Job Description
Job Description WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR Ready to shape the voice of a city's transportation future and connect with a dynamic community?
The Manager, Communications and Public Information Officer reports to the Director of Public Affairs and leads the communications and multimedia team on behalf of the agency. This position is responsible for the development and implementation of external communications and media relations to support CapMetro's public reputation, brand messages and communicating CapMetro's objectives. This position is the chief spokesperson for all media contacts and is responsible for developing others spokespersons charged with representing the agency. The manager communicates with the President & CEO and senior-level management on communication practices and media relations issues. This position provides external communication counsel on operational and policy matters and develops a group of media trained subject matter experts. The ideal candidate will possess the readiness and dedication necessary to make a difference within CapMetro and the community we serve.
Responsibilities WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING Note: The duties and primary responsibilities below are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.
- Lead the communications and multimedia teams (five staff members), which are collectively responsible for the agency's reputation and external communications.
- Serve as CapMetro's chief news media contact and agency spokesperson; maintain around-the-clock media availability for crisis communications.;
- Counsel and communicate with the CapMetro Board of Directors and senior level management on media relations.
- Advise and prepare executive staff and other subject matter experts for media interviews, blogs and participation in other communication formats.
- Coordinate the training of personnel on how to communicate with the news media effectively and confidently.
- Establish and maintain positive work relationships with reporters, bloggers, editorial boards, and social media influencers.
- Develop and implement innovative and effective communication strategies.
- Oversee all message development used in earned media opportunities while ensuring message consistency with partners in marketing and internal communication.
- Track and maintain archives of key messages and materials related to public outreach and education;
- Coordinate responses to media requests.
- Create and coordinate media events.
- Write news releases, opinion editorials, media advisories, talking points, fact sheets, blogs, and presentations and develop strategies for their distribution; oversee the creation of photos, videos, and creative content development to support public relations activities.
- Develop and maintain CapMetro's crisis communications plan.
- Utilize all appropriate media platforms, including social media, to communicate with the news media, customers and community during emergency or crisis situations.
- In partnership with the Director of Public Affairs, oversee the management of the communications budget.
- Oversee procurement processes for public relations firm and other outside vendors, as needed.
- Coordinate communications activities with public relations and advertising agencies as assigned.
- Respond to Public Information Act requests from news media in coordination with legal department.
- Assist with CapMetro government relations as assigned.
- Support the Customer Service team with message development to customers and the public.
- Supervise collection and distribution of electronic news clips for CapMetro staff and Board of Directors.
- Facilitate assignments for support staff and interns.
- Support Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Safety Management Systems (SMS) process by ensuring staff follows safety and security policies, considers safety in every action, and ensures safety and security concerns are reported.
- Perform other position related duties as required and/or assigned.
- RESPONSIBILITIES - SUPERVISOR AND/OR LEADERSHIP EXERCISED: Direct and manage department personnel by planning, scheduling, delegating, and overseeing employee work assignments, authorizing, coordinating, and scheduling work with vendors and consultants, conducting personnel actions, including, hiring and interviewing, and overseeing hiring, training, work assignments, and performance evaluations.
Qualifications WHAT YOU BRING - Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Administration, Public Relations, or related field. Additional experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for up to four (4) years.
- Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in communications or public relations and experience presenting to senior management and Board of Directors.
- Supervisory/management experience or the ability to complete approved training within 12 months of employment.
- Bilingual in English/Spanish with the ability to translate material (preferred).
- Proven track record of success serving as media spokesperson, preferably in the public sector.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: - Working knowledge of public relations principles, practices, and research and planning techniques.
- Demonstrated knowledge of how the news media function, such as differing needs and philosophies of the region's various news outlets, including understanding the constant cycle of news as well as the special needs of social media networks and reporters working under deadline pressure.
- Understand the principles and practices of organizational communications, public information, and the proven ability to develop, implement and evaluate applicable communication plans.
- Work closely with staff at all levels and in a team environment with a fast-paced, deadline-oriented atmosphere.
- Advanced interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees, media representatives, the CapMetro Board of Directors, the public and all parties, both inside and outside of CapMetro in a diverse socio-economic and cultural environment.
- Knowledge of local media, community leaders, governmental bodies, and elected officials.
- Advanced skill in copy writing and editing for news releases, newsletters, speeches, presentations, brochures, and collateral material; able to direct photography, videography, and creative content development to support public relations efforts.
- Ability to research and quickly synthesize information, present it creatively, and in a variety of formats and mediums to target audiences.
- Ability to work quickly under deadline pressure in stressful situations, after hours and on call.
- Technical proficiency with computer hardware and software, including Microsoft Word Suite and Microsoft PowerPoint.
- High level of analytical and creative skills and the ability to find solutions to complex interpersonal, professional technical and administrative problems.
- Ability to effectively work as a team player. A self-starter responsive to organizational needs, committed to excellence and continual employee development.
- Ability to comprehend complex materials such as technical reports and articles and to concentrate on details when coordinating activities, preparing speeches and articles or when developing media communications.
Cross Functional Service Impacts Team Member This position has been identified as a member of the Cross Functional Service Impacts Team. As a member of this team, the person in this position may be responsible for attending quarterly meetings where Tier 3 and 4 Service Impacts, all CapMetro Service Changes, and all other large, customer facing projects at CapMetro, will be discussed. This team will be responsible for ensuring that all facets of our business, both internal and external, are considered and managed effectively, to provide the greatest service possible to our customers.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS Work is generally performed in an office environment in which there is only minimal exposure to unpleasant and/or hazardous working conditions. This position works with multiple project timelines and is responsible for managing employees performing work of a complex nature. Incumbent must be able to stand and sit frequently throughout an eight-hour period, reach vertically for overhead use and horizontally. Must be able to use a telephone or headset equipment. Incumbents must be able to lift and move material weighing up to 20 lbs., perform work at a computer terminal for 6-8 hours a day, and function in an environment with constant interruptions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions as previously described.
Mobility Status: As a
Mobile position, the incumbent is expected to work in the office as needed. There will be access to touchdown/collaboration spaces when on site. Must be in-office for socialization, strategic collaboration, supervision, oversite, and accountability as needed. This position is based in Austin, Texas. Successful out-of-state candidates must relocate to the state of Texas prior to start date and may have the opportunity to work remotely anywhere in Texas after a specified period.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU •Share in meaningful work with diverse, collaborative and innovative teams whose focus is to modernize public transportation and improve how we serve our customers and team members.
•Utilize our free and reduced fare transit service to get to the office and then plan to hit the gym and work with our onsite trainers (for free), before heading back home.
•Improve your productivity and enhance your work/life balance by taking advantage of one of our flexible work options.
...and much more!
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW CapMetro is deeply committed to building a workplace where inclusion is not only valued but prioritized. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating a welcoming and diverse environment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, pregnancy, age, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We encourage people with disabilities and from other diverse backgrounds to apply for Capital Metro vacancies. CapMetro makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs at the time. CapMetro
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Local area, Remote job, Relocation, Flexible hours,