Transit Public & Media Relations Manager

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

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.