Communications Specialist - External Communications

DFW International Airport•Grapevine, TX

13d

About The Position

Under general direction of the Communications Manager, the Communications Specialist assists in developing communications strategies and leads projects that support the Airport’s key results in external communications, media relations, and crisis communications. In the Airport’s 24x7 environment, the role works collaboratively with other departments to identify opportunities to promote the DFW brand and maintain and protect its reputation among employees, customers, and stakeholders. The position leads and manages communications projects across owned, earned, and paid channels; drafts, edits, and distributes content; measures results and refines communications tactics; and directs external partners on integrated campaigns. It also plays an active leadership role in crisis and reputation management, coordinating messaging and content for appropriate audiences. The position consults proactively with airport leaders and client departments, serves as team leader on assigned projects, instructs assigned team members, and reviews their work for quality, completeness, technical soundness, and compliance with departmental policies and procedures. Other duties and projects may be assigned to further the Airport’s key results.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, communications, journalism, or a related field.
Three years of experience in a communications or public relations environment; an equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be substituted.
Availability to respond to media and crisis inquiries within the Airport’s 24x7 environment.
Superior interpersonal skills to diplomatically interface with international internal and external partners and maintain effective working relationships at all organizational levels.
Demonstrated proficiency in the principles and practices of journalism, media relations, and/or public relations.
Strong ability to manage and direct projects from inception to completion.
Knowledge of effective business communication principles and practices, including writing, editing, and creating and giving presentations.
Skill in using a variety of communication tools, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Proven judgment and media savvy.
Strong attention to detail and ability to produce work requiring minimal effort and oversight.
Obtain a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Airport Identification/Access Badge in accordance with applicable TSA requirements and DFW Airport’s Airport Security Program within 30 days of employment, and maintain qualification upon each badge renewal.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in external or crisis communications.
Experience in airport, airline, or other highly matrixed and safety-oriented industries.

Responsibilities

Develop communications strategies to achieve the Airport’s key results.
Identify opportunities to promote DFW’s brand and reputation in collaboration with other departments.
Lead and manage projects and tasks to deliver communications across owned, earned, and paid channels.
Draft, edit, and distribute content for owned, earned, and paid channels, integrating communications resources to drive results.
Measure and analyze results to evaluate communications plans and refine tactics or strategies.
Direct external partners in planning and executing integrated campaigns, including internal and external communications, social media, video, events, and executive presentations.
Take an active leadership role in the Airport’s crisis and reputation management response plans, developing and distributing messaging and content to appropriate audiences in a coordinated manner.
Demonstrate business acumen by identifying challenges and opportunities and consulting proactively with airport leaders and client departments.
Serve as team leader on assigned projects; provide instruction to assigned team members and review their work products for quality, completeness, technical soundness, and adherence to departmental policies and procedures.
Perform other duties and projects as requested to further the Airport’s key results.
Respond to media and crisis inquiries in the Airport’s 24x7 environment.