Manager, Public and Media Relations

City of Charlotte; United States; On-site; USD 91,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Charlotte’s Charlotte Area Transit System seeks a Manager of Public and Media Relations to lead media engagement, public information, and press operations for safe and informed transit services.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Communications, you will translate complex operations into accessible messaging, guide executive spokespeople, and drive cross‑departmental collaboration while ensuring message consistency across channels.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public administration, or related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in media relations or public communications.
• Experience supervising professional staff or leading work teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage CATS’ media relations program, including press outreach and inquiries.
• Oversee preparation and distribution of press releases, advisories, and official statements.
• Coordinate timely dissemination of service information to media outlets and the public.
• Lead crisis communications during disruptions and high-visibility events.
• Prepare executives for media interviews and public briefings; develop talking points.

Skills

Media relations

Public information

Crisis communication

Executive communications

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field

Master’s degree in communications or public administration (preferred)

Job description

Department: Charlotte Area Transit System Department Thank you for your interest in joining the team that keeps Charlotte moving, at a very exciting time for our organization. At the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), we’re committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative transit services for our growing community, and we value employees who bring professionalism, passion, and a commitment to public service. This position is currently employed by CATS, a department of the City of Charlotte. With the passage of the PAVE Act and last year’s sales tax referendum, CATS is preparing to transition from a City department to the newly created Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA). The MPTA was established to strengthen regional transit governance, improve accountability, and support long-term investment in mobility. It’s an important and exciting step forward for transit in our region. Employees hired into this role will remain City employees through December 31, 2026, and will transition to MPTA employment on January 1, 2027. Benefits and compensation will follow City provisions through 2026 and shift to MPTA provisions in 2027, with clear information shared in advance. Your core duties, reporting structure, and daily responsibilities will remain consistent, with no break in service. If anything delays the transition, your City employment, including compensation and benefits, will remain in place until the move to the MPTA occurs. The creation of the MPTA positions us for a more modern, sustainable, and efficient transit system, one that can better support the Charlotte region for decades to come. We’re excited about what’s ahead and appreciate your interest in being part of it.

SUMMARY

The Manager of Public and Media Relations leads CATS’ public information and media relations programs, ensuring accurate, timely, and coordinated communication between the agency, news media, and the public. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Communications, this position is accountable for managing day-to-day media engagement, public information dissemination, and press operations that support safe transit operations and protect organizational credibility. This role serves as the operational lead for structured media relations systems, translating operational and strategic agency activities into clear public messaging. The Manager ensures that media communications are consistent with agency priorities, aligned with operational realities, and responsive to public information needs while supporting executive leadership during high-visibility events.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Media Relations Program Leadership Develop and manage CATS’ media relations program, including press outreach, media inquiries, and relationship management Establish standards and workflows governing media engagement and public information release Maintain active working relationships with local, regional, and industry media organizations Monitor media coverage and identify emerging public narratives affecting the agency
• Public Information and Press Operations Oversee preparation and distribution of press releases, advisories, and official statements Coordinate timely dissemination of operational updates and service information to media outlets Ensure accuracy, consistency, and clarity of public messaging Maintain systems for tracking media requests and responses
• Crisis and Incident Media Response Lead media communications during service disruptions, emergencies, and high-visibility incidents Coordinate messaging with Operations, Safety, and executive leadership Support spokesperson preparation and briefing Ensure rapid, coordinated response to urgent media inquiries
• Executive Communications Support Prepare executive leadership for media interviews and public briefings Develop talking points, background materials, and briefing documents Provide strategic guidance on media engagement approaches Support leadership participation in public forums
• Content Development and Messaging Coordination Collaborate with Communications and Marketing teams to align messaging across platforms Translate technical and operational information into accessible public language Support development of multimedia content for press and public distribution Ensure message consistency across channels
• Performance Monitoring and Continuous Improvement Track media engagement metrics and response performance Analyze trends in media coverage and public perception Recommend improvements to media engagement strategies Maintain documentation and reporting systems
• Organizational Leadership and Staff Management Supervise public information and media relations staff Establish performance expectations and operational standards Support professional development and training Ensure continuity of media operations Cross-Functional Coordination Coordinate with Customer Service, Operations, Marketing, and Legal teams Align media communications with operational priorities Support cross-departmental initiatives requiring public messaging Participate in integrated communications planning

Core Competencies

• Media Relations Strategy and Execution: Ability to design and manage structured media engagement systems that protect organizational credibility and support transparent public communication. Establishes disciplined media workflows Aligns press engagement with agency priorities Maintains professional media relationships
• Public Messaging and Information Stewardship: Ability to translate operational complexity into accurate, accessible public messaging. Ensures clarity and consistency of communications Adapts messaging to audience needs Protects integrity of agency information
• Crisis Communication Leadership: Ability to coordinate rapid, accurate communications during high-visibility operational events. Implements incident communication protocols Maintains composure under time pressure Supports executive decision-making
• Executive Advisory and Support: Ability to prepare and guide leadership in high-profile media interactions. Develops briefing materials Provides strategic counsel Anticipates reputational risks
• Organizational Leadership and Team Development: Ability to lead professional communications staff and maintain operational excellence. Establishes accountability expectations Coaches and develops personnel Builds sustainable team capacity
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to integrate media operations with broader agency activities. Coordinates across departments Supports joint initiatives Aligns messaging with operational realities

Supervision Given to:

• Media Relations Specialist

Pay:

$91,000.00 - $120,000.00

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public administration, or a related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in media relations, public information, or public communications, or an equivalent combination of education and experience Demonstrated experience serving as a media relations lead or public information lead in a public-facing organization Experience supervising professional staff or leading work teams, including workflow management and performance accountability

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in communications, public administration, or a related field Experience in a public-sector, transportation, or regulated environment Experience leading crisis communications and incident-related public messaging Experience supporting executive spokespersons, media briefings, and high-profile public communications Experience using digital content platforms and engagement analytics to inform communications planning

Conditions of Employment

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check. Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports. Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments. The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior. Our culture is to serve the community honorably.

BENEFITS

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits. The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace. Our City, Our Mission When you join the City of Charlotte, you become part of Team Charlotte - a dedicated group of professionals working together to make a meaningful impact on our community and its future. The City of Charlotte has more than 8,000 employees working across 19 departments to serve close to 1 million residents. From public safety and clean water to transportation, housing and an international airport, our teams deliver essential services to keep Charlotte connected, safe and empowered with opportunity for all. As public servants, we are guided by a clear mission: to be committed to exceptional service every day. No matter the department or role, every team member plays a part in helping our city grow, thrive and meet the needs of those who rely on us. We are a values-driven organization, working collaboratively, acting with integrity and delivering reliable results. We embrace a forward-thinking mindset, encouraging curiosity, innovation and continuous improvement. The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120. Looking for an internship? Explore opportunities on our Internship Career Site and take the first step toward your career with the City of Charlotte.