Director, Corporate Communications and Media Relations
hace 3 días
New York
Job Description Chaloner has partnered with The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on the search for a Director, Corporate Communications and Media Relations to join their team. Background The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) manages and maintains airports, bridges, tunnels, bus terminals, PATH, seaports, and the World Trade Center campus, all of which are critical to the metropolitan New York-New Jersey region's trade and transportation capabilities. It is the mission of the PANYNJ to keep the region moving – by ensuring seamless, safe, and reliable transit access for millions of commuters and travelers, by ensuring the efficient transfer of goods to the region and beyond, and by turning the vision of world-class, 21st century infrastructure assets into a reality. While the demand for our facilities is higher than ever and the challenges are incredibly complex, our diverse skill set, expertise, and sheer will yield the solutions the region depends upon to continue to thrive and strengthen its economic competitiveness. Corporate Communications & Media Relations Department Functional Oversight The Port Authority is looking for an expert in corporate communications and media relations who has experience in integrated storytelling and driving media strategies in complex organizations. The right candidate will know how to use communications strategy, tactics, and new tools to advance the agency's objectives and enhance its reputation as not simply a regional transportation leader, but as an organization whose scale and scope know few equals and that has dedicated itself to a 21st century customer experience. This is a key role within the Communications team, working closely with leaders across the agency to support its $40B 10-year capital plan and all issues that impact the organization's reputation. This position reports to the Chief Communications Officer. This individual will manage the media relations team and be hands-on with media across the entire organization, including all lines of business: 24/7 operations, Aviation, Port, Rail, Tunnels, Bridges & Terminals, and the World Trade Center campus, as well as Security functions. They will lead with a proactive approach, entrepreneurial attitude, and a high level of comfort interacting with, building trust with, and persuading key external and internal partners. This leader will leverage these skills to advocate on behalf of the Port Authority, translating messages into communications across new and established channels alike, positioning the organization as a responsive, customer-focused transportation leader, and playing a key role in driving the organization's narrative externally. They will manage a team of nine and will be tasked with evolving the communications function into a modern, integrated operation, leveraging emerging tools and platforms while bringing staff along through the change. Success will require both strong people management and a forward-thinking approach to resource allocation, budget stewardship, and portfolio strategy. Major Responsibilities • Support the development and lead the implementation of short- and long-term communications strategies, plans, tactics, and metrics, including a multi-faceted media strategy., • Develop rich content to advance the agency's narrative on organizational activity, with a strong focus on proactive storytelling., • Champion the exploration and adoption of modern storytelling technologies, including video production, multimedia content, and AI tools, fostering a culture of experimentation and innovation within the communications team., • Lead and enhance the agency's rapid response function during both breaking news and emergency scenarios to deliver clear and accurate information to key stakeholders., • Strategically evaluate communications opportunities for senior business leaders to reinforce and communicate the organization's position on key topics., • Create and maintain a feedback loop on key external issues to inform the narrative and manage communications risk., • Liaise with partners and affiliates on media relations strategy and messaging., • Lead communications for the agency across various forms of media, including cultivation and management of relationships with traditional and online outlets., • Serve as senior spokesperson on a wide variety of topics., • Prepare summaries of media activity for senior management and develop new metrics for assessing the overall impact of positive and negative coverage., • Manage, mentor, and develop junior and mid-level talent; identify skills gaps and appropriate mitigation strategies, including recruiting fresh talent and repositioning roles as necessary, to build a best-in-class media relations team. Required Qualifications Candidates must present the following qualifications to be considered eligible for this position: • 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in media relations, public relations, corporate communications, or a related field, including a minimum of five years of leadership and management experience., • A track record of progressive leadership growth, with demonstrated success in taking on expanded responsibility and building and evolving high-performing teams., • Proven experience working with a broad range of media outlets and securing coverage across platforms, backed by a strong command of the evolving digital media landscape., • A forward-thinking approach to communications, with experience suggesting, testing, and implementing video and other digital storytelling tools, and an openness to exploring how AI can enhance and modernize the team's work., • Demonstrated success leading, developing, and inspiring diverse teams, with a consistent record of building cohesive, high-performing cultures., • Proven ability to navigate complex, political environments while building consensus, managing conflict, and fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholders., • Ability to effectively collaborate with executive-level business partners while maintaining independence and objectivity., • Ability to manage both the strategic direction of the function and the tactical execution of strategy, including problem-solving day-to-day emergencies. Desired Qualifications • Established relationships across a broad range of New York and New Jersey media outlets, including traditional and digital outlets, podcasts, and social media influencers relevant to the agency's audiences., • A dynamic and current social media portfolio, with fluency in emerging platforms, content trends, and influencer engagement strategies., • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, with a consistent record of delivering quality work under pressure., • Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to manage shifting priorities, meet competing deadlines, and maintain quality across a high volume of work., • Sharp analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills., • A collaborative, relationship-driven style with a demonstrated ability to work effectively across all levels of an organization., • Superior written and oral communication skills, with demonstrated experience preparing and delivering presentation materials to senior leadership and executive audiences., • Comfort and availability managing issues and responding to emerging situations outside of traditional business hours, in keeping with the 24/7 nature of the agency's work., • A Bachelor's degree is required, with a Master's degree preferred; advanced study in communications, journalism, public policy, government, marketing, or a related field is strongly desired at either level. Compensation & Benefits The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement. Click here for more information about benefits, our culture, and career development opportunities. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey anticipates that the actual salary offered to a successful candidate will depend on aspects such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and internal factors. The expected compensation range for this role is: • Minimum: $215,000, • Midpoint: $222,500, • Maximum: $230,000 In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits employees to work remotely a maximum of one day per week, subject to operational and business needs. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey/Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Interested candidates should apply by using the application form. Chaloner will review all applicants and, upon qualification, contact you to determine next steps.