Senior Communications Strategist

Who We Are The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) is a public agency with the mission to create new and better ways to move and connect people. The RTA partners with transit providers, communities, companies, and citizens to create a vision for public transit – what it can be, what it can do, what we can achieve with it – and to bring that vision to life. By exploring new strategies to improve transit coverage and service, secure and oversee funding, and increase accessibility to transit offerings, the RTA plays a crucial role in unleashing our region’s boundless potential. Our 10-member board is appointed for three-year terms by the Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne county executives, the chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, the Mayor of Detroit, and the Governor of Michigan. The Governor's appointee serves as a non-voting chair. The RTA was established by the state Public Act 387 in 2012. The RTA oversees the operation of the QLINE streetcar system in Detroit. Our Mission: Creating new and better ways to move and connect people. Our Vision: A Southeast Michigan where advances in transit create greater prosperity for all. RTA’s Values Creativity – bringing innovative thinking to enhance the transit experience. Empathy – understanding how we can help improve lives across the region. Opportunity – leading the way to the future of transit in Southeast Michigan. Learn more at We’re The RTA. Get On Board. About This Role The Communications Strategist is responsible for developing and executing strategic communications initiatives that enhance the Regional Transit Authority's visibility, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and advance the organization's mission. This position serves as the lead coordinator for social media strategy, digital content development, agency newsletter publication, and editorial writing for the RTA and its family of brands: D2A2, DAX, QLINE and TransitApp. The ideal candidate is an exceptional storyteller who can translate complex information into engaging content for diverse audiences. They will manage the organization's social media presence, produce feature stories for publication, cultivate industry relationships, and ensure all communications reflect a consistent brand voice and strategic message. You will join a team of driven and dedicated leaders committed to enhancing regional transit across Metro Detroit’s communities, connecting people to where they need and want to go. The Senior Communications Strategist will operate in a professional office environment and maintain a hybrid remote-and-in-office presence consistent with RTA policies and organizational needs. This position requires occasional local and regional travel to attend meetings, community events, stakeholder engagements, and outreach activities. The role may also require evening and weekend work to support board meetings, public events, media opportunities, emergency communications, and other organizational priorities. The employee may occasionally be required to lift or transport materials weighing up to 25 pounds and set up or break down materials for community events or public meetings. Primary Responsibilities Strategic Communications Develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies that support organizational goals and priorities connected to the RTA Strategic Plan. Manage social media plans, editorial calendars, and transit-related marketing campaign strategies. Identify opportunities to elevate the organization's visibility through earned, owned, and shared marketing and media opportunities. Raise the organization’s visibility among key stakeholders, including policymakers, funders, community leaders, and the general public. Provide communications counsel and support to internal departments, RTA leadership and regional-wide transit service providers. The ability to solve and respond to transit-related crisis situations that require immediate attention during peak and off-peak windows of time. Social Media Management Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of social media campaigns across multiple platforms, including LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and emerging channels. Increase audience engagement across social media channels. Develop engaging content, including posts, graphics, videos, reels, and stories. Manage content calendars and coordinate posting schedules. Monitor analytics and prepare performance reports with recommendations for continuous improvement. Respond to audience engagement and ensure timely, professional online interactions. Stay current on social media trends, platform updates, and best practices. News Writing and Publication Development Research, write, edit, and publish news articles, feature stories, op-eds, blogs, newsletters, and organizational publications. Develop and execute a high-visibility communications framework for executive leadership positioning that leads to a trusted and influential industry voice Conduct interviews with staff, stakeholders, partners, and community members to develop compelling stories. Produce publication-ready content that meets journalistic standards, AP Style, and organizational brand requirements. Collaborate with subject matter experts to translate technical information into accessible, engaging content. Maintain a content pipeline that highlights organizational accomplishments, initiatives, and community impact. Digital Content and Brand Management Ensure a consistent voice, tone, and visual identity across all communications platforms. Coordinate written website content and digital storytelling initiatives. Collaborate with graphic designers, photographers, and videographers to produce high-quality content. Maintain brand standards and messaging guidelines. Stakeholder and Community Communications Support outreach and engagement efforts with community partners, government officials, business leaders, stakeholders, and the transit community. Develop communications materials for events, public meetings, presentations, and campaigns. Promote organizational initiatives and community impact through strategic storytelling. Leadership and Project Management Manage communications projects from concept through execution. Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors to deliver communications products on schedule. Build rapport with department colleagues, teams and volunteers to produce high-level content that captures each sector's voice and vision. Establish workflows and editorial processes that improve efficiency and quality. Other duties as assigned Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling skills. Strong understanding of AP Style and journalistic practices. Expertise in social media strategy, analytics, and content management. Ability to write for multiple audiences and communication channels. Knowledge of media relations and public affairs practices. Proficiency with content management systems, email marketing platforms, and social media management tools such as Hootsuite and Mailer Lite. #J-18808-Ljbffr