Director Media Relations and Content

Job Description

Metro is seeking a dynamic Director Media Relations and Content to guide and execute our day-to-day external communications strategy. In this critical role, you will oversee daily media relations and social media operations, developing strategic communication initiatives that emphasize our commitment to system safety and service reliability. Expertise in crisis communications will be essential during service disruptions, ensuring timely and effective communication. As a leader, you will manage a talented team and spearhead impactful campaigns for key initiatives while mentoring your team to thrive in a fast-paced environment. If you have a proven track record in public relations, exceptional writing skills, and a passion for storytelling, apply now!

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public affairs, public relations
  
  

Experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years' experience in public relations, communications, public affairs, media relations, and/or media management to include:
• At least three (3) years' experience managing teams of people and cross-departmental projects.
• Experience in developing and executing successful communication strategies and campaigns.
  

Certification/Licensure

• N/A
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree
• Former transit experience and/or in-depth knowledge of Metro.
  
  

Medical Group

Satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodations.

Summary

The Director Media Relations and Content oversees and manages the day-to-day responsibilities of Metro's external communications strategy, which includes media relations and all social media channels. The incumbent is a seasoned professional with proven experience in media relations, crisis communications, people management, and digital content strategy. The Director supports the Vice President of Communications and is tasked with developing and implementing strategic communication initiatives that enhance Metro's reputation, promote service excellence, and effectively convey key messages to internal and external stakeholders in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

The Director of Media Relations and Content plays a critical role in shaping Metro's narrative and ensuring effective communication with all publics, ultimately contributing to the organization's growth and brand affinity within the region.

Job Duties

• Develops and leads comprehensive communications programs that articulate Metro's mission and values, focusing on enhancing public support for ridership and regional transit priorities. Ensures messaging highlights progress in critical policy areas such as safety, reliability, and financial stewardship.
• Directs all media relations activities and manage an active media team with rotating 24-hour on-call responsibilities. Leads the communications response during service disruptions or emergencies and demonstrate appropriate levels of sensitivity and discretion when responding to incidents in real time.
• Spearheads the creation of high-impact communications campaigns for priority initiatives, including key policy matters, talent recruitment, and customer experience enhancements, in alignment with directives from the Vice President of Communications and the Senior Executive Team.
• Actively monitors social media and owned channels for positive and negative sentiment, ensuring proactively response strategies are executed and implemented in a timely manner.
• Tracks technology and industry trends, helping to galvanize adoption around emerging platforms to keep Metro relevant.
• Leads communications and social media planning by collaborating with internal and external partners.
• Fosters strong relationships with internal departments to coordinate media relations and social media activities, including press conferences, interviews, and subject matter expert positioning, ensuring a cohesive and strategic approach to extending Metro's narrative.
• Advises and prepares the General Manager, Senior Executive Team, and subject-matter experts for media engagements, ensuring they are equipped with key messages and talking points to maximize positive coverage.
  
  

Other Duties

• Advises and prepares the General Manager, Senior Executive Team, and subject-matter experts for media engagements, ensuring they are equipped with key messages and talking points to maximize positive coverage.
• Oversees the research, writing, and editing of a wide range of communication materials, including press releases, talking points, social media content, and media kits. Ensure that all materials align with Metro's strategic objectives and messaging.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of media-related coverage and social media campaigns across various channels, utilizing data and insights to refine communication strategies and enhance overall impact.
• Leverages technology and digital platforms to disseminate news and updates related to Metro across all owned channels, ensuring timely and accurate communication to stakeholders.
• Cultivates and maintains professional relationships with reporters and media outlets to establish credibility and foster fair coverage of issues critical to Metro.
• Identifies, monitors, and tracks key social media accounts.
• Provides mentorship and guidance to a team of direct reports in both media relations and digital communications functions.
• Maintains and promotes awareness and accountability with safety policies and procedures while performing job functions. Promotes a positive safety culture and encourages reporting of safety concerns consistent with our Agency Safety Plan, other regulatory requirements within the Safety Management System and just culture principles.
  
  

The functions listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Evaluation Criteria

Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.

Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:

• Skills and/or behavioral assessment
• Personal interview
• Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
• Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
• Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
• Review of a current motor vehicle report
  
  

Closing

WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.

This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.