Director of Communications

The Regional Transit Authority gets people moving around New Orleans. Our transit services provide mobility to residents of the city as well as tourists, providing incredible views and comfortable rides through historical neighborhoods and countless attractions. RTA’s system includes 5 streetcar lines, 30 bus routes, 2 ferry routes, and paratransit services. Our passengers take more than 19 million rides every year.

Non-Represented Employment Opportunity

JOB Title: Director of Communications

POSITION STATUS: Full-Time

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: EXEMPT

Salary Range: $89,409.04 - $115,000.00

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Communications is the agency’s primary communications strategist, quality assurance, and quality control agent—responsible for ensuring that all external messaging is accurate, accessible, and representative of RTA’s voice and values. This position manages RTA’s reputation by maintaining awareness of emerging issues and potential risks and communicating them promptly to the Chief of External Affairs and executive leadership.

The Director prepares the CEO and executive team for media appearances, public meetings, and board sessions through comprehensive briefing materials and talking points. The role demands exceptional situational awareness, decisiveness, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment. This is a high-visibility position that requires an on-site presence, availability outside traditional office hours, and a consistent external presence within the community.

REPORTS TO

Chief of External Affairs

TITLES OF POSITIONS REPORTING DIRECTLY TO THIS JOB AT TIME OF ADVERTISEMENT

Community Outreach Manager

Public Information & Community Relations Specialist

Digital Media Strategist / Multimedia Content Producer

IT & Owned Media Coordinator

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop and oversee implementation of the agency’s comprehensive communications strategy. This includes both INTERNAL and EXTERNAL communications
• Serve as the agency’s lead strategist and advisor on all public-facing communications, ensuring accuracy, tone, and brand alignment.
• Supervise and direct communications staff, providing guidance and oversight for community outreach, public information, digital media, and owned platforms.
• Ensure message discipline, clarity, and consistency across all agency materials and platforms.
• Manage the agency’s reputation by monitoring public sentiment, media coverage, and emerging issues that could impact RTA’s image.
• Communicate potential risks and sensitive issues to executive leadership in a timely and strategic manner.
• Prepare the CEO and leadership team for media interviews, speaking engagements, and board meetings with briefing documents, research, and key talking points.
• Serve as liaison between Communications, Marketing, and Customer Experience to ensure accuracy and coordination on all rider-facing content.
• Oversee crisis communications planning, activation, and post-event debriefing.
• Ensure compliance with accessibility and public information standards, including ADA and Title VI.
• Provide direct support to community outreach and stakeholder engagement efforts tied to capital projects, service changes, and public meetings.
• Oversee external-facing events that involve Media, Board of Commissioners, and Elected Officials, to include but not limited to board meetings, press events, community outreach events, and photo opportunities.
• Contribute to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of RTA are carried out.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Expertise in strategic communications, media relations, and public affairs management.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities with a focus on coaching and accountability.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with an emphasis on clarity and precision.
• Ability to anticipate challenges and manage sensitive or high-profile issues effectively.
• Exceptional situational awareness, judgment, and discretion.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards, public information laws, and governmental communication protocols.
• Knowledge and application of messaging and visual protocols, including standards for coordinated communications and photography involving public officials, the Board of Commissioners, and visiting dignitaries.
• Comfort working in high-pressure, fast-paced environments requiring on-site and after-hours presence.

EUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive communications experience, including five (5) years in a management or leadership role overseeing staff and public-facing strategies. Experience in government-level communications and protocols preferred.

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS/DEMANDS

• Valid Louisiana Driver’s License or alternative transportation capability.
• Must submit to a criminal background check and drug screen meeting hiring criteria.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position operates in a dynamic, public-facing environment that requires flexibility, responsiveness, and frequent internal and external engagement. This is a 24-7 shop. The ideal candidate must be available for evenings, weekends, and emergency response situations as needed.

The role is not remote-eligible at this time and requires on-site presence and participation in community and media activities throughout the city.