Director, Communications

SARASOTA MANATEE AIRPORT AUTHORITY

Job Code: 2025

Grade: 49

JOB TITLE: Director, Communications

REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

DEPARTMENT: Administration

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

Starting Salary Range: $113,952 - $131,044

Salary Grade Range: $113,952 - $170,928

Full-time, Exempt

Posting Date: 11/14/25 ~ Closing Date: 12/1/25

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The Director of Communications serves as a key member of SRQ’s executive leadership team, responsible for developing, executing, and evaluating comprehensive communication and marketing strategies that advance the airport’s mission, vision, and goals. This role oversees and integrates all aspects of SRQ’s internal and external communications, media relations, and brand management including crisis communications—to enhance SRQ’s visibility, reputation, and engagement locally, regionally, and nationally.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Strategic Communication Leadership

• Collaborate with the CEO and executive leadership to develop and implement organization-wide communications and marketing strategies aligned with SRQ’s mission and goals.
• Develop and execute integrated public affairs and communication plans that promote SRQ’s strategic vision.
• Ensure consistent messaging and brand alignment across all external platforms and stakeholder communications.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, providing strategic counsel on internal, external and executive communications.
• Align and coordinate all communications initiatives across departments and in collaboration with the marketing team to ensure a unified organizational voice.

Media & Issues Management

• Lead proactive media relations efforts, including story development, pitching, and rapid response to inquiries.
• Manage crisis communications and act as spokesperson during sensitive or high-profile situations.

Marketing & Branding

• Oversee the creation of communication materials in collaboration with the marketing team, including content for the website, external publications, internal communications, press releases, speeches, and social media content—that consistently represent the SRQ brand.
• Strengthen and maintain a unified brand identity across all communication channels, in collaboration with the marketing team.
• Lead the development and execution of integrated and marketing campaigns that support key organizational objectives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with all airport departments to provide strategic messaging, communication plans, and writing support.
• Support leadership and staff in effectively communicating initiatives, projects, and priorities.

Crisis Preparedness & Response

• Develop, maintain, and lead execution of SRQ’s crisis communication plans.
• Serve as a primary spokesperson and coordinate responses during crisis or issue management events.

Practices & Processes

• Establish best-in-class public sector communication practices and processes that promote efficiency and responsiveness.
• Ensure communication tools and workflows meet the needs of internal stakeholders.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the communications with the marketing team.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

Performs other related duties as required.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Computer, Calculator, Radio, Personal Computer.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Where "preferred" is indicated, the qualification is not essential.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or a related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public affairs, or marketing leadership.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with senior leadership.
• Strong leadership and management abilities.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing enterprise-level communications and marketing strategies.
• Expertise in internal communications and change management communications.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to tailor messages for diverse audiences.
• Previous airport or aviation industry experience. preferred
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Licenses and Certifications:

Accredited in Public Relations (APR) certification or other public relations and strategic communications recognition - preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of strategic communications.

Knowledge of collaboration and management techniques.

Knowledge of the procedures and laws relating to effective communication.

Knowledge of project planning and scheduling.

Knowledge of effective budget management.

Ability to be flexible and pivot through unforeseen events; provide creative solutions and maintain awareness of risks and opportunities.

Ability to work collaboratively with the executive leadership team, and the media to build consensus.

Ability to develop and nurture professional relationships with the media, influencers, and community leaders.

Ability to think critically and develop creative solutions to communication challenges.

Ability to accept change and maintain a balanced approach in a flexible and creative environment.

Ability to plan, organize, assign, establish, and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, executives, officials, employees, consultants, tenants, and the public.

Physical Requirements:

The Director, Communications must be diligent in adhering to all work-related safety rules, procedures and regulations and take the precautions necessary to comply with the Airport Authority safety policy.

Mental Requirements:

As an Director, Communications, the employee must have the mental capacity to provide support to all departments; must be capable of successfully interacting with employees, outside agencies and the general public, develop and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, fellow employees, outside agencies and the general public and have the mental capacity to provide support to the President, CEO.

Environmental Requirements:

The Director, Communications works in an office environment, and inside the airport terminal.

Summary Clause:

The duties and responsibilities listed in this job class specification are intended only as illustrations of the various duties to be performed and are not all inclusive. The omission of other specific duties does not exclude them from being performed by the Director, Communications if the duties are similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. This job class specification does not constitute an employment contract between SMAA and the Director, Communications and is subject to change at the discretion of the Airport Authority.

ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.