Communications Manager

Manager, Communications

First review of applications will begin July 17, 2026; weekly thereafter until filled. Purpose of Role: The Manager, Communications shapes the agency's public image and internal and external narratives. This position develops and executes communication strategies in alignment with agency/CEO/Board priorities, oversees media relations, manages crisis communications, leverages digital and social platforms, and builds brand awareness and affinity. Leads the Public Information and Operations Communications staff, reporting to the Chief, Marketing & Communications and working alongside peers in Marketing and Community Engagement, and as a key support to member communities and internal departments who provide and build transit service across our vast region.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field and five (5) years of experience, and two (2) years of lead or supervisory experience in:

• Public information and crisis communication management
• Media relations and spokesperson responsibilities
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job, such as those listed above
• Additional education cannot be substituted for experience

Human Resources reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to the selection process Licensing/Certification Requirements: A valid Arizona Driver's License with an acceptable driving record upon hire.

Examples of Duties / Knowledge & Skills

The following functions are intended to provide a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of this position and are not an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed.

• Serve as the primary spokesperson on behalf of the Agency and liaison to various internal and external customers and stakeholders; responsible for cultivating media contacts and stories; coordinate and prepare agency messaging and talking points; support CEO and Board initiatives and their activation in community and PR activities.
• Oversee and manage Agency representation on various media platforms as well as a regular cadence of positive public relations activities, including developing storytelling content, media pitches and stories, and marketing materials for digital, video and print publication for both internal and external audiences.
• Manage Agency reputation and market position, including responding to and managing crisis communications, passenger communication and notification systems that provide real-time service information, and focusing on customer experience initiatives.
• Collaborates with member cities and is of service to internal departments to ensure agency messaging is consistent, serves regional needs and priorities, and stays ahead of the curve through proactive planning and innovation.
• Supervise and oversee the daily operations of the assigned area by setting goals and objectives, managing schedules and work priorities, monitoring and evaluating performance, facilitating access to resources and training, providing guidance and addressing issues, conducting interviews and making hiring decisions.
• Manage operations for a department to develop, enhance or sustain quality services by providing budget and program oversight; resolve complex issues; and develop and communicate department and individual expectations, policies, procedures and short-term operational plans.
• Oversee and manage the department budget and contract manage key service contracts.
• Complete special projects as assigned.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

Required Knowledge & Skills: Knowledge of:

• Advanced application of management principles and practices.
• Extensive understanding of crisis communication and reputation management theories.
• Comprehensive knowledge of spokesperson and media relations processes.
• Detailed awareness of public information program oversight methodologies.
• In-depth comprehension of content development for multi-platform use.
• Advanced understanding of public relations campaign planning practices.
• Extensive familiarity with stakeholder and media liaison management processes.
• Using a computer and related software.

Skill in:

• Managing 24/7 public information and communications operations and staff.
• Writing and delivering effective and accurate public communications content.
• Cultivating media relationships and managing spokesperson roles.
• Effectively responding to crises and conducting incident communication.
• Overseeing multi-platform public relations campaigns and tools.
• Conducting presentations and public speaking, representing Valley Metro within the community.
• Leading special projects and interdepartmental coordination.
• Communication and interpersonal skills to exchange information, collaborate with peers and receive work direction.
• Proactive, strategic planning paired with analytics and reporting.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

Work is performed in a typical office setting with routine use of standard office equipment. This role is sedentary, requiring the physical exertion of up to 10 lbs. occasionally or negligible weights frequently; sitting most of the time. This role typically requires sitting, handling, fine dexterity, visual acuity, hearing, speaking, walking, standing, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, twisting, foot controls, time pressure, tedious or exacting work, changing of tasks, multi-tasking, irregular work schedule/overtime, and working with others on a team. Valley Metro is a Drug-Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Health Care Benefits

Effective on the first of the month following date of hire, benefited employees will be eligible for health coverage.

•Medical/Vision/Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Insurance

•Dental Insurance

•Life/AD&D Insurance

•Short Term Disability Insurance

Retirement Plans

•Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)

•457 Deferred Compensation Plan (Optional)

Holiday Pay

•Paid Holidays

Optional/Additional Benefits

•Voluntary Life Insurance

•Flexible Spending Account

•Tuition Assistance

•Free Employee Bus/Light Rail Card