EVP and Chief Communications Officer

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General Summary:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as the principal communications advisor to the CEO, Executive Team, and Board of Directors.
• Develops and executes a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with agency priorities, organizational culture, and long‑term business objectives.
• Leads and mentors a multidisciplinary team responsible for marketing, communications, public relations, business development, and customer engagement.
• Establishes performance metrics and accountability systems to evaluate communications effectiveness and brand impact.
• Oversee the agency’s brand strategy, ensuring consistent messaging and visual identity across all platforms and customer touchpoints.
• Directs marketing initiatives that promote ridership, enhance customer experience, and support revenue‑generating programs.
• Identifies and advances business development opportunities, partnerships, and strategic alliances that strengthen the agency’s market position.
• Guides market research, customer insights, and competitive analysis to inform strategic decision‑making.
• Serves as a senior spokesperson for the agency, representing the organization with media, community leaders, business partners, and elected officials.
• Develops proactive media strategies to elevate agency accomplishments, manage emerging issues, and mitigate reputational risk.
• Oversees crisis communications planning and response, ensuring timely, accurate, and transparent information during incidents or service disruptions.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with external stakeholders, advocacy groups, and regional partners.
• Leads internal communications strategies that strengthen employee engagement, reinforce organizational values, and promote a unified culture.
• Ensures employees receive clear, timely, and consistent information regarding agency initiatives, priorities, and operational changes.
• Partners with Human Resources and Operations to support change management, leadership communications, and workforce development initiatives.

• Leads leadership development, succession planning, innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives that advance organizational excellence.

• Creates communication channels that amplify employee voices and foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and innovation.
• Crafts high‑impact messaging, speeches, presentations, and executive communications for the CEO and senior leadership.
• Ensures all agency messaging is aligned with strategic priorities, policy direction, and customer‑focused values.
• Oversee development of digital content, social media strategy, and multimedia storytelling that enhances public understanding of agency services and investments.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Note: An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be substituted for the below stated minimums excluding High School Diploma, GED, Licenses, or Certifications.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field. Master’s degree in a related field is desirable.
• Ten (10) years of related experience leading internal and external communications teams and channels, including public relations, marketing, and customer-focused functions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of strategic communications, public relations, marketing, brand management, crisis communications, media relations, and reputation management.
• Understanding of public-sector operations, transportation systems, mobility trends, community engagement, and the political environments in which transit agencies operate.
• Working knowledge of business development, market analysis, and customer experience practices.
• Exceptional executive‑level communication skills, including persuasive writing, public speaking, and strategic messaging.
• Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams and complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to anticipate emerging issues, translate insights into actionable plans, and develop proactive communication strategies.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills across diverse internal and external stakeholder groups.
• Working knowledge of digital communications platforms, social media practices, and contemporary marketing technologies.
• Executive presence, sound judgment, and professionalism in high-visibility situations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to foster a positive organizational culture and strengthen employee engagement.
• Ability to represent the agency credibly and diplomatically with media, public officials, partners, and community stakeholders.
  

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is primarily performed in an environment with minimal exposure to dust, noise, or temperature extremes. During visits to DART operating facilities, the employee may experience moderate exposure to dust, noise, temperature extremes, weather, petroleum products, and chemicals. The employee must follow all applicable policies, procedures, safety precautions, and regulations and use all protective clothing and equipment provided.

Note: These statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. They are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or required skills. Employees may be assigned other duties as needed.

DART is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, supporting diversity in the workplace. M/F/D/V

Open until qualified applicants are identified.