Senior Manager, Brand Communications

BusPatrol; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Unlimited PTO

Culture of safety and mission-driven

Job summary

BusPatrol seeks a strategic Senior Manager, Brand Communications to lead integrated brand communications initiatives that strengthen brand awareness and support customer program launches. You will partner with executive leadership, Government Relations, Customer Success, Sales, and Product to drive messaging and public awareness efforts.

You will shape comprehensive communications strategies, manage field and customer communications, and guide media relations, content, and storytelling to

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public relations, brand communications, public affairs, or related field.
• Experience leading media relations, executive communications, crisis communications, and public awareness campaigns.
• Experience managing communications for customer implementations, public initiatives, or large-scale program launches.
• Experience working with customers, executive leaders, elected officials, government agencies, school districts, or other public-sector stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee integrated marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and support revenue growth.
• Lead public awareness campaigns and campaigns for school bus safety across markets.
• Create launch communications including PSA toolkits, press releases, and executive messaging.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure coordinated market launches.
• Develop customer success stories and advocacy materials to reinforce impact and growth.
• Oversee events, trade shows, and industry sponsorships with messaging alignment.

Skills

Brand communications

Public relations

Media relations

Executive communications

Content strategy

Leadership

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications or related field

Job description

Senior Manager, Brand Communications

Overview

BusPatrol is seeking a strategic and execution-oriented Senior Manager, Brand Communications to lead integrated brand communications initiatives that strengthen brand awareness, support customer program launches, and advance our mission of making school transportation safer. This role will lead brand communications, customer implementation communications, customer and field marketing, and public relations and press coordination, while serving as a key communications partner to executive leadership, Government Relations, Customer Success, Sales, and Product.

The Senior Manager, Brand Communications will play a critical role in the brand communications strategy and successful launch of new customer programs by developing comprehensive communications strategies, public awareness campaigns, and community engagement plans that educate stakeholders and build public trust. The ideal candidate is an experienced marketing and communications professional who thrives in a highly collaborative environment and is comfortable working directly with customers, elected officials, school district leaders, law enforcement agencies, media outlets, and other public‑sector stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Integrated Marketing & Public Awareness

• Develop and execute integrated marketing strategies that increase brand awareness, support revenue growth, and align with corporate objectives.
• Lead public awareness campaigns that educate communities and promote school bus safety across new and existing markets.
• Develop campaign messaging, communications plans, and implementation toolkits that support successful customer program launches.
• Lead seasonal and strategic awareness initiatives, including back‑to‑school campaigns, National School Bus Safety Week, Love the Bus Month, and other high‑impact public education efforts.
• Ensure consistent brand messaging and storytelling across all marketing channels and customer touchpoints.

Customer Launch & Implementation Communications

• Serve as the marketing lead for customer implementations, partnering cross‑functionally to develop communications strategies for every new program launch.
• Create launch communications including public service announcement (PSA) toolkits, press releases, customer communication materials, executive messaging, and supporting collateral.
• Collaborate with Customer Success, Government Operations, and external stakeholders to ensure coordinated, successful market launches.
• Support customers with communications resources that drive public awareness and community engagement.

Customer Communications & Brand Storytelling

• Develop customer success stories, case studies, testimonials, advocacy materials, and other communications that reinforce BusPatrol's mission and customer impact.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to translate customer outcomes into compelling stories that support brand awareness, advocacy, and commercial growth.
• Lead awards submissions and external recognition opportunities that elevate BusPatrol's brand.

Events & Industry Engagement

• Provide strategic support and oversight for trade shows, conferences, webinars, customer events, and industry sponsorships.
• Oversee the Field Marketing team to ensure consistent messaging, executive preparedness, and communications alignment across all events.
• Develop executive briefing materials, event messaging, and attendee communications as needed.

Marketing Operations & Leadership

• Manage and develop direct reports while fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Oversee relationships with external agencies, contractors, and marketing vendors to ensure high‑quality execution.
• Lead email marketing strategy and support annual marketing planning, budget management, performance reporting, and cross‑functional coordination across Product, Sales, Government Relations, Customer Success, and other business functions.
• Identify opportunities to improve marketing processes, campaign effectiveness, and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

Required

• 7+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public relations, brand communications, public affairs, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing strategic communications programs in a complex B2B, GovTech, public‑sector, or regulated industry environment.
• Experience leading media relations, executive communications, crisis communications, and public awareness campaigns.
• Experience managing communications for customer implementations, public initiatives, or large‑scale program launches.
• Experience working directly with customers, executive leaders, elected officials, government agencies, school districts, or other public‑sector stakeholders.
• Strong writing, editing, presentation, and executive communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences.
• Experience managing communications agencies, vendors, and cross‑functional initiatives.
• Experience using communications and media monitoring platforms (e.g., Meltwater or similar), press management tools, and reporting platforms.
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple high‑visibility initiatives simultaneously.
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, or a related field.

Preferred

• Experience in GovTech, transportation technology, public safety, education technology, or another mission‑driven organization.
• Experience supporting public‑sector customers, municipalities, school districts, or government agencies.
• Familiarity with crisis communications, reputation management, and community engagement strategies.
• Experience leading or mentoring communications professionals.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Unlimited PTO
• A purpose‑driven career, working to protect children and improve public safety
• The occasion to participate in BusPatrol’s culture of safety, learning, and teamwork
• A team of innovators, committed to leveraging AI and smart technology for social good

The US salary range for this position is provided in this posting. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your Talent Partner can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location and skill level during the hiring process.

Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, and/or commission (if applicable) or benefits.

EOE/AA Disability-Veteran