Director, Strategic Communications & Engagement

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provided more than 47.5 million rides in 2024 that connect people, strengthen communities, and improve lives through an integrated network of bus and rail transportation and resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk, or bike in the Twin Cities.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

Metro Transit is seeking a Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement to lead marketing, creative services, communications, commuter programs and community engagement teams. If you have experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or community relations and a passion for making a positive impact in the Twin Cities, we want to hear from you. Join us in shaping Metro Transit's brand, strengthening community connections, and growing the transit system that keeps our metro moving.

Strategic Leadership & Brand Management

• Listen and learn from our customers and community to shape communications and marketing strategies to ensure our services align with their needs, drive engagement, and create a meaningful, lasting impact
• Collaborate with the General Manager and executive team to provide strategic guidance on public communications and branding, ensuring alignment with the agency's strategic plan
• Lead the creation and execution of short- and long-term marketing and communications strategies across print, digital, and social media platforms

Public Relations & Community Engagement

• Ensure community engagement efforts are integrated into Metro Transit's broader communications strategy, reflecting the needs and interests of the diverse communities we serve
• Oversee media relations, including interview preparation, press releases, and responses to inquiries
• Direct the development of social media and website content to improve public engagement and awareness of Metro Transit
• Oversee the design and evaluation of mechanisms for gathering and analyzing community feedback, incorporating public input into service improvements and communication strategies

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Foster positive relationships with community organizations, government agencies, and other key stakeholders to advance Metro Transit's goals and improve public perception
• Represent Metro Transit in meetings with external stakeholders and ensure internal representatives are well-prepared for community, government, and agency engagements
• Identify opportunities for collaboration and ensure Metro Transit is effectively represented in regional and national opportunities

Team Leadership & Organizