Airport Assistant General Manager II - Communications & Marketing

City of Atlanta•College Park, GA

3d•$160,000 - $200,000

About The Position

Provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s Communications and Marketing functions. Develops and implements integrated communications, marketing, public relations, media relations, brand management, and promotional strategies that strengthen ATL’s reputation, enhance public understanding and customer engagement, and support the Airport’s strategic priorities. Directs the planning, administration, and performance of assigned functions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, operational objectives, and financial priorities. Oversees professional, technical, and administrative personnel responsible for internal and external communications, media relations, crisis communications, executive messaging, marketing campaigns, brand development, digital communications, and related initiatives. Works with Airport executive leadership and internal departments to coordinate messaging, communicate Airport initiatives effectively, and align marketing strategies with organizational priorities. Exercises independent judgment in setting departmental priorities, managing resources, advising executive leadership, and addressing issues that may affect the Airport’s reputation and public perception. The role requires executive leadership, strategic planning, communication, and relationship-management skills, along with discretion in handling sensitive information, responding to emerging issues, and representing the Airport professionally. Reports directly to the Deputy General Manager and works under general executive direction. The position operates in a professional office and a 24/7 operational airport environment. It may require attendance at meetings, briefings, and official functions outside normal business hours, particularly during significant operational incidents or time-sensitive communications matters. The work is sedentary, with occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Public Administration or a related area from an accredited college or university, such as Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
At least 10 years of leadership experience in strategic communications, public relations, marketing, media relations, brand management, or related functions, including supervisory or management experience.
Experience leading complex programs, managing budgets, and coordinating cross-functional initiatives.
Valid state-issued driver’s license.
Knowledge of strategic communications, public relations, media relations, crisis communications, marketing strategy, brand management, digital communications, and reputation management.
Knowledge of communications practices in large, complex organizations and ability to communicate effectively in a public-sector, highly visible operating environment.
Knowledge of marketing strategy, audience engagement, brand positioning, advertising, digital content, and performance measurement.
Knowledge of executive leadership, strategic planning, budget development, financial management, procurement, contract administration, and personnel management.
Ability to develop and implement integrated communications and marketing strategies aligned with organizational priorities.
Ability to assess complex and sensitive issues, determine appropriate communication approaches, and provide sound recommendations to executive leadership.
Ability to oversee media relations, crisis communications, public information, and executive messaging while maintaining accuracy, consistency, and discretion.
Strong written, verbal, presentation, interpersonal, and relationship-management skills.
Ability to establish and maintain productive relationships with executive leadership, City departments, government officials, media representatives, corporate partners, and other stakeholders.
Ability to evaluate communications and marketing performance using data, audience feedback, and measurable objectives.
Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage competing priorities, and oversee departmental resources effectively.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with digital communications, content management, marketing analytics, media monitoring, and related technology.

Nice To Haves

Ten or more years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, public relations, media relations, brand management, or related fields, including significant supervisory or management experience.
Demonstrated experience developing and implementing integrated communications and marketing strategies, managing media relations, overseeing crisis communications, and advising senior leadership.
Experience in aviation, municipal government, transportation, or another large, complex organization with significant public visibility.
Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
Professional certification in public relations, strategic communications, marketing, or a related discipline.

Responsibilities

Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the Airport’s Communications and Marketing functions, aligning programs with ATL’s strategic priorities, institutional reputation, and organizational objectives.
Direct internal and external communications strategies covering Airport initiatives, operational updates, organizational priorities, and key developments for employees, passengers, stakeholders, and the public.
Oversee integrated marketing strategies, advertising campaigns, brand positioning, promotional initiatives, and digital marketing efforts.
Oversee media relations, public relations, press engagement, official statements, and public information initiatives, ensuring communications are timely, accurate, coordinated, and consistent with City and Airport policies.
Direct crisis communications and issues management with Airport executive leadership and relevant departments and agencies; guide messaging during emergencies, operational disruptions, sensitive incidents, and other reputation-affecting matters.
Oversee executive messaging, speeches, presentations, briefing materials, public statements, and other communications supporting the Deputy General Manager, Airport leadership, and designated City officials.
Oversee digital communications, website content, social media strategy, multimedia content, and other public information and promotional channels.
Develop and maintain marketing partnerships and promotional initiatives supporting ATL’s brand, customer experience, and strategic objectives; coordinate with the Assistant General Manager, Events & Corporate & Community Affairs, on sponsorships, partnerships, and joint initiatives as appropriate.
Collaborate with Airport Operations, Customer Experience, Air Service Development, International Affairs, Commercial Development, Events, Corporate & Community Affairs, and other departments to coordinate communications and messaging.
Oversee departmental budgets, procurement, contracts, consultant relationships, and resource allocation, ensuring fiscal accountability and compliance with City policies and procedures.
Establish departmental objectives and performance measures; evaluate initiatives using data, audience feedback, and performance results to guide decisions and resource allocation.
Advise the Deputy General Manager and other designated executive leaders on communications strategy, marketing opportunities, media issues, public perception, emerging risks, and matters affecting ATL’s reputation.
Represent the Airport at official functions, industry meetings, and stakeholder engagements as appropriate.
Direct and evaluate assigned personnel, establish performance expectations, support professional development, and promote accountability and collaboration.
Perform other related duties as assigned.