Director, Media Relations & Social Media Strategy

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

WMATA, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, seeks a Director of Media Relations and Social Media to lead external communications strategy. You will manage media relations, crisis communication, and digital content planning to strengthen Metro’s reputation and stakeholder engagement.

The role requires a seasoned communications professional capable of guiding executives, coordinating cross‑departmental initiatives, and driving proactive outreach across traditional and social

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public affairs, or public relations.
• Ten years of experience in public relations, communications, public affairs, media relations, and/or media management.
• At least three years of experience managing teams and cross-departmental projects.
• Experience developing and executing successful communication strategies and campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Develops and leads comprehensive communications programs articulating Metro's mission and values.
• Directs media relations activities and leads a 24-hour on-call media team.
• Leads high-impact communications campaigns for priority initiatives.
• Monitors social media and owned channels for sentiment and response.
• Tracks trends to galvanize adoption of emerging platforms.
• Leads media and social media planning with internal and external partners.
• Forges relationships with internal departments for cohesive messaging.
• Advises leaders for media engagements to maximize positive coverage.

Skills

Media relations

Crisis communications

People management

Digital content strategy

Strategic communication

Stakeholder engagement

Public speaking

Leadership

Editorial judgment

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public affairs or public relations

Tools

Microsoft Suite

Job description

WMATA, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, seeks a Director of Media Relations and Social Media to lead external communications strategy. You will manage media relations, crisis communication, and digital content planning to strengthen Metro’s reputation and stakeholder engagement.

The role requires a seasoned communications professional capable of guiding executives, coordinating cross‑departmental initiatives, and driving proactive outreach across traditional and social