DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Trinity Metro has an immediate opening for a Director of Communications. The Director of Communications works with the Vice President of Marketing & Communications (MarCom) to develop and execute Trinity Metro's comprehensive communications strategy in support of organizational priorities and long-term goals.

This role requires a creative self-starter responsible for identifying and developing stories about our people and community impact (Trinity Metro Effect), while connecting Trinity Metro activities to regional and national current topics.

Essential Functions:

Successfully execute proactive strategies for communications, media relations, and public relations to project a positive image of Trinity Metro through increased awareness, expanded audience reach and maximized earned media.

Content Development

• Proactive Storytelling: Actively identify and craft compelling stories about Trinity Metro and our team member impact to elevate and strengthen overall brand relevance.
• Trend Integration: Creatively frame Trinity Metro's daily operations within the context of current news/topics at the local, state, and national levels to secure strategic media placements.
• New Technologies: Leverage generative AI tools for research, drafting, brainstorming, and writing to accelerate the production of high-quality content while ensuring all output maintains the Trinity Metro 'human' voice and brand integrity.

Media & Public Relations

• Media Liaison: Represent Trinity Metro as a key spokesperson to the public and media, including managing press relationships and conducting interviews.
• Event Oversight: Manage media events, news conferences, and initiatives that define Trinity Metro's story.

Marketing & Social Media Partnership

• Integrated PR: Partner with the Director of Marketing to brainstorm and implement creative public relations efforts that expand marketing campaigns and audience reach.
• Podcast Production: Key partner in the end-to-end creation of a regular Trinity Metro podcast, from concept and interviewing to finding creative partners with the goal of expanding audience reach.
• Social Media Coordination: Collaborate with the Digital Marketing team to coordinate messaging, leverage influencers, and ensure PR content is optimized for social platforms.
• Manage and mentor the internal Strategic Partnership team while coordinating with external web developers and specialized contractors.

Internal Communications & Executive Support

• Internal Strategy: Partner with the VP MarCom, Director of Marketing, and the Director of Brand and Creative to build and improve internal communication channels and messaging for the team members of Trinity Metro.
• Executive Messaging: Generate high-level engaging content for the President & CEO's weekly team messages, monthly newsletters, and guest editorials.
• Leadership Coaching: Prepare Senior Leadership team for media interviews by framing key message points and conducting mock sessions to ensure positive positioning.

Accountability & Operations

• Monthly Reporting: Track, analyze, and report on communications metrics monthly, specifically focusing on earned media growth and the success of new outreach channels.
• Digital Oversight: Utilize social listening and media monitoring technologies to track Trinity Metro sentiment in real-time, providing monthly data-driven insights on brand health and the ROI of PR initiatives. Manage website content, track analytics, maximize SEO, and supervise external contractors.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Professional Experience: 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in communications and public relations.
• Leadership: 5+ years of leadership experience within an organization and experience managing external contractors.
• Content Expertise: Strong sense of storytelling and creative writing skills are a must.
• Strategic Ability: Skilled at connecting daily tasks to big-picture strategy and seeing patterns within systems and partnerships.
• Flexibility: Requires ability to be on call 24 hours for emergencies and represent Trinity Metro at off-duty community events.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, PR, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• Highly Desired: Experience managing multi-channel digital campaigns that include influencer outreach or non-traditional media partners is a plus.

Any combination of experience, training, and/or education that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills may substitute for the required education.

Trinity Metro is an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action Employer.