Job Overview
Under the direction of the Vice President of Communications and Marketing, the Assistant Vice President of Communications is responsible for the development of a cohesive communication strategy for both internal and external channels. This includes coordinating crisis management communications as they surface. Accountable for the internal and public reputation of the Airport. Ultimately responsible for all forms of media relations, including press releases and media advisories. Oversee content development for all employee communications, including digital campaigns, print materials, and email. Collaborates with the Marketing and Community Engagement teams to promote products and services for airfield, terminal, and non-airline revenues, achieving goals and key results according to the Airport’s strategic plan. Oversees budgets and manages relationships with department leadership, third parties and creative agencies.
What you will be doing:
- Leads, manages, and develops a team of communications professionals and external agency partners to develop strategies and tactics that improve the DFW Airport brand reputation among employees, customers, and stakeholders.
- Collaborates with other department leaders to proactively develop coordinated, integrated messaging and content across multiple channels to achieve the Airport’s strategic objectives.
- Oversees the management and leveraging of key media partnerships and media relations. Develops and maintains positive professional relationships with various members of the media.
- Develops external communications strategies, with an emphasis on reaching local, national, and international audiences through owned and earned channels.
- Develops internal communications strategies, with an emphasis on the integration of singular messaging through print, digital and executive communications channels.
- Leads, develops, and refines the Airport’s crisis communications planning and response, coordinating messaging and content through all owned, earned, and paid channels to protect and promote the Airport’s brand to all audiences. On-call 24/7 for activations of the Emergency Operations Center, leading the efforts for all internal and external communications.
- If required, acts as corporate spokesperson, and responds to members of the media in a timely manner; composes and distributes press releases as needed.
- Ultimately accountable for reviewing and ensuring the quality of all pieces of internal and external communications content. Strives for constant improvement in the writing process to enhance the results of messaging.
- Directs staff in development & implementation of long-range and short-term communications efforts; develops strategic plans and measures results, revising the plans accordingly.
- Oversees financial planning, budgeting, and expense forecasting for the Communications department, coordinating with other department leaders.
What you need:
- Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, integrated communications, marketing, international business, or a related field.
- Seven (7) years of experience in corporate communications or public relations.
- Five (5) years of supervisory experience.
- Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be substituted for the above.
- Possession of a valid Class C driver’s license.
Required knowledge, skills and abilities:
- A proven ability to lead effective working relationships with key peers and stakeholders.
- Strong knowledge of media landscape, industry publications and news outlets that reach DFW Airport’s key audiences.
- Proven multichannel editorial and narrative skills; ability to align messaging across channels.
- Strong attention to detail and deadlines; ability to drive projects forward and to completion.
- Ability to lead and inspire creative communications strategies and tactics across a department and throughout multiple layers of an organization.
- Knowledge of employee communications strategies and tactics, with an emphasis on compensation and benefits.
- Proven experience with crisis planning and response for national or international brands.
- Demonstrated understanding of integrated communications and marketing strategies across digital and traditional platforms
- Must demonstrate executive presence and credibility.
- Ability to implement strategies and tactics to reach annual goals and objectives.
- Demonstrated skill in the research and preparation of reports and recommendations.
- Ability to apply standard techniques of research and analysis to a wide range of communications programs.
- Ability to supervise the work of professional and administrative personnel.
- Ability to prepare clear, concise correspondence and written reports from data using good business vocabulary and proper grammar and construction.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Special requirements:
- Must obtain a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Airport Identification/Access Badge (badge) in accordance with Department of Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requirements in Chapter 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 1500 et al., and DFW Airport’s Airport Security Program within thirty (30) days from date of employment and maintain qualification for a SIDA badge upon each badge renewal.
What we desire:
- Master’s degree in Business Administration, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
- Knowledge of commercial aviation industry and existing relationships with airline communications or marketing staff.
- Experience in international marketing or communications.
About Us
We are Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport-one of the most successful airports in the world by any definition. We are recognized for our innovation, leadership, drive for excellence and talented employees.
Our success is made possible because of the diverse talents of over 2,100 employees who champion our mission of providing an exceptional airport experience to our customers and connect our community to the world. We are looking for the best talent to join us and help reimagine what an airport can be.
Bring your talents to DFW. Live and work with purpose.