Strategist - Media & PR

Employment Type: Full-time RegularCity: Calgary, AB (YYC)Posting Open Date: 11/21/2025Posting Close Date: 12/05/2025 (Please note the posting will close at 11:59pm MST)Why WestJet:Every WestJet journey has the potential to enrich lives; a career with us is no exception.WestJet arrived on the Canadian airline scene in 1996 and changed the industry for the better. We made air travel more affordable for Canadians and now we're going global.Join us, this is where your career story takes off.WestJet’s Media & Public Relations Strategist is a highly engaged and trusted member of WestJet’s communication team. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Media and Public Relations, this position supports the airline’s external communications specifically through strategic media relations and works with WestJet’s Advisor, Media Relations and the airline’s greater communications team to proactively position WestJet for success.This role requires proven experience in the areas of media relations and storytelling and is someone who can strategize to develop forward-thinking and disruptive approaches in the dynamic and ever-changing media landscape. The strategist role works with teams across WestJet’s organization including senior leadership to manage the airline’s reputation and must be an innovative problem solver who is looking to challenge the status quo. Working in one of the fastest paced Canadian industries with an immense volume of media requests, the strategist must be able to navigate urgent deadlines and have sound issues management judgement.The successful candidate will be integral in the in the strategic execution of WestJet’s external communication strategy and must demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders including government relations, executive, internal communications, labour relations and guest support.Key Deliverables include: Strategize and analyze research to craft proactive and disruptive external communications approaches to proactively position WestJet as a thought leader and disruptor in mainstream headlines Work with a complex matrix of stakeholders to develop and execute complex and strategic external communications plans related to WestJet’s strategic direction Build and foster stronger national news relationships through strategic and creative approaches to media relations Seamlessly adapt to changing priorities when issues or crisis arise Elevate and protect WestJet’s brand through timely and strategic reactive responses to media requests Experience and Qualifications: PR or journalism degree and 7-10 years’ experience in external communications Comprehensive knowledge of Canadian media landscape and transportation/travel beat reporters Strategic communications planning and execution Proven issues/crisis management experience Thought-leadership experience positioning executives externally Earned media success, coverage for business campaigns and corporate initiatives Excellent creative writing and editing skills (CP Style) Executive media training Creative approach to drafting materials including press releases, news briefings, pitch documents and key messaging on tight deadlines Strong presentation skills and experience presenting plans, strategies and results internally and to senior leadership. Social media experience Media monitoring platform experience The benefits of being a WestJetter: WestJet provides all WestJetters with a competitive total rewards package. On top of that, we offer: A fun and friendly culture with colleagues who work together to win Travel privileges for you and your family, effective from your start date Savings and Benefit programs that are flexible to meet your specific needs Think we are a fit? Apply now! About WestJet Group Of CompaniesWestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following integration with Sunwing in 2025, more than 14,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, Sunwing Vacations Group and WestJet Cargo, the WestJet Group is Canada’s leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians.Our Safety Promise At WestJet, the safety and security of our people and our guests is a core value and at the heart of what we do. As safety and security is a shared responsibility, it is expected that you will use safe work practices to ensure your well-being and the safety of others.WestJet recognizes that the use of Alcohol and Drugs can adversely impact a safe work environment and the well-being of others including guests, suppliers and the public, as well as place WestJet's operations at risk. All roles that are identified as safety sensitive are required to pass a Pre-Employment Alcohol and Drug Test as per WestJet's Alcohol and Drug Policy. Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion We embrace what makes us each unique, and what makes us uniquely WestJet. WestJet is committed to inclusiveness, equity, and accessibility and if you require accommodation during the selection process, please let our Talent Acquisition team know at talent@westjet.com. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.At WestJet, we welcome unique skills, experiences, and backgrounds - if you’re passionate and excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification in the posting. We are committed to inclusivity, equity, and accessibility in the selection process. If you require an accommodation during the recruiting process, please let our Talent Acquisition team know.We thank all applicants for their interest in WestJet; however, only those candidates who are selected will be contacted.For more information about everything WestJet, please visit WestJet.com