Director of Marketing and Communications

Date Opened: Thursday, April 17, 2025 12:00 AM

Close Date: Friday, April 25, 2025 12:00 AM

Department: Charlotte Area Transit System Department

Marketing

Salary: $114,225.74 - $142,782.18 Commensurate with Experience

SUMMARY

The Director of Marketing and Communications leads and manages CATS' public relations, advertising, marketing, community relations, public outreach, and promotional activities. This is accomplished by planning, coordinating and overseeing the implementation of multi-media advertising campaigns, promotions, special events and public information programs; negotiating and purchasing media advertisements; overseeing the design and development of print materials and publications; overseeing the development and maintenance of the CATS website, web-based media and social media programs; writing news releases, articles and other print materials; conducting market research; organizing special events and outreach activities; manage all media relations and communications; represent the CATS as primary spokesperson; attend external events and activities; conducting presentations to internal and external audiences; advising and providing recommendations to Executive Leadership Team and Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) as they relate to CATS media and public information strategies.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute high-performing marketing and communications plans to achieve higher transit ridership levels.
• Lead and empower a high-performing, innovative marketing and communications team, ensuring alignment with CATS's broader vision and strategic goals.
• Directs and sets departmental communication, media plans, marketing plans, and procedures to goals and objectives to ensure goal achievement.
• Directs the development and implementation of agency-wide marketing and communications programs designed to communicate CATS services, expand ridership, and create and maintain a favorable understanding of public transportation and community-wide awareness of transit issues.  Develops, shapes, and disseminates the agency’s messages to various audiences using different approaches.
• Identify challenges and emerging issues the organization faces, working with the leadership team and staff to recognize internal and external marketing and communications opportunities and solutions, and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.
• Provides leadership to the Marketing and Communications department; selects, trains, motivates, and directs department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability, and conformance with department standards; conducts performance evaluations; works with employees on performance issues provides constructive feedback on performance and behaviors; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
• Develops, directs, and oversees the implementation of strategies, goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department.
• Directs, develops and coordinates the overall work plan of the department; contributes to the department’s service quality through the development and implementation of policies and procedures to meet legal requirements, organizational needs and strategic objectives; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency, and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
• Manages, develops, and administers the department's annual budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for initiatives, projects, staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring of, and approves expenditures; directs and implements adjustments, as needed.
• Oversees the planning, development, and implementation of marketing and communications, community engagement, and public involvement strategies for planning and capital projects.  Ensures compliance with government standards under the ADA and Title VI for Limited English Proficiency.
• Engages customers by directing the development and execution of sound marketing, communications, and customer service strategies based on market and consumer research.
• Ensures consistency and clarity of external communications messaging across CATS channels and platforms, partnering with key stakeholders to develop marketing, communication, and customer service plans
• Ensures that the brand identity, messaging, marketing, and communications strategy are incorporated through all CATS assets and channels and develops compelling brand strategies that support the CATS goals and objectives.
• Directs the development and implementation of the CATS social media strategy and expan