Government Jobs
Assistant Director, Strategic Communications
Government Jobs, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55401
Assistant Director for Communications
This leadership role reports to the Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications and plays an integral role in shaping and executing the Metropolitan Airports Commission's (MAC) enterprise-wide communications strategy. The Strategic Marketing and Communications Department stewards a consistent brand voice, activates the brand to engage key constituents and supports non-aeronautical revenue growth and passenger engagement through strategic campaigns grounded in research and analytics. The Strategic Marketing and Communications Department is part of the Strategy and Stakeholder Engagement Division. The division's charter is to function as an in-house team, serving as stewards of strategy, developing communications and creating stakeholder champions to ensure the organization delivers on its purpose, values and strategic goals. The Assistant Director leads MAC's communications function, overseeing media relations, crisis communications, internal and external messaging, and digital strategy. This role fosters a client-centered, project-oriented culture that delivers responsive, high-quality service to internal departments and external partners. A trusted advisor to MAC leadership, the Assistant Director contributes to executive communications through message development, strategic counsel, and presentation support. The role is also expected to champion innovation and continuous improvement in communications tools, storytelling techniques, and engagement strategies to elevate MAC's brand and reputation. To apply: click the "Apply" link located just above the position description, log-in and follow the instructions provided. Questions regarding this position can be directed to Allison Gilbert at allison.gilbert@mspmac.org or 612-725-5987. Applications will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025. MAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, age, nationality, or disability. MAC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If an accommodation is required for you to participate in the application process because of a disability, please contact Tekia Jefferson at 612-726-8196 or Tekia.Jefferson@mspmac.org. Position Description
Relationships Reporting Relationship
Reports to the Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications Supervision
Supervises the Manager of Strategic Communications, Assistant Manager of Strategic Communications, Strategic Communications Coordinator, Digital Media Manager and contractors or consultants as needed Organizational
Frequent contact with MAC senior leaders, commissioners and directors External Business
Frequent contact with media, communications/public relations consultants, airline representatives, government agencies, social/digital agencies, and platform representatives Accountabilities and Functions Oversee the development and execution of MAC's internal communications strategy, including employee newsletters, intranet content, and organizational updates. Ensure all internal messaging is consistent, timely, and aligned with MAC's brand, values, and priorities across all levels of the organization. Provide strategic guidance to enhance employee engagement, support change management initiatives, and foster a well-informed workplace culture. Mentor and support the Assistant Manager of Communications as the organization's primary internal communications contact. Identify and take ownership of metrics that evaluate the impact of new internal communication channels and tactics. Work collaboratively across teams within the organization to develop communication plans that raise awareness and boost engagement. Actively gather both qualitative and quantitative internal feedback and analyze the data to identify trends and recommend adjustments based on research findings. Oversee the development and execution of MAC's media relations strategy to advance the organization's reputation and foster positive public perception. Mentor and support the Manager of Strategic Communications, who serves as the primary media contact and spokesperson, ensuring alignment with MAC's messaging priorities and brand voice. Provide strategic oversight and quality control for media responses, message frameworks, and media engagement strategies to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with organizational values. Serve as a secondary spokesperson and backup media contact during high-profile or sensitive issues, offering strategic counsel to senior leaders and ensuring message discipline. Support proactive media outreach, including story development, press release creation, editorial pitching, media briefings, and event coordination. Cultivate strong relationships with key media outlets and journalists across local, regional, and national platforms to position MAC as a credible and trusted source. Monitor media coverage, oversee analysis of trends and sentiment, and guide data-informed strategy adjustments to enhance media engagement and visibility. Foster collaboration with internal departments to anticipate potential media interest and prepare proactive or responsive messaging as needed. Oversee the strategic direction and implementation of MAC's digital content and engagement strategy, including social media, website messaging, and email communications. Guide the Digital Media Manager and digital content contributors in maintaining a cohesive, engaging, and responsive presence across all platforms. Utilize digital media to enhance marketing and communications campaigns. Ensure MAC's digital messaging aligns with organizational priorities, fosters engagement, and supports brand awareness and client-driven revenue initiatives. Oversee key performance indicators (KPIs), reporting, and insights to improve content performance and audience engagement continually. Oversee the creation of channel strategies, platform improvements, content calendars, and community engagement best practices. Serve as the senior leader accountable for the Metropolitan Airports Commission's crisis communications function, ensuring alignment with enterprise-wide emergency preparedness and business continuity strategies. Oversee the development, execution, and continuous improvement of crisis communication plans, protocols, and messaging strategies. Delegate day-to-day leadership of crisis communications