Communications Manager

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Hampton Roads Transit is looking for dynamic, customer service oriented, and energetic people to become part of a committed team providing excellent and effective public transportation to the Hampton Roads region. We offer unmatched benefits and competitive wages in a stimulating and rewarding environment.  

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Salary: $95,000

We are looking for an experienced, strategy-minded individual to serve as the Communications Manager. He/she will oversee the flow of communication and information between the company and the public. Their main duties include serving as a spokesperson, handle all media relations activities and directing communications and public relations campaigns. We envision this individual to love to write, as he/she will take the lead on drafting communications on behalf of senior executives; and enjoy relating to the public, as he/she will be the face and the voice of the organization in company programming. Overall, this individual will be expected to take charge of disseminating timely and accurate information in an effort to improve HRT’s reputation and standing in the community.

Essential Job Functions:

(Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor to limit duties that might reasonably be assigned.)

Communications

• Develop effective messaging and communications strategies.
• Create or oversee the creation of promotional and informative materials HRT will disseminate to various audiences, including its customers, Board members, elected officials, community and business leaders and internal staff.
• Manage, train and develop small team of communications staff.
• Ensure communications are inclusive, accessible, and reflective of the diverse communities HRT serves.
• Promote transparency and public trust through clear, accurate, and timely communications.
• Ensure compliance with ADA, accessibility, and language access standards across communications materials.
• Establish communications goals and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Use analytics and insights to continuously improve communications strategies and tactics.

Media Relations

• Respond to media inquiries by either conducting media interviews or coordinating with appropriate internal staff on a response.
• Coordinate media relations activities and generate press coverage for HRT products, services, initiatives, and programs.
• Write, distribute and advocate for press releases and media advisories.
• Regularly prepares speeches, presentations, policy papers, editorials, blog posts or talking points that represent HRT’s positions on public transit and commuter alternatives.
• Track and report on media coverage, audience engagement, program reach, and sentiment.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

• Coordinate and manage Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant responses.
• Track FOIA requests, deadlines, and responses, and maintain logs and documentation in accordance with agency policies and regulatory requirements.

Crisis Communications

• Serve as lead communications advisor during incidents, service disruptions, or reputational issues.
• Develop and execute crisis communications plans, including messaging, media response, and internal coordination.
• Work closely with executive leadership, operations, and legal teams to ensure timely, accurate public information.
• Participate in emergency response planning, exercises and after-action reviews.

Podcast

• Serve as host of HRT’s podcast.
• Work closely with internal staff to plan and produce regular episodes of the HRT podcast.
• Brainstorm and develop ways to promote the podcast to build listenership.
• Work to secure guests on the podcast.
• Ensure podcasts meet internal deadlines.
• Monitor each episode’s analytics and metrics to ensure success.
• Ensure podcast episode topics align with overall business goals and objectives.

Community Programming

• Serve as host of On the Move, HRT’s community program.
• Work closely with internal staff to plan and produce regular episodes of On the Move.
• Brainstorm and develop ways to promote the community program to build viewership.
• Work to secure guests for On the Move.
• Ensure program episodes meet internal deadlines.
• Monitor each OTM episode’s analytics and metrics to ensure success.
• Ensure On the Move program topics align with overall business goals and objectives. 

Other Duties as Assigned

• Manage records created and received in compliance with the Hampton Roads Transit Records Management Policy and Procedures.

Required Knowledge, Abilities and Skills Essential to Job Functions:

Knowledge of the policies and practices that govern service distribution. Thorough understanding of public relations, marketing and customer service; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city and state officials and staff, employers, and the general public. Ability to manage a varied staff; demonstrating strong written and oral communication skills. Ability to grasp transportation plans, issues and service programs. General knowledge and understanding of personal computers and software. Ability to develop and administer a budget and maintain appropriate financial records and reports.

Required Software Knowledge and Skills essential to Job Functions:

Proficiency in using computer systems and the listed software applications associated with performance of assigned work is essential.  Basic problem-solving skills associated with software applications used is expected.   Software usage relevant to job duties will be evaluated.

Safety Responsibility:

Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect one’s self, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm. Ensure all employees and contractors are properly trained and understand all rules, safety policies, and procedures to perform their work functions safely. Promote safety awareness by attending safety committee meetings and adhering to all safety procedures and policies. Actively conduct workplace hazard analyses for all employees to maintain a safe work environment. Encourage employee safety reporting program and communication of hazards to the Safety Department. Responsible for the timely mitigation of all unacceptable and undesirable safety risks. Accountable for safety performance within their functional area and achieving the agency’s safety goals.

Training and/or Education:

BA or BS in journalism, mass communications, public relations, or marketing. 

Required Experience:

Minimum 10 years in communications, public relations or marketing. Minimum 7 years’ experience in serving as a spokesperson or in a similar capacity.

Licenses or Certificates:

Possess a valid Driver's License.  Acquire a Virginia Driver's License within 60 days after the date of hire (in instances when an out of state license is not the applicant's current state of residence).

Special Requirements:

• This position is classified as essential personnel.
• Must be able to pass federal government background screening process for local military installation access.

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work involves meeting multiple demands on a timely basis. Duties may require some seasonal overtime. Work requires attendance at after hour's meetings and occasional overnight travel.

Unusual Demands:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Work involves meeting multiple demands on a timely basis.  Duties will require working weekends and Holidays.

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HRT is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need reasonable accommodations to complete the HRT employment application and/or the interview, contact HRT Human Resources at (757) 222-6000 or email careers@hrtransit.org.