City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Airport Communications Officer

Under general direction, this position is responsible for setting and guiding the strategy for all communications, website, and public relations messages to clearly and consistently articulate and support the mission of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). This position is responsible for all internal communications; external communications with media and the public; marketing and advertising campaigns and materials; and supervision and direction of AUS communications staff.

1. Develops and oversees implementation of an integrated organizational communications plan, aligning AUS campaigns, publications, social media, and events with organizational strategic objectives.
2. Supports strategic initiatives of AUS and the senior AUS team through communications programs.
3. Leads the generation of online content that engages audience segments and leads to measurable action. Decides who, where, and when to disseminate.
4. Puts communication vehicles in place to create momentum and awareness and to test the effectiveness of communications activities.
5. Manages the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including, newsletters, brochures, and the AUS website.
6. Mentors and leads the team responsible for AUS website development, maintenance, and administration. Ensures that new information (article links, stories, and events) is posted regularly and is consistent with AUS mission, vision, and brand.
7. Tracks and measures the level of engagement over time and take steps to build engagement.
8. Collaborates throughout AUS with program staff in developing communications (e.g., letters, memos, and announcements) for employees, customers, community partners, vendors and contractors, and other audiences.

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws, ordinances, policies.
• Knowledge of management practices and principles.
• Knowledge of strategic communications planning
• Knowledge of journalistic writing and editing techniques.
• Knowledge of marketing and promotion of products and events.
• Knowledge of budgeting methods and systems.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in managing conflict and uncertain situations.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the media, the public and staff.
• Skill in collecting, analyzing and interpreting applicable research data.
• Ability to take knowledge and transform it into exciting and useful messages, and disseminate it to the right audiences through the best distribution channels.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to collaborate with a wide variety of colleagues and stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze and resolve irregular events.
• Ability to interact positively and effectively with elected officials; AUS leadership; managers; Local, State, and Federal agency representatives; contractors; tenants; media representatives; foreign and domestic dignitaries; passengers; and members of the public from widely diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Communication, Journalism, Public Information, or a related field, plus six (6) years of experience in public information activities, including two (2) years of experience which were in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field may substitute for non-lead or non-supervisory experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.