Responsibilities

• The Director of Strategic Communications, Marketing, and Community Engagement is a senior communications leader responsible for advancing the Port of New Orleans' reputation, brand, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications objectives.
• Reporting to the Chief of Staff and External Affairs, this position serves as a trusted communications advisor to executive leadership and leads integrated communications, marketing, digital media, and community engagement strategies that support the Port's mission, business objectives, infrastructure investments, and long-term growth.
• The Director oversees the development and execution of comprehensive communications and marketing initiatives across multiple lines of business, including cargo, cruise, industrial real estate, workforce development, and economic development activities.
• This role is responsible for ensuring consistent, compelling, and strategic messaging that strengthens stakeholder confidence, enhances public understanding of Port initiatives, and supports business development efforts.
• Strategic Communications and Executive Messaging: Develop and execute strategic communications initiatives that advance organizational priorities and strengthen the Port's position as a leading gateway for global commerce and economic development. Serve as the primary architect of executive communications, including speeches, presentations, messaging frameworks, articles, thought leadership content, talking points, and stakeholder communications. Translate complex operational, infrastructure, economic, and industry information into clear, compelling narratives tailored to diverse audiences.
• Reputation and Issues Management: Lead proactive reputation management efforts that strengthen stakeholder trust and organizational credibility. Identify emerging issues, monitor public sentiment, assess reputational risks, and develop communications strategies that support informed decision-making and organizational objectives. Provide strategic counsel to leadership on sensitive issues, complex projects, and stakeholder concerns while ensuring consistent messaging across all communications channels.
• Marketing, Brand, and Business Development Support: Develop and implement integrated marketing strategies that support the Port's business development, customer engagement, and brand awareness objectives. Partner with commercial, operations, and business development teams to promote the Port's competitive advantages, services, infrastructure investments, and economic impact. Utilize market research, industry trends, performance metrics, and audience insights to develop data-driven marketing initiatives that support organizational growth.
• Digital Media and Content Leadership: Lead the Port's digital communications strategy across websites, social media platforms, multimedia content, email communications, and emerging digital channels. Oversee the creation and distribution of engaging content that strengthens stakeholder engagement, expands audience reach, and supports organizational priorities. Leverage analytics, digital monitoring tools, and innovative communications technologies to evaluate performance, inform strategy, and enhance communications effectiveness.
• Community Engagement and Stakeholder Relations: Develop and implement community engagement strategies that foster transparency, trust, and meaningful dialogue with stakeholders. Build and maintain productive relationships with neighborhood organizations, community leaders, educational institutions, business organizations, industry partners, and other key stakeholders. Lead communications and engagement efforts related to major initiatives, infrastructure investments, and community-impacting projects while ensuring stakeholders receive timely, accurate, and accessible information.