Full-Time Public Relations Specialist

METROPOLITAN KNOXVILLE AIRPORT AUTHORITY

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA) was established in 1978 as a nonprofit agency to own and operate the city's aviation system, McGhee Tyson Airport and Downtown Island Airport, and has recently celebrated a full 87-years of service to the East Tennessee area.  Being centrally located within a one day's drive or a few hours flight from major cities, MKAA continues to be integral to the air transportation system. If you are interested in helping contribute to the future success of the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Downtown Island Airport (DKX), please read further.  

The Position

On behalf of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA), our Public Relations Specialist is responsible for performing routine tasks within the field of Public Relations and Graphic Design, including but not limited to, the development of strategic communication efforts in the areas of employee, community, traditional, and social media. 

Responsibilities

• Serves as a point-of-contact for any customer service issues occurring in the terminal, received by phone, or online.
• Monitors aviation and airport trends to anticipate passenger travel needs and improve the “passenger experience.” Works with the department leadership to implement proactive programs in order to anticipate customer service requests.
• Writes, edits, and designs materials for all MKAA internal and external communication channels (ex. Managing photo/video shoots, social media posts, press releases, articles, speeches, presentations, etc.).
• Brainstorms, designs, and creates concepts for advertisements, promotional flyers, etc., that include charts, graphs, infographics, illustrations, and other artwork through graphic design software. (i.e. Adobe Suite, or other)
• Leads and assists in all aspects of special event planning and implementation. 
• Serves as a representative of the MKAA to the community, through active community outreach opportunities, attending community events, hosting airport tours and groups, etc.
• Creates and implements public relation strategies to support airport/tenant initiatives in order to maintain a favorable public image. Seeks out new and innovative ways to increase awareness of all airport brands, while tracking and evaluating engagement with target audiences.
• Serves as back-up to the Airport Authority spokesperson during normal operations and crisis situations by working with all media outlets, including television, radio, news articles, and social media. When on-call, responds to inquiries from the public, news media, community organizations, and governmental agencies. Writes and distributes press releases and media advisories to local and national media outlets, and assists Board Members and airport leadership in preparing for media interviews, and writing speeches.
• Responsible for the updating of all Public Relations lists, including but not limited to, media lists, email distribution lists, employee/tenant lists, community lists, etc.
• Performs related work as required.

The Ideal Candidate

He or she should have the ability to react quickly to solve practical problems with a variety of variables, be an innovative thinker, manage time wisely and prioritize deadlines, be able to multi-task and adapt while working well under pressure.  Effective in verbal and written communication, this candidate should be an active listener who has experience in customer service, be able to develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, experienced in networking and public speaking, and have the ability to monitor industry and technology trends.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, graphic design software (i.e. Adobe Suite), email distribution platforms, traditional and social media listening platforms, social media campaign management, website management, content management software systems, and website analytic software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in public relations or communications; and 1-3 year's experience in public relations, internal and external communications, and website and social media management.  

Salary and Compensation:

The salary range for this position is $50,774.53 – $66,006.89, depends on experience (DOE).  MKAA offers a very competitive benefits package for this position, including medical/dental/vision benefits, disability/life insurance, vacation leave, sick leave, and a 401(a)-retirement program. 

Application Deadline: 

For best consideration, apply by Sunday, March 30, 2025.  Position open until filled.

Please apply through this website (preferred), or mail resume to P.O. Box 15600 | Knoxville, TN 37901 | Attention: HR.  Applications must be received by the stated deadline or postmarked by the deadline date to be considered. No phone calls or emails please.

Applicants must submit ALL the following in order to be considered: Official Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority Application or resume (Applicants submitting resumes must submit a completed signed copy of the MKAA application prior to being interviewed).

Selection Process:

Applications (and additional documents, if applicable) will be reviewed to identify applicants whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority.  Employment process includes a security background check and physical (if applicable), which includes drug testing.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a long-term basis.

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority conducts random employee drug screening.

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Salary : $50,775 - $66,007