This is public affairs work managing the public information, public relations, community relations, marketing and air service development activities for the City's Airports. The employee in this class is responsible for directing, through subordinate supervisors and other public relations professionals, a large public relations and marketing operation involving the dissemination of information regarding airport functions and services to the news media, airlines, and the general public, and the advertising and promotion of airport services, facility, events, and programs. Work involves the development and coordination of public relations and marketing programs and activities to enhance the airport's image and increase demand for air transportation service. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with City officials, departmental managers, media representatives, airline officials, community groups and organizations, and the general public is of major significance to the work. Work is performed under the direction of the Aviation Director.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)Plans, directs, and implements public information, public relations, community relations, marketing and air service development programs; manages multiple and varied programs through subordinate supervisors, public relations professionals, and contractors; manages public affairs program budget and contracts.
Serves as the airport's primary liaison with the media on a round the clock basis; receives queries from the press concerning various airport activities, including emergencies; responds to press inquiries within a specific time frame; contacts other airport managers to obtain information necessary to appropriately respond to media inquiries; contacts media representatives to promote upcoming airport activities and events and to arrange for media coverage of such events; directs the development, reviews the content and insures the accuracy of all communication to the media; prepares and submits press releases as needed; makes announcements on television and radio regarding airport operations.
Directs and coordinates the airport's marketing program designed to increase demand for airport services, facility, and operations; directs marketing of airport facilities and services to expand airline carrier base; manages contracted vendors in the development and implementation of marketing and advertising activities; designs and develops marketing ideas and concepts; evaluates competitors marketing campaigns and makes marketing recommendations designed to compete with them; ensures appropriate marketing and advertising through website, radio, billboard, and print media; makes recommendations regarding overall airport marketing and advertising strategy.
Directs a comprehensive passenger assistance program intended to increase satisfaction and improve perception of the airport; directs, through subordinate supervisors, the operations of the airport communication center; directs, through subordinate supervisors, the activities of employees and volunteers providing information to airport travelers; directs contracted staff in the provision of hospitality services to travelers delayed or stranded at the airport; directs planning and implementation of new passenger assistance and hospitality programs.
Directs the production of new promotional and informative materials to inform airport and tenant employees, business associates and the general public of upcoming activities and programs; works with public relations and executive and managerial staff to conceptualize and develop formats for promotional and informative materials; manages printing, graphic design, and audio-visual contracts to produce promotional and informative material; produces the airport's annual report, newsletters, brochures, and training and informative videos; manages contracted printing, publishing, audio-visual, and advertising firms.
Directs the coordination of events and promotions at the airport, such as fund raising events, VIP ceremonies, and conferences; works in liaison with groups planning to hold functions at the airport; meets with group representatives to ensure all their needs are met; ensures that appropriate operations, maintenance, and security personnel are informed of upcoming events to be held; directs the arts and cultural exhibition program through a subordinate manager; coordinates planning and organization of events with appropriate airport managerial staff.
Meets with representatives of community groups within the City and in communities surrounding the airport to discuss and address the impact of the airport on the surrounding area; discusses the airport master plan and its potential impact on the surrounding area.
Performs related work as required.
Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations or a related area.
ANDThree years of experience in the public relations field involving preparation of informational or promotional material for popular release or print or electronic media news writing.
ANDTwo years of experience in a municipal airport performing public information and promotional work at the advanced performance level or supervising personnel engaged in a passenger information and referral services program.
OROr any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department which has included a bachelor's degree as an educational minimum and the specific experience as indicated.
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
Classes which typically meet the experience requirements for this class include: