Communications, Marketing, & Events Associate
Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Administration, Marketing & Communications
Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Posted on Mar 13, 2026
We invite individuals who are enthusiastic about the aviation industry and dedicated to providing a world-class experience to apply. Join us and be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration, supports each other's development, and embraces diverse ideas and perspectives.
Serving as Michigan's second busiest airport and recognized as the best small airport in the country by USA Today, Gerald R. Ford International Airport stands as a testament to West Michigan's vibrant growth. The airport serves over four million passengers annually, with eight commercial airline partners offering nonstop flights to over 35 destinations. As a vital economic engine in the region, it supports more than 40,000 jobs and contributes over $7 billion to the economy each year.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport has received multiple awards from Airports Council International World's 2023 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards, including Best airport 2 to 5 million passengers in North America; Airport with the Most Dedicated Staff in North America; Easiest Airport Journey in North America; Most Enjoyable Airport in North America; and Cleanest Airport in North America. Managed and operated by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, the airport is committed to creating an exceptional travel experience for our passengers while fostering growth and prosperity for all of West Michigan. Our team is dedicated, passionate, and focused on innovation, making it a great place to build a rewarding career.
This is a Monday–Friday weekday position; however, occasional evening and weekend hours may be required based on event needs.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Communications, Marketing and Events Associate supports the Airport’s marketing, communications, and engagement initiatives by assisting with the creation, coordination, and distribution of digital content, campaigns, marketing and communication materials, and event logistics that strengthen brand awareness, enhance customers experience, and drive passenger and community engagement. This role supports social media operations, website updates, guest experience activations, and public-facing communication efforts to strengthen brand awareness and enhance customer engagement. The Associate works closely with the Communications, Marketing, and Events Supervisor to ensure consistent, accurate, and timely execution across all channels and events.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Listed examples are illustrative and representative of the tasks required of this classification, but are not intended to be complete or exhaustive for this position.
- Supports Airport representation at events and activations by coordinating logistics, materials and ensuring brand guidelines are followed.
- Supports the development and implementation of monthly social media calendars, including preparing posts, updating content, and coordinating posting schedules.
- Coordinates paid social media advertising initiatives to drive customer engagement and loyalty. Track and reports expenditures and results.
- Supports email marketing tasks including building templates, inserting approved content, using CRM data to drive engagement and conversion.
- Assists with pulling analytics (social, web, email) and prepares monthly performance reports for department leadership.
- Supports guest experience activations by preparing communications, assisting during events, and coordinating updates for the website and social media.
- Exercises discretion and independent judgment as to various significant matters, including those related to crisis communications and/or interruptions that require guest service attention.
- Assists with preparing digital and print materials by gathering assets, graphics, and supporting press kit materials.
- Monitors and responds to digital requests for information from passengers, guests, community organizations, professional groups, business organizations and the general public. This includes social media and website communications and videography/ photography requests.
- Supports updates to media contact lists by verifying accuracy and entering changes.
- Prepares draft digital materials and supports brand compliance for team members that align with brand guidelines.
- Assists with preparing materials, logistics, and scheduling air service promotions under the direction of the department leadership.
- Coordinates scheduling appearances, maintaining costume condition and supports coordinating public engagement efforts.
- Supports photography and videography needs for marketing campaigns, events, and other Airport needs.
- Performs related work as required.
REQURIED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
- Knowledge of public relations tools such as CISION PR Newswire and TVEyes.
- Thorough working knowledge of public relation and journalism principles and practices.
- Thorough working knowledge of multi-media and marketing principles and production practices.
- Excellent English language skills, including spelling, punctuation, grammar and usage.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite programs and Hubspot.
- Excellent interpersonal and human relations skills.
- Experience with data analytics tools such as Google analytics and Power BI or the willingness and ability to learn them.
- Knowledge of email marketing software such as Constant Contact or similar programs.
- Experience handling camera and video equipment technology and software.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, English or other related field strongly preferred or substantial progressively responsible experience in relevant areas.
NOTES:
- Candidate must be able to pass required FBI fingerprint-based criminal history record check in addition to pre-hire and random drug and alcohol screenings.
CONTACTS:
This position has frequent contact with:
- All levels of the organization including the C-Suite and Board of Directors.
- The general public including customers, media and various governmental agencies.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Must be able to stand or move around at the office and events as needed.
- Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- This position will work independently or in a team setting.
- Mostly office environment with occasional exposure to outside elements and noise.
- This position may require occasional travel.
MANDATORY TRAINING:
- This position will work independently or in a team setting.
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