Manager of Strategic Communications & Programming - 79 at VIA Metro Transit in San Antonio, Texas
Posted in Other 2 days ago.
Job Description:
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK:
The Manager of Strategic Communications and Programming serves as the agency’s primary spokesperson for the media and the public. This individual performs highly complex (senior level) public relations and communications work. Work involves directing the writing, editing, and production of informational programs and materials for release to news media and for use by the agency, the public, and other agencies. This role is part of the team that supports the outreach strategy for VIA’s strategic initiatives, works with Public Engagement team to develop and execute plans to ensure information and messaging reaches target audiences and informs public decision-making. Working with the Director and Vice President, the Manager is responsible for producing high quality reports, news stories and events. Specifically, this position will provide strategic and operational direction, evaluate progress toward goals and manage day-to-day activities for VIA’s internal/external communications, events and strategic engagements. This will include collaborating with team members and leadership to monitor and develop reporting methods and track key performance indicators for Communications activities. This individual will also partner with other executive management team members to coordinate VIA’s larger communications efforts to a wide range of stakeholders. Works under limited supervision, with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Collaborates with assigned staff to develop and execute programming and events and supervises other communications professionals within the organization. Oversees major communications projects and initiatives as part of the agency’s larger public relations program and efforts. Develops and maintains a strategic communications calendar and its outputs, supervising and assigning work to staff and consultants.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Serves as an advocate for public transportation and builds and maintains positive relationships across VIA’s service area.
Serves as the agency’s primary spokesperson for the media and the public, including offering bilingual interviews and written responses (English/Spanish).
Proactively directs and oversees the preparation and distribution of organizational publications, news and informational releases, and educational scripts.
Offers advice and input regarding the content, illustrative, photographic, or audiovisual content of multiple public relations products and written communications across various divisions and departments within the organization.
Oversees the creation of reports, speeches, copy, executive summaries, scripts and other written communications by a team of communications professionals.
Works with staff and members of the media in planning news and educational items.
Directs and oversees responses to inquiries about agency activities from members of the media and the general public.
Responsible for oversight of the agency’s open records requests in accordance with the Texas Open Records Act, Freedom of Information Act, and other laws guiding public information and disclosure.
Develops and directs public information campaigns related to agency services, providing executive-level oversight and expertise.
Participates as part of a larger team of senior-level public relations professionals dedicated to creating key messaging and public relations opportunities for the organization.
Serves as a senior-level adviser on public involvement strategies and efforts.
Coordinates with Internal Communications personnel to ensure public-facing information is seamlessly shared with internal audiences.
Oversees the planning and implementation of public information programs, workshops, and public hearings.
Maintains strong working relationships with the media, and coordinates media relations.
Consults with and advises agency leaders and staff about public information protocol, options and programs.
Serves as a primary agency liaison with informational media and their representatives.
Researches and prepares information, design communication plans and materials related to the goals and priorities of the agency.
Directs and oversees copy and creates content for the multiple communications mediums and oversees the preparation of copy for: media relations efforts, strategic plans, informational materials, speeches, technical reports, scripts and other key communications documents.
Performs related work as assigned.
This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job. Other duties may exist.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Public Relations, English, Public Administration, Communications, Media Relations or related field, and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, public information, communications, news media, or media relations work. Experience with governmental and/or transportation issues preferred. Combination of work experience and education will be considered.
English/Spanish speaking and writing preferred, including the ability to write, edit and translate technical documents; and conduct public meetings and in-depth interviews in both languages as requested or required.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Demonstrate excellent judgment in writing and all communications.
Advanced writing skills, excellent verbal skills, and the ability to develop and deliver targeted messages.
Ability to articulate complex ideas and concepts in a manner that is easy to understand and concise.
Experience with persuasive communications. Ability to create content that is factual, grammatically accurate and appropriate for the targeted audience.
Thorough knowledge of communications, public relations and news media industries.
Must possess strong editing skills and a strong working knowledge of various writing and editing styles used within the communications industry.
Proficiency in reading, writing and editing, and preparing informational material; of copy layout; and knowledge of the publishing and broadcast industries.
Must possess the high-energy level and drive necessary to work as part of a public relations team committed to enhancing efforts that increase VIA’s value and presence in the communities we serve.
Must exhibit tact and diplomacy in working with diverse and multiple audiences and possess conflict management skills to effectively handle complex or sensitive situations.
Ability to appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information.
Understands the importance of the roles of emerging technologies in the field of communications, public relations and public involvement.
Ability to understand complex issues and develop effective solutions.
Ability to find common ground and encourage collaboration. Must have the ability to meet and deal tactfully with the public and employees and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to adapt and be flexible.
Must possess the team management skills necessary to energize, motivate and fully leverage the talents of diverse individuals working together to accomplish shared goals, projects or tasks.
Must be able to maintain good work attendance
Safety Accountability Statement:
- Employees must consider safety in all tasks performed, as well as demonstrate safe judgment and decisions that not only maintain their own safety; but that of fellow employees and customers.
- Demonstrate a professional commitment to assure compliance with all organizational policies, practices, and programs related to safety, health, and system security.
- Employees have a responsibility to identify and report hazards, as well as potentially unsafe conditions, to your immediate supervisor or Safety Department.
- Employees are responsible, and required, to stop a job/task to prevent an unsafe incident or act from occurring. This acknowledges the threat of potential injury, property damage and the opportunity for better judgment to be used.
Must comply with and support VIA’s EEO policies and the Diversity Program.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Infrequently lifting and carrying items up to 35 lbs.; infrequently twisting or bending at the waist or reaching overhead.
WORK ENVIRONMENTS:
Work involves juggling deadlines and meeting multiple, often competing priorities.
Frequent travel between buildings.
Work outside of normal work hours may be frequently required, including evenings and weekends.
Serves in an “on-call” capacity at all times as the agency’s chief communications officer.
VIA Metropolitan Transit is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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