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.
