EVP and Chief Communications Officer

DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit)•Headquarters, KY

3d•$189,740 - $313,071•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Vice President & Chief Communications Officer (EVP/CCO) serves as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team. This role is responsible for shaping, advancing, and protecting the agency’s brand identity, reputation, and organizational culture through comprehensive internal and external communications strategies. The EVP/CCO provides executive oversight of Marketing, Business Development, Strategic Messaging, Public and External Relations, and Internal Communications. This leader ensures the agency’s mission, priorities, and achievements are clearly articulated to customers, employees, stakeholders, elected officials, and the broader community. The EVP/CCO is a visionary communicator who proactively drives engagement, strengthens public trust, and positions the agency as an innovative, customer focused mobility provider.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.
Ten (10) years of related experience leading internal and external communications teams and channels, including public relations, marketing, and customer-focused functions.
Comprehensive knowledge of strategic communications, public relations, marketing, brand management, crisis communications, media relations, and reputation management.
Understanding of public-sector operations, transportation systems, mobility trends, community engagement, and the political environments in which transit agencies operate.
Working knowledge of business development, market analysis, and customer experience practices.
Exceptional executive‑level communication skills, including persuasive writing, public speaking, and strategic messaging.
Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams and complex, cross-functional initiatives.
Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to anticipate emerging issues, translate insights into actionable plans, and develop proactive communication strategies.
Strong relationship-building and influencing skills across diverse internal and external stakeholder groups.
Working knowledge of digital communications platforms, social media practices, and contemporary marketing technologies.
Executive presence, sound judgment, and professionalism in high-visibility situations.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
Ability to foster a positive organizational culture and strengthen employee engagement.
Ability to represent the agency credibly and diplomatically with media, public officials, partners, and community stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related field is desirable.

Responsibilities

Serves as the principal communications advisor to the CEO, Executive Team, and Board of Directors.
Develops and executes a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with agency priorities, organizational culture, and long‑term business objectives.
Leads and mentors a multidisciplinary team responsible for marketing, communications, public relations, business development, and customer engagement.
Establishes performance metrics and accountability systems to evaluate communications effectiveness and brand impact.
Oversee the agency’s brand strategy, ensuring consistent messaging and visual identity across all platforms and customer touchpoints.
Directs marketing initiatives that promote ridership, enhance customer experience, and support revenue‑generating programs.
Identifies and advances business development opportunities, partnerships, and strategic alliances that strengthen the agency’s market position.
Guides market research, customer insights, and competitive analysis to inform strategic decision‑making.
Serves as a senior spokesperson for the agency, representing the organization with media, community leaders, business partners, and elected officials.
Develops proactive media strategies to elevate agency accomplishments, manage emerging issues, and mitigate reputational risk.
Oversees crisis communications planning and response, ensuring timely, accurate, and transparent information during incidents or service disruptions.
Builds and maintains strong relationships with external stakeholders, advocacy groups, and regional partners.
Leads internal communications strategies that strengthen employee engagement, reinforce organizational values, and promote a unified culture.
Ensures employees receive clear, timely, and consistent information regarding agency initiatives, priorities, and operational changes.
Partners with Human Resources and Operations to support change management, leadership communications, and workforce development initiatives.
Leads leadership development, succession planning, innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives that advance organizational excellence.
Creates communication channels that amplify employee voices and foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and innovation.
Crafts high‑impact messaging, speeches, presentations, and executive communications for the CEO and senior leadership.
Ensures all agency messaging is aligned with strategic priorities, policy direction, and customer‑focused values.
Oversee development of digital content, social media strategy, and multimedia storytelling that enhances public understanding of agency services and investments.
Performs other related duties as assigned.