Chief Marketing And Communications Officer

Job Title: CHIEF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Shift Schedule: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday

Starting Rate: $175,000 - $200,000 ANNUAL

CLOSING DATE: This job announcement will be open until filled.

ABOUT US: Norfolk International Airport presently ranks in the top 14% of the country’s airports in terms of passengers served annually, with over 4 million passengers and over 65,000 flight operations in 2022. Our vision is that every team member has a stake in bringing our “Stronger Together, Let’s Fly” brand to life for every passenger and fellow employee. We have a demonstrated commitment to cultivating a positive, collaborative work environment that supports our values of professionalism, responsiveness, innovation, diversity, excellence (P.R.I.D.E.) as outlined in our Strategic Plan.

OUR MISSION: The mission of Norfolk Airport Authority is to connect our community with the world by safely, reliably, and efficiently operating Norfolk International Airport.

BENEFITS: Health, vision and dental care insurance, Virginia state retirement benefits, 457 Plan, Roth IRA, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, short-term disability, paid vacation, sick and holiday benefits, legal and pet coverage benefits.

JOB SUMMARY: The Chief Marketing and Communications Officer is responsible for leading the NAA’s overall communication strategy in support of the Airport’s Strategic Plan. In collaboration with the CEO, but working on a highly independent basis, this role is responsible for leading, driving, and delivering organizational long-term strategies through the strategic development, implementation and management of integrated Marketing and Communications strategies across all internal and external stakeholders. He/she serves as the chief strategist for building proactive regional, national, and global news strategies that establish the Authority’s position as the industry leader in driving economic growth.

A visionary and proactive thinker, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer is responsible for all relevant communications and marketing functions at the Authority including strategic communications, public relations, employee communications, branding, and marketing. He/she should do so in a manner consistent with the NAA brand as well as the mission, vision and values, all while strengthening the many critical long-term relationships with various public and private stakeholders.

He/she should have well-honed and proven people-leadership skills that foster a collaborative and dynamic environment; possess superb business acumen with a proven track record of results; adept at building partnerships and creating lasting relationships with stakeholders; diplomatic, driven and creative when approaching new business opportunities; and have highly developed communications skills.

As a member of the executive management team of the Authority, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer is also an important contributor to the overall strategic leadership of the Authority.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The following duties are typical for this position. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

1. Provides strategic leadership for the NAA media and government strategic advising.

2. Directs airport public, media, and governmental relations programs and activities.

3. Coordinate communications with local governments.

4. Develop communications and marketing strategies to maximize the airport’s reputation amongst its customers and stakeholders in the industry, community, and workplace.

5. Inform and influence NAA’s employees, customers, and stakeholders through internal and external communications, social, digital, and traditional media, marketing, issues management, and crisis response.

6. Develop and execute marketing programs in support of Airport priorities and revenue-generating initiatives.

7. Develop brand strategies that create cohesion between marketing, public relations, and customer relations.

8. Collaborate with internal stakeholders and groups in support of business initiatives.

9. Develop effective working relationships with CEO, executives, and senior staff to support the achievement of business goals.

10. Implement community engagement programs to enhance advocacy in support of organizational initiatives through outreach, engagement and employee involvement while ensuring regulatory compliance.

11. Develop and maintain positive relationships with business partners such as chambers of commerce, business advocacy groups, convention and visitor organizations, and regulatory agencies.

12. Directs and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the NAA’s community relations programs involving media, Federal, State, and local government officials, and the public.

13. Directs the coordination of events and promotions at the airport, such as VIP ceremonies, press conferences, airlines/route launches.

14. Directs the arts and cultural exhibition programs through a subordinate manager; coordinates planning and organization of events with appropriate airport managerial staff.

15. Oversees and prepares presentations to community groups, governments, and local service organizations on airport projects, activities, and events.

16. Plans, directs, and evaluates the performance of assigned staff; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for development purposes.

17. Participates in recommending the appointment of staff, provides or coordinates staff training, works with employees to correct deficiencies, implements discipline procedures, and recommends employee terminations.

18. Develops, implements, and administers a variety of special projects and provides staff assistance to the President/CEO.

19. Provides leadership and works together with managers and staff to create a high performance, service-oriented work environment that supports the Airport’s mission and objectives.

20. This position is considered essential personnel as part of NAA’s Airport Emergency Plan and may be required to respond to airport incidents as requested/required.

21. Adheres to all the Authority’s personnel policies and departmental guidelines.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: The following generally describes the knowledge, skills and abilities required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time to successfully perform the assigned duties.

1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

2. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

3. Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

4. Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

5. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe.

EDUCATION/TRAINING:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, mass media communications, public relations, advertising, marketing or a related field, or equivalent combination of experience and training. Master’s Degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

1. 10+ years’ experience in marketing, communications, and government affairs with expertise in results-driven, integrated Marketing and Communications campaigns.

2. Experience in providing strategic Marketing and Communications counsel to CEO and C-Suite executives, preferably at small-hub or comparable airport.

3. Demonstrated an ability to negotiate and partner effectively with a variety of constituent groups, both internal and external, deploying a win-win mindset and collaborative approach.

4. A strong track record of developing and managing effective working relationships across a wide variety of stakeholders.

5. Significant Marketing and Communications team leadership experience.

6. Experience designing and delivering social and digital media campaigns that enhance brand identity and positioning.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Ability to obtain and maintain eligibility to hold a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge as may be required by assigned job duties and responsibilities.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS: Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitations.

Sitting for long periods of time, bending, stooping, carrying, and lifting up to 25 lbs.

EQUIPMENT OPERATION: Phone system, fax, copier, shredder, laptop, projector.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: It is the policy of the Norfolk Airport Authority (NAA) to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, NAA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

“No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we’ve identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we’d love to learn more about you!”

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Contact the Human Resources Department at 757-857-3405 for assistance.