Deputy Chief Communications and Community Engagement Officer

Responsibilities

• Strategic Advising & Executive Counsel
• - Serve as a strategic advisor and thought partner to Chief Communications and Engagement Officer and Senior communications leadership, providing analysis, insight, and recommendations on agency priorities, communications strategy, reputation, and emerging issues.
• - Develop strategic narratives, approaches, and scenarios, identifying risks, opportunities, and organizational implications ahead of key decisions.
• - Translate complex organizational information into clear, actionable insights and recommendations for executive leaders.
• - Monitor trends, emerging issues, and external developments that may impact agency reputation or priorities and advise leadership on appropriate responses.
• - Convene diverse perspectives across the agency to strengthen strategic development, build alignment, and support effective decision‑making.
• Agency Strategy & Communications Alignment
• - Translate the agency’s strategic plan and institutional priorities into cohesive communications and engagement strategies.
• - Identify ways communications and community engagement can advance organizational goals, strengthen public understanding, and build trust in service.
• - Ensure strategic integration across internal communications and external communications, public engagement, crisis communications, and digital channels.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Administration, or Political Science, is required or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience. Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public affairs, community engagement, stakeholder relations, or related functions.
• Five (5) years of supervisory or team‑lead experience overseeing staff, projects, or cross‑functional initiatives.
• Key Competencies & Characteristics: - Proficient in creating effective content for news releases, social media channels, informational materials, and website. - Advanced communication skills, the ability to discuss issues diplomatically and maintain professional composure while under stress and pressure with proficiency in public speaking and presentations. - Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft 365, and Asana or related project management software. - Knowledge of Salesforce email suite preferred. - Proficient in utilizing analytic software to track performance and set goals. - Understanding of traditional and social media with ability to direct effective messaging. - Experience in virtual and remote engagement and meeting techniques a plus. - Ability to speak and write Spanish or other non-English language a plus. - Experience in media-related operations and techniques a plus. - Ability to work a flexible schedule, which includes attending events and meetings that occur in early morning and evening hours, as well as weekends and some holidays. - Ability to analyze complex organizational issues and translate them into clear, actionable strategic recommendations. - OR An equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, Strategic Communications, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• Ten (10) or more years of experience in communications, community engagement, public affairs, or government relations, with at least five years in leadership roles.
• Experience working within a public agency, transit organization, government entity, or similarly complex and regulatory environment.
• Experience in crisis communications, issues management, or reputation management.
• An equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities.