregular operations updates to executive communications and Companywide initiatives, you’ll ensure Employees understand what is changing, why it matters, and how it connects to broader Operations and enterprise goals. You’ll also develop a Team of communications professionals, align resources across competing priorities, and partner throughout Southwest to reach Employees who may not regularly access a desktop or email. Through relatable messaging, thoughtful channel strategy, and strong leadership, you’ll strengthen trust, readiness, and engagement while helping frontline Teams deliver the safe, reliable, and hospitable experience Southwest Customers count on.

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

• Act as a strategic advisor to Ground Ops Leaders, creating communication strategies and messaging that deepen engagement with Ground Ops Employees and stakeholders
• Ensure alignment on corporate and operational priorities, objectives, and key initiatives
• Establish effective relationships with other Southwest Departments for support in communicating Ground Ops initiatives
• Guide overall communication strategy and thought Leadership of multiple topics or work groups
• Work with Leaders to frame solutions to emerging issues, and subsequently define and execute appropriate communication strategies to support the best outcome
• Align organizational resources, managing priorities across multiple areas to create timely communication strategies that deliver measurable business results
• Consult on Companywide initiatives, determining appropriate tone and channel to deliver clear messages that align with Company objectives
• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Expert knowledge in verbal and written communications skills
• Expert knowledge of presentation skills to a variety of audiences (Leadership/Employees) and to a variety of audience sizes
• 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 communication and dissemination techniques and methods, including alternative ways to inform, equip, and connect via written, oral, and visual media
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office tools
• Skilled in considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one
• Skilled in understanding and applying information to contribute to the organization's strategic plan
• Ability to find innovative communications solutions and ways to connect with Employees

Education

• Required: High School Diploma or GED

Experience

• Required: Demonstrated experience in directly or indirectly leading team(s)
  • Fully functioning, broad knowledge in:
    • Corporate communications, agency, or newsroom
    • Executive coaching and strategic communications
• Preferred: Experience developing communications for large frontline and operational workgroups.
• Preferred: Experience engaging Employees through communication channels beyond traditional desktop and email platforms.
• Preferred: Experience translating operational and enterprise priorities into clear, actionable communications for frontline audiences.

Licensing/Certification

• N/A

Physical Abilities

• Ability to perform work duties from limited space workstation/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
• Ability to travel periodically as needed

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
• Must be willing to work outside of 8-5 hours as needed, depending on the needs of the business

Pay & Benefits:

Competitive market salary from $153,000 per year to $170,000 per year* 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 Retirement Savings Plan, which includes a dollar for-dollar 401(k) Company match contribution of up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings**
• Potential for annual profit-sharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan—when Southwest profits, you profit***
• Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents• Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment. You'll have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan, and coverage will be retroactively available to your first day of employment.
• Explore more benefits you’ll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits

*Pay amount doesn’t guarantee employment for any particular period.

**401(k) Company match contributions are subject to the plan’s vesting schedule. Match contributions may vary based on the position.

*** Profit-sharing contributions are subject to the 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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