Responsibilities

• Develop and manage CATS’ media relations program, including press outreach, media inquiries, and relationship management
• Establish standards and workflows governing media engagement and public information release
• Maintain active working relationships with local, regional, and industry media organizations
• Monitor media coverage and identify emerging public narratives affecting the agency
• Oversee preparation and distribution of press releases, advisories, and official statements
• Coordinate timely dissemination of operational updates and service information to media outlets
• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and clarity of public messaging
• Maintain systems for tracking media requests and responses
• Lead media communications during service disruptions, emergencies, and high-visibility incidents
• Coordinate messaging with Operations, Safety, and executive leadership

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public administration, or a related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in media relations, public information, or public communications, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated experience serving as a media relations lead or public information lead in a public-facing organization
• Experience supervising professional staff or leading work teams, including workflow management and performance accountability

Preferred

• Master’s degree in communications, public administration, or a related field
• Experience in a public-sector, transportation, or regulated environment
• Experience leading crisis communications and incident-related public messaging
• Experience supporting executive spokespersons, media briefings, and high-profile public communications
• Experience using digital content platforms and engagement analytics to inform communications planning

Benefits

• The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.
• The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.