Senior Manager Marketing

ABOUT THE ROLE The Senior Manager of Marketing serves as the senior leader responsible for the strategy, execution, and performance of the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) marketing and promotional functions. Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Communications, this role provides leadership for marketing programs supporting ridership growth, fare initiatives, brand awareness, and customer engagement. The position holds accountability for both strategic direction and operational execution, directly overseeing marketing staff while establishing systems and processes to support future organizational scaling. CATS is currently transitioning to the newly created Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA). Employees hired into this role will remain City employees through December 31, 2026, and will transition to MPTA employment on January 1, 2027, with no break in service. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Provide strategic leadership for marketing programs supporting ridership growth, fare initiatives, and service awareness. - Lead development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns across digital, print, broadcast, and community channels. - Establish and maintain brand standards, messaging frameworks, and visual identity guidelines. - Develop and oversee marketing strategies supporting fare programs, promotions, and service initiatives. - Establish performance metrics, analyze engagement data, and prepare reports to guide decision-making. - Provide direct supervision of marketing staff and build scalable systems for future organizational growth. - Collaborate with Communications, Customer Service, Operations, Planning, and Finance teams to ensure alignment. - Develop and manage marketing budgets and oversee procurement and contract administration for vendors. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, business administration, public administration, or a related field. - Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, branding, or promotional program management (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). - Preferred: Master's degree in marketing, business administration, or public administration; demonstrated experience leading marketing programs with performance accountability; staff management experience; public-sector, transit, or transportation experience; experience supporting fare programs or managing marketing vendors. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. - Must pass a comprehensive background check, which may include reference, education, criminal conviction, credit history, sex offender registry, and motor vehicle records checks. - Work is primarily in a professional office environment but may require extended periods of sitting, occasional travel, and work beyond normal business hours, including weekends, during major campaigns. SELECTION PROCESS - 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, drug screening, and a physical examination prior to employment. HOW TO APPLY - Apply online through 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 (open Monday-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 (CATS) - Department: Charlotte Area Transit System Department - Job Requisition ID: JR104475 - Job Type: Full time - Location: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, Charlotte, NC - Closing Date: September 30, 2026 - Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package provided. - Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Charlotte does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or gender expression.