operations to the Manager of Strategic Communications while providing strategic guidance, decision-making support, and escalation oversight. Actively participate in the department's emergency preparedness efforts, including planning sessions, cross-departmental coordination, emergency exercises, and post-incident reviews. Provide executive-level leadership during critical incidents as part of the 24/7 Crisis Communications rotation, including coordination with MAC leadership, public safety, and external partners. Ensure MAC's crisis communication responses are timely, accurate, and reflect the organization's values and priorities, thereby safeguarding public trust and maintaining MAC's reputation. Lead post-incident debriefings and drive process improvements based on lessons learned. Conduct research and prepare briefings, talking points, and presentations for the MAC's senior leadership. Tailor executive messaging to fit individual leadership styles and create impactful communications for each senior leader. Develop communications for Commissioners and other key stakeholders. Ensure messaging aligns with and advances organizational policies, while also being sensitive to public perception and external context. Work closely with the Assistant Directors of Brand Creative and Strategic Marketing, as well as the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Digital Media Managers, to ensure consistency in content and messaging across channels. Stay updated on new styles, methods, and channels for Executive Communications. Explore connections for content and find innovative ways to deliver messages from executives. Collaborate with other teams within the department and across the organization to facilitate the sharing of content and knowledge across various channels. Serve as a thought leader and mentor to cultivate an organizational culture that values and produces best-in-class communications. Serve as corporate, executive, and crisis communications expert, speaker, and/or committee member to influence the community outside of MAC. Champion MAC's Strategic Plan and ensure all communication efforts align with the organization's strategic goals. Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight for the communications team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and alignment with MAC's broader goals and brand. Partner with the Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications to ensure cohesive planning, prioritization, and resource allocation across communications functions. Collaborate on annual departmental goal-setting and planning sessions that support strategic initiatives and cross-functional integration. Establish clear team roles and responsibilities to promote operational clarity, reduce duplication, and drive effective execution. Lead regular team meetings to share updates, reinforce priorities, and facilitate alignment across projects and stakeholders. Create a culture of mentorship, continuous learning, and performance excellence by offering coaching, feedback, and professional development opportunities. Lead all aspects of team performance and staffing, including hiring, coaching, recognizing, transferring, evaluating, and disciplining/discharging talent in alignment with MAC values to build and sustain a high-performing, engaged team. Foster
This leadership role reports to the Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications and plays an integral role in shaping and executing the Metropolitan Airports Commission's (MAC) enterprise-wide communications strategy. The Strategic Marketing and Communications Department stewards a consistent brand voice, activates the brand to engage key constituents and supports non-aeronautical revenue growth and passenger engagement through strategic campaigns grounded in research and analytics. The Strategic Marketing and Communications Department is part of the Strategy and Stakeholder Engagement Division. The division's charter is to function as an in-house team, serving as stewards of strategy, developing communications and creating stakeholder champions to ensure the organization delivers on its purpose, values and strategic goals. The Assistant Director leads MAC's communications function, overseeing media relations, crisis communications, internal and external messaging, and digital strategy. This role fosters a client-centered, project-oriented culture that delivers responsive, high-quality service to internal departments and external partners. A trusted advisor to MAC leadership, the Assistant Director contributes to executive communications through message development, strategic counsel, and presentation support. The role is also expected to champion innovation and continuous improvement in communications tools, storytelling techniques, and engagement strategies to elevate MAC's brand and reputation. To apply: click the "Apply" link located just above the position description, log-in and follow the instructions provided. Questions regarding this position can be directed to Allison Gilbert at allison.gilbert@mspmac.org or 612-725-5987. Applications will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025. MAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, age, nationality, or disability. MAC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If an accommodation is required for you to participate in the application process because of a disability, please contact Tekia Jefferson at 612-726-8196 or Tekia.Jefferson@mspmac.org. Position Description
Relationships Reporting Relationship
Reports to the Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications Supervision
Supervises the Manager of Strategic Communications, Assistant Manager of Strategic Communications, Strategic Communications Coordinator, Digital Media Manager and contractors or consultants as needed Organizational
Frequent contact with MAC senior leaders, commissioners and directors External Business
Frequent contact with media, communications/public relations consultants, airline representatives, government agencies, social/digital agencies, and platform representatives Accountabilities and Functions Oversee the development and execution of MAC's internal communications strategy, including employee newsletters, intranet content, and organizational updates. Ensure all internal messaging is consistent, timely, and aligned with MAC's brand, values, and priorities across all levels of the organization. Provide strategic guidance to enhance employee engagement, support change management initiatives, and foster a well-informed workplace culture. Mentor and support the Assistant Manager of Communications as the organization's primary internal communications contact. Identify and take ownership of metrics that evaluate the impact of new internal communication channels and tactics. Work collaboratively across teams within the organization to develop communication plans that raise awareness and boost engagement. Actively gather both qualitative and quantitative internal feedback and analyze the data to identify trends and recommend adjustments based on research findings. Oversee the development and execution of MAC's media relations strategy to advance the organization's reputation and foster positive public perception. Mentor and support the Manager of Strategic Communications, who serves as the primary media contact and spokesperson, ensuring alignment with MAC's messaging priorities and brand voice. Provide strategic oversight and quality control for media responses, message frameworks, and media engagement strategies to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with organizational values. Serve as a secondary spokesperson and backup media contact during high-profile or sensitive issues, offering strategic counsel to senior leaders and ensuring message discipline. Support proactive media outreach, including story development, press release creation, editorial pitching, media briefings, and event coordination. Cultivate strong relationships with key media outlets and journalists across local, regional, and national platforms to position MAC as a credible and trusted source. Monitor media coverage, oversee analysis of trends and sentiment, and guide data-informed strategy adjustments to enhance media engagement and visibility. Foster collaboration with internal departments to anticipate potential media interest and prepare proactive or responsive messaging as needed. Oversee the strategic direction and implementation of MAC's digital content and engagement strategy, including social media, website messaging, and email communications. Guide the Digital Media Manager and digital content contributors in maintaining a cohesive, engaging, and responsive presence across all platforms. Utilize digital media to enhance marketing and communications campaigns. Ensure MAC's digital messaging aligns with organizational priorities, fosters engagement, and supports brand awareness and client-driven revenue initiatives. Oversee key performance indicators (KPIs), reporting, and insights to improve content performance and audience engagement continually. Oversee the creation of channel strategies, platform improvements, content calendars, and community engagement best practices. Serve as the senior leader accountable for the Metropolitan Airports Commission's crisis communications function, ensuring alignment with enterprise-wide emergency preparedness and business continuity strategies. Oversee the development, execution, and continuous improvement of crisis communication plans, protocols, and messaging strategies. Delegate day-to-day leadership of crisis communications operations to the Manager of Strategic Communications while providing strategic guidance, decision-making support, and escalation oversight. Actively participate in the department's emergency preparedness efforts, including planning sessions, cross-departmental coordination, emergency exercises, and post-incident reviews. Provide executive-level leadership during critical incidents as part of the 24/7 Crisis Communications rotation, including coordination with MAC leadership, public safety, and external partners. Ensure MAC's crisis communication responses are timely, accurate, and reflect the organization's values and priorities, thereby safeguarding public trust and maintaining MAC's reputation. Lead post-incident debriefings and drive process improvements based on lessons learned. Conduct research and prepare briefings, talking points, and presentations for the MAC's senior leadership. Tailor executive messaging to fit individual leadership styles and create impactful communications for each senior leader. Develop communications for Commissioners and other key stakeholders. Ensure messaging aligns with and advances organizational policies, while also being sensitive to public perception and external context. Work closely with the Assistant Directors of Brand Creative and Strategic Marketing, as well as the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Digital Media Managers, to ensure consistency in content and messaging across channels. Stay updated on new styles, methods, and channels for Executive Communications. Explore connections for content and find innovative ways to deliver messages from executives. Collaborate with other teams within the department and across the organization to facilitate the sharing of content and knowledge across various channels. Serve as a thought leader and mentor to cultivate an organizational culture that values and produces best-in-class communications. Serve as corporate, executive, and crisis communications expert, speaker, and/or committee member to influence the community outside of MAC. Champion MAC's Strategic Plan and ensure all communication efforts align with the organization's strategic goals. Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight for the communications team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and alignment with MAC's broader goals and brand. Partner with the Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications to ensure cohesive planning, prioritization, and resource allocation across communications functions. Collaborate on annual departmental goal-setting and planning sessions that support strategic initiatives and cross-functional integration. Establish clear team roles and responsibilities to promote operational clarity, reduce duplication, and drive effective execution. Lead regular team meetings to share updates, reinforce priorities, and facilitate alignment across projects and stakeholders. Create a culture of mentorship, continuous learning, and performance excellence by offering coaching, feedback, and professional development opportunities. Lead all aspects of team performance and staffing, including hiring, coaching, recognizing, transferring, evaluating, and disciplining/discharging talent in alignment with MAC values to build and sustain a high-performing, engaged team. Foster