GENERAL SUMMARY:
Responsible for directing and overseeing the activities of personnel engaged in public and media relations, social media, stakeholder and executive communication for Dallas Area Rapid Transit. Serves as agency spokesperson and directs other spokespersons.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Directs media relations, operations communications, and Internet website staff.
2. Establishes and secures approval of goals and policies for division programs with broad latitude for decision-making.
3. Interviews, selects, supervises, develops, evaluates, counsels, and if necessary, terminates subordinate personnel in accordance with established policies, procedures, and guidelines to include Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) program goals and objectives.
4. Prepares a variety of documents and reports for management review.
5. Prepares and presents external communications strategies, briefings and work programs.
6. Develops, submits for approval, and monitors division budget.
7. Determines external relations representation on internal DART committees.
8. Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Note: An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be substituted for the below stated minimums excluding High School Diploma, GED, Licenses, or Certifications.

1. Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in Public Relations, Communications or related field.
2. Ten (10) years progressively responsible public or media relations experience to include five (5) years at a managerial/supervisory level in the public or media relations environment.
3. Excellent writing, communication and organizational skills.
4. Interpersonal skills to sensitively communicate with all levels of supervisory and non-supervisory employees, government and civic leaders, Board members and others inside and outside of DART.
5. Proficient with personal computer, audio/visual equipment, and software applications.
6. Operates DART non-revenue vehicle as required.
7. Ability to be dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers. Receives first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and services. Acts with customers in mind. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.
8. Ability to manage all kinds and classes of people equitably. Deals effectively with all races, nationalities, cultures, disabilities, ages and both sexes. Supports equal and fair treatment and opportunity for all.
9. Ability to be effective in a variety of formal presentation settings: one-on-one, small and large groups, with peers, direct reports, and bosses. Is effective both inside and outside the organization, on both cool data and hot and controversial topics.
10. Ability to use rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions. Probes all fruitful sources for answers. Can see hidden problems.
11. Ability to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles. Can get messages across that have the desired effect.
12. Ability to be good at establishing clear directions. Sets stretching objectives. Distributes the workload appropriately. Lays out work in a well-planned and organized manner. Maintains two-way dialogue with others on work and results. Brings out the best in people. Is a clear communicator.
13. Ability to step up to conflicts, seeing them as opportunities. Reads situations quickly. Good at focused listening. Can hammer out tough agreements and settle disputes equitably. Finds common ground and get cooperation with minimum noise.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Works in an environment where there is minimum exposure to dust, noise, or temperature. May be moderately exposed to unpleasant working conditions to include dust, noise, temperature, weather, petroleum products, and chemicals while visiting DART's operating facilities, assuming incumbent is observing all policies and procedures, safety precautions and regulations, and using all protective clothing and devices provided.

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may perform other duties as assigned.

DART is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, supporting diversity in the workplace. M/F/D/V