Airport Director II - Communications (Senior Communications Director)

The posting

Job Description

Posting expires: December 3, 2026

Salary range: $140,000.00-$160,000.00

Reporting to the Assistant General Manager, Communications & Marketing, the Airport Director II – Communications position (also referred to as Senior Communications Director) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Airport’s Communications Division, serving as a principal voice and senior communications authority for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

The Senior Communications Director is responsible for developing and executing proactive, integrated communications strategies that advance the Airport’s mission, strengthen its reputation, promote its operational and economic significance, and maintain public confidence. The position leads media relations, public information, strategic storytelling, executive communications, and crisis communications, ensuring that ATL’s priorities, accomplishments, initiatives, and operational developments are communicated accurately, effectively, and in a timely manner.

The Director is expected to take an active, forward-looking approach to media relations by identifying newsworthy developments, pitching stories to local, regional, national, and international media, cultivating strong relationships with journalists and editors, and securing meaningful earned media coverage. The position requires the ability to recognize emerging news opportunities, anticipate public and media interest, develop compelling story angles, and position the Airport as a credible and authoritative source on aviation, transportation, economic development, customer experience, and other matters relevant to ATL.

As a senior communications leader, the Director must exercise exceptional news judgment, editorial skill, responsiveness, and discretion. The position requires the ability to rapidly gather and verify information, develop clear and accurate messaging, prepare written materials under demanding deadlines, and respond effectively to breaking news, operational disruptions, sensitive issues, and reputational risks. The Director must be equally effective in proactive storytelling and time-sensitive communications, ensuring the Airport is prepared to communicate before, during, and after significant developments.

The Senior Communications Director advises the Assistant General Manager, Deputy General Manager, Airport executive leadership, and other designated officials on communications strategy, media positioning, emerging issues, public perception, and reputational considerations. The Director establishes communication priorities, manages departmental resources, directs assigned personnel, and ensures that communications activities are coordinated across Airport divisions and aligned with City policies and organizational objectives.

This position requires a high level of professional judgment, political and organizational awareness, writing proficiency, media relations expertise, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, highly visible, 24-hour airport environment.

Supervision Received:

Reports directly to the Assistant General Manager, Communications & Marketing. Works under general executive direction and is expected to exercise substantial independent judgment in managing daily communications operations, establishing media and communications priorities, responding to emerging issues, and recommending strategies to protect and advance the Airport’s reputation.

The Assistant General Manager establishes strategic objectives and organizational priorities, while the Senior Communications Director independently manages communications execution, media engagement, editorial decisions within delegated authority, and time-sensitive responses. The Director elevates significant, sensitive, or high-impact matters to executive leadership as appropriate and ensures that communications actions remain consistent with established policies, approved messaging, and delegated authority.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties are representative of the position and are not intended to be exhaustive. The City of Atlanta may modify specific duties based on organizational needs.

Strategic Communications and Media Relations

• Provides strategic leadership and day-to-day direction for the Communications Division, overseeing media relations, public information, strategic storytelling, and other assigned communications functions.
• Develops and implements proactive communications strategies that advance ATL’s priorities, strengthen public understanding, and reinforce the Airport’s reputation as a leading global aviation and transportation hub.
• Leads proactive media outreach by identifying newsworthy developments, developing compelling story pitches, preparing media proposals, and pursuing coverage that highlights Airport achievements, operational improvements, innovation, economic impact, passenger services, infrastructure investments, and community contributions.
• Builds and maintains strong working relationships with local, regional, national, and international journalists, editors, producers, assignment desks, and other media representatives to increase opportunities for accurate, substantive, and timely coverage.
• Identify opportunities to position ATL executives and subject-matter experts as credible sources on aviation, transportation, airport operations, customer experience, infrastructure, technology, sustainability, and related topics.
• Develops and executes media engagement strategies that anticipate news cycles, identify emerging story opportunities, and ensure the Airport communicates proactively rather than relying solely on reactive responses to media inquiries.
• Monitors news coverage, public discussion, and emerging issues to identify opportunities, assess potential reputational concerns, and recommend appropriate communications strategies.

Writing, Editing, and Editorial Leadership

• Personally develops, writes, edits, and approves high-priority communications materials, including press releases, media advisories, statements, talking points, executive messages, interview briefs, speeches, frequently asked questions, and other public information materials.
• Produces clear, accurate, compelling, and publication-ready content under tight deadlines, including during breaking news situations and rapidly evolving operational events.
• Translates complex aviation, technical, operational, financial, infrastructure, and policy information into accessible, newsworthy narratives tailored to diverse audiences.
• Establishes editorial standards for accuracy, clarity, consistency, tone, and timeliness across communications products and media responses.
• Reviews and refines communications prepared by staff, subject-matter experts, and other Airport departments to ensure factual accuracy, appropriate context, consistent messaging, and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Develops persuasive story angles, headlines, key messages, and supporting materials that communicate the significance of Airport initiatives and distinguish ATL’s activities and accomplishments in a competitive media environment.

Breaking News and Rapid Response

• Leads the Airport’s communications response to breaking news, emerging incidents, operational disruptions, significant delays, public concerns, and other time-sensitive developments.
• Rapidly gathers, verifies, and synthesizes information from Airport Operations, Public Safety, Aviation, Customer Experience, airlines, government agencies, and other relevant sources to support timely and accurate communications.
• Develops initial holding statements, media responses, talking points, public updates, and follow-up communications appropriate to the facts available and the circumstances of the situation.
• Exercises sound news judgment in determining what information can be confirmed and released, what requires additional verification, and when issues must be escalated to executive leadership or legal counsel.
• Coordinates timely, consistent communications across media channels and relevant Airport departments, ensuring that the public, journalists, employees, and stakeholders receive accurate information as circumstances evolve.
• Maintains readiness to address urgent communications needs outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and other periods when significant Airport developments require an immediate response.
• Establishes and maintains effective rapid-response procedures, escalation protocols, approval pathways, and coordination practices to support timely decision-making without compromising accuracy or accountability.

Crisis Communications and Reputation Management

• Develops and maintains crisis communications plans, procedures, and protocols in coordination with Airport leadership, Public Safety, emergency management personnel, the City, and other appropriate agencies.
• Leads communications strategy during emergencies, significant operational incidents, sensitive investigations, public controversies, and other situations that may affect passenger confidence, stakeholder trust, or the Airport’s reputation.
• Advises executive leadership on communications risks, public messaging, media positioning, reputational implications, and appropriate response strategies.
• Prepares executive statements, media briefings, public updates, and other communications materials for sensitive or high-profile situations, ensuring messaging is accurate, timely, coordinated, and appropriately responsive.
• Coordinates communications during rapidly evolving situations, balancing the need for speed and transparency with information verification, operational security, privacy, legal considerations, and established release protocols.
• Evaluates crisis communications effectiveness and recommends improvements to strengthen preparedness, response coordination, and public understanding.

Spokesperson and Executive Communications

• Serves as a senior spokesperson for ATL when designated and prepares Airport executives and subject-matter experts for media interviews, press conferences, public briefings, and other communications engagements.
• Develops concise, credible, and audience-appropriate talking points that translate complex issues into clear, accurate, and readily understood messages.
• Coaches designated spokespersons on interview preparation, message delivery, challenging questions, on-camera communication, and maintaining message discipline during high-pressure engagements.
• Advises the Assistant General Manager, Deputy General Manager, and other designated leaders on media strategy, interview opportunities, executive messaging, and communications approaches for significant Airport initiatives.
• Prepares speeches, briefing documents, executive correspondence, presentations, and public remarks that communicate the Airport’s priorities, accomplishments, and strategic direction.
• Represents the Communications Division in executive meetings, media briefings, interdepartmental planning sessions, and other engagements requiring senior communications expertise.

Internal Communications and Organizational Coordination

• Coordinates with Airport executive leadership and internal departments to identify story opportunities, communicate organizational priorities, and ensure timely dissemination of relevant information.
• Establishes effective working relationships with Operations, Public Safety, Customer Experience, Human Resources, Air Service Development, Commercial Development, International Affairs, and other relevant departments.
• Ensures communications activities are coordinated with appropriate operational and technical personnel, particularly when addressing incidents, infrastructure projects, passenger impacts, and other matters requiring specialized information.
• Oversees the preparation and distribution of internal communications, employee updates, leadership messages, and organizational announcements as assigned.
• Develops communication plans for major Airport initiatives, capital projects, service improvements, policy changes, and other developments affecting employees, passengers, stakeholders, or the public.

Communications Operations and Performance Management

• Establishes division-wide communications priorities, editorial standards, media response protocols, performance expectations, and operational procedures.
• Directs, coaches, and evaluates communications managers, specialists, writers, media relations personnel, and other assigned staff, fostering a culture of accuracy, initiative, responsiveness, professionalism, and accountability.
• Establishes performance measures to assess media outreach, earned media coverage, message accuracy, response times, audience engagement, communications effectiveness, and other relevant outcomes.
• Monitors media coverage and evaluates whether communications efforts are generating meaningful coverage and advancing the Airport’s strategic objectives.
• Oversees departmental budgets, procurement, consultant relationships, and resource allocation in accordance with applicable City policies and procedures.
• Ensures communications activities comply with applicable public records requirements, City policies, established approval protocols, and relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. COA may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

This listing identifies the principal knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully for the position and is not exhaustive.

• Extensive knowledge of strategic communications, journalism, media relations, public relations, editorial practices, crisis communications, and reputation management.
• Demonstrated expertise in proactive media relations, including pitching story ideas, developing news angles, securing earned media coverage, and cultivating relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and media organizations.
• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling skills, with the ability to produce accurate, compelling, publication-ready content under tight deadlines.
• Strong news judgment and the ability to identify emerging stories, anticipate media interest, recognize reputational risks, and determine appropriate communications responses.
• Demonstrated ability to respond quickly to breaking news, rapidly evolving incidents, urgent media inquiries, and sensitive issues while maintaining accuracy, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Ability to synthesize complex information from multiple sources and translate it into clear, concise, fact-based messages for media, executives, employees, passengers, and the general public.
• Strong understanding of media deadlines, newsroom operations, broadcast and digital news cycles, interview preparation, and the dynamics of high-profile public communications.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strategic media plans, execute proactive outreach campaigns, and measure the effectiveness and quality of earned media coverage.
• Ability to serve as a credible spokesperson, conduct media interviews, prepare executive spokespeople, and communicate effectively under pressure.
• Knowledge of crisis communications, emergency public information, issue management, and reputational risk assessment.
• Knowledge of airport operations, aviation industry practices, and the communications considerations associated with a large, complex, continuously operating transportation hub.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, maintain appropriate discretion, and make timely recommendations on sensitive matters involving public safety, operational impacts, executive leadership, and public perception.
• Knowledge of applicable public records requirements, communications policies, confidentiality considerations, and relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to establish strong working relationships with executive leadership, Airport departments, City officials, media representatives, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership, coaching, personnel management, and performance evaluation skills.
• Proficiency with media monitoring platforms, digital communications tools, content management systems, and analytics used to evaluate media coverage and communications effectiveness.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in related field, and six (6) years related work experience.

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, or a closely related field.
2. A minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible professional experience in journalism, public relations, media relations, strategic communications, or a related field, including demonstrated experience managing media relationships, developing communications materials, and responding to media inquiries under deadline pressure.

Licensures and Certifications

Valid State Issued Driver's License required.

Preferred Requirements

1. Demonstrated success pitching and securing proactive earned media coverage across print, television, radio, digital, and other relevant media platforms.
2. Established professional relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and media organizations, with a demonstrated ability to generate story opportunities and secure meaningful coverage.
3. Exceptional writing and editing skills, including the ability to develop compelling story pitches, press releases, statements, interview briefs, talking points, and executive communications under tight deadlines.
4. Demonstrated ability to manage breaking news, urgent media inquiries, crisis communications, and sensitive public information matters in a fast-paced environment.
5. Experience preparing executives and subject-matter experts for interviews, serving as a spokesperson, and translating complex issues into concise, credible, and accessible messages.
6. Experience in aviation, transportation, emergency public information, municipal government, or another highly visible, complex operating environment is preferred.
7. Experience supervising communications staff, managing media relations programs, and establishing performance standards and rapid-response procedures is preferred.
8. Demonstrated ability to develop proactive communications strategies that generate positive, substantive coverage while maintaining credibility, accuracy, and appropriate balance.

Work Environment:

• The position operates in a fast-paced office and airport environment that requires frequent interaction with executive leadership, media representatives, operational personnel, and external stakeholders.
• The role requires the ability to respond to time-sensitive communications matters, work under pressure, and adjust priorities rapidly as news and operational conditions evolve. Evening, weekend, holiday, and on-call availability will be required during emergencies, major incidents, significant operational disruptions, and other high-priority communications situations.
• The position may require travel throughout the Airport campus and attendance at press conferences, media briefings, operational sites, and other locations where communications support is necessary. Work may occur indoors or outdoors and may involve exposure to varying weather and operational conditions.
• Physical lifting and sensorial capabilities are required to perform this job successfully.
• Physical Requirements: The position may require standing, walking, and carrying equipment or materials consistent with assigned duties. Any lifting, climbing, environmental exposure, or other physical requirements should be established in accordance with the actual essential functions of the position.
• Lifting Requirements: Light work, involving exertion of up to 20 pounds occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to move objects. The position requires sitting, standing, walking, lifting of 10+ pounds frequently.
• The position requires climbing, balancing, crouching, crawling or the use of stairs and ladders frequently.
• The position requires reaching/working overhead never or occasionally.
• This position requires the ability to work in inclement weather and in varying temperatures.
• The position may require the ability to work in a confined space.

It is the policy of the City of Atlanta (“COA”) that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department.

The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran’s status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.