Manager, Communications

Job Overview

Under the general direction of the Assistant Vice President of Communications, assists in the development and execution of strategic communications plans both internally and externally, including but not limited to the Airport’s earned, owned and paid channels to expand and improve the reputation of DFW among employees, customers and stakeholders and achieve the goals and key results, according to the strategic plan. Collaborates with other department leaders to refine and enhance communications tactics that strengthen DFW Airport’s reputation within the industry, the surrounding communities and around the world. Leads, refines and plays an active role in crisis planning and response, providing 24/7 support. Leads and develops direct reports and others in the department to enhance communications tactics.

Principal Duties And Responsibilities

• Develops and implements both internal and external communications strategies to favorably position DFW Airport and proactively advance the Airport’s image in the region, the industry and world-wide market.
• Collaborates within the department and across the airport to develop and execute communications plans that reach the appropriate audiences in a coordinated fashion through multiple owned, earned and paid channels.
• Conceives and develops internal and external strategic communications plans and programs, outlining goals, key audiences, stakeholders, objectives, recommended channels, expected results, metrics for success and timelines for corporate initiatives, advancing DFW Airport’s reputation and engagement with employees, customers, stakeholders, business partners and Tier One media around the world.
• Serves as a brand manager to help ensure all communications efforts maintain brand integrity, coordinating messages for consistency throughout the organization.
• Drafts and edits speeches, presentations, news releases, social media content, internal communications content, and other communications assets as assigned.
• Develops and manages internal and external communications initiatives as assigned.
• Manages and directs outside vendors, including budget, deliverables and deadlines.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with employees, customers and stakeholders, including Board members, community partners and media.
• Performs duties as an Airport spokesperson.
• Collaborates with other department leaders to provide proactive leadership, develops direct reports and others in the department to refine and enhance communications and marketing tactics that strengthen DFW Airport’s reputation within the industry, the surrounding communities and around the world.
• Prioritizes, drafts copy, conceptualizes creative content, social media content and other communications assets as assigned.
• Provides functional expertise to group and brands and overseeing external relations on a corporate level.

INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

• Directs and implements internal communication plans and leads the day-to-day internal communications strategies, including the development of DFW’s intranet, digital signs, executive communications, emails and other channels for employees.
• Collaborates with other department leaders to provide proactive leadership, develop direct reports and others in the department to refine and enhance internal communications tactics that strengthen DFW Airport’s reputation.
• Drafts and edits internal presentations, all internal communications content and other communications as assigned such as Town Hall events.
• Maintains, updates and implements the Airport’s internal communications policies.
• Develops strategic internal communications and plans and programs, outlining goals, for the DFW Airport workforce. The role will recommend channels, expected results, metrics for success and timelines for corporate initiatives, advancing DFW Airport’s reputation and engagement with employees
• Oversee video script and production as part of “storytelling to employees” with all available video assets.
• Leads, refines, and plays an active role in crisis planning and response, providing 24/7 support with a focus on employee communications.
• Manages corporate communications initiatives as assigned

EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

• Directs and implements external communication plans and leads the day-to-day media relations, acting as a spokesperson.
• Leads, develops and refines the Airport’s crisis communications planning and response, coordinating messaging and content through all owned, earned and paid channels to protect and promote the Airport’s brand to all audiences. On-call 24/7 for activations of the Emergency Operations Center, leading the efforts for all internal and external communications.
• Develops external communications strategies, with an emphasis on reaching local, national and international audiences through owned and earned channels.
• Maintains, updates and implements the Airport’s media relations and crisis communications plans.
• Establishes relationships with local, national and international media to enhance the reputation of the Airport through proactive and reactive news stories.
• Oversees and leverages the management of key media partnerships and media relations.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, communications or a related field.
• Six (6) years of experience in journalism, corporate communications, public relations, marketing or related field with responsibility for managing strategic internal and/or external communication, developing communication programs and producing and supervising corporate annual reports and other publications.
• Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be substituted for the above.
• Possession of a valid Class C driver’s license.

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Ability to plan, manage and develop corporate brand, image, and public relations programs in order to raise awareness and positive perception of the Airport’s reputation
• Demonstrated track record of conducting successful, proactive communication and marketing programs that employ creativity and use of a variety of platforms, channels and media.
• Ability to work well under pressure and with shifting priorities.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in cross-functional teams.
• Ability to conceptualize creative marketing assets that can be used across multiple channels
• Understanding of marketing fundamentals, including the analyses of data and audience research
• Superior business writing, editing and presentation skills.
• Strong management and project management skills.
• Skill in the use of computer word processing, spreadsheet and communication tools.
• Must be proactive, resourceful and independent with proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong writing skills with familiarity of AP Style

DESIRABLE

• Ability to write and speak Spanish.
• Familiarity with SharePoint as an intranet platform.
• Experience with national and international media relations.
• Airline, airport or aviation experience preferred.
• Previous experience in an integrated marketing/communications department.
• Graphic design, photography or video skills.

About Us

We are Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport-one of the most successful airports in the world by any definition. We are recognized for our innovation, leadership, drive for excellence and talented employees.

Our success is made possible because of the diverse talents of over 2,100 employees who champion our mission of providing an exceptional airport experience to our customers and connect our community to the world. We are looking for the best talent to join us and help reimagine what an airport can be.

Bring your talents to DFW. Live and work with purpose.