Own the Port's communications strategy across executive messaging, reputation management, marketing, and digital channels to support growth and stakeholder engagement.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

• 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.
• In addition, the Director serves as the Port's lead communications strategist during crises and significant operational events, directing communications planning, media relations, stakeholder outreach, and digital communications to ensure timely, accurate, and coordinated messaging.
• The position also oversees internal communications initiatives that support employee engagement, organizational alignment, and a strong workplace culture.
• The Director is responsible for developing a collaborative, high-performing team that advances organizational objectives and supports Port NOLA's strategic priorities.
• This Role Directly Supervises The Following Positions – Press Secretary, Community Engagement and Governmental Affairs Manager, Workforce Development Specialist, Marketing Manager

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Business Administration, Political Science, English, or a related field is required
• A master's degree in Communications, Marketing, Business Administration, Public Relations, or a related discipline is preferred
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, corporate communications, public relations, marketing, external affairs, brand management, stakeholder engagement, or related fields, with at least five years of leadership or management experience
• Demonstrated success developing and executing integrated communications, marketing, and stakeholder engagement strategies within complex organizations
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects, competing priorities, and cross-functional initiatives while delivering measurable results
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including speechwriting, presentation development, public speaking, and executive messaging
• Strong knowledge of digital communications, social media strategy, content development, website management, email marketing, multimedia storytelling, and communications analytics
• Experience utilizing communications technologies, social listening platforms, digital analytics tools, content management systems, and emerging communications technologies, including AI-enabled tools
• Proven ability to build and maintain productive relationships with diverse stakeholders, including employees, community leaders, industry partners, customers, media representatives, elected officials, and business organizations
• Strong leadership and team development skills with the ability to mentor staff, manage external vendors, and foster a collaborative, high-performing culture
• Ability to remain calm, adaptable, and decisive in fast-paced environments and during crisis or high-visibility situations
• Strong project management and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Proven experience as a senior leader in strategic communications, marketing, or external affairs.

• Experience in transportation, logistics, maritime, infrastructure development, economic development, industrial operations, utilities, energy, manufacturing, professional services, public agencies, or similarly dynamic and stakeholder-intensive environments is highly preferred.

• Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Medical and/or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life Insurance options
• Long Term Disability Plan
• State of Louisiana LASERS state pension program
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 plan) with employer match
• Paid Louisiana State Holidays; and paid Annual and Sick Leave
• Wellness Center located in the Administration Building
• Ship Shape Wellness Program