Senior Manager Communications

ABOUT THE ROLE The Senior Manager of Communications leads the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) communications and information functions, ensuring clear, accurate, and timely messaging to customers, stakeholders, and the community. Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Communications, this role develops and executes integrated communications strategies that support service delivery, build ridership, provide operational transparency, and build public trust. Note: Employees hired into this role will remain City of Charlotte employees through December 31, 2026, and will transition to the newly created Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA) on January 1, 2027, with no break in service. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Develop and implement communications and marketing strategies supporting service priorities and public information needs. - Oversee development and dissemination of service-related communications, including changes, disruptions, and planned initiatives. - Lead media relations activities, including press materials, inquiries, interviews, and briefings. - Lead internal communications for employees, partnering with HR and leadership to ensure timely and effective messaging. - Oversee content and performance of digital communication channels, including websites, social media, and alerts. - Lead development and execution of crisis communication protocols and response strategies during major incidents. - Lead and manage communications staff, establishing performance expectations and professional development priorities. - Coordinate with Marketing, HR, Customer Service, Planning, Operations, Legal, and executive leadership for integrated messaging. - Evaluate emerging communications tools and implement improvements to workflows and performance tracking. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public administration, or a related field. - Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in public communications, media relations, or public information (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). - Preferred: Master’s degree, public-sector or transit experience, crisis communications experience, digital platform oversight, and experience leading professional staff. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. - Must pass a comprehensive background check (including reference, SSN, education, criminal, credit, sex offender registry, and motor vehicle records checks). - May involve work outside normal business hours, including weekends, during service disruptions, emergencies, or major public initiatives. - Employment will transition from the City of Charlotte to the Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA) on January 1, 2027. SELECTION PROCESS - Standard application review. - Candidates may be asked to take a skills test and/or participate in other assessments during the selection process. - Final candidates must successfully complete background checks and pre-employment drug/physical screenings. HOW TO APPLY - Apply online via the City of Charlotte careers portal. - Self-service application kiosks are available at the Human Resources Department lobby (700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202), Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays. - For questions about the application or hiring process, email Careers@ci.charlotte.nc.us. - Reasonable accommodations for the application process can be requested via the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or by calling 704.336.4120. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City of Charlotte (Charlotte Area Transit System Department) - Job Type: Full time - Job Requisition ID: JR104474 - Location: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, Charlotte, NC - Closing Date: September 30, 2026 - Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package provided by the City of Charlotte (transitioning to MPTA provisions in 2027). - The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug and alcohol-free workplace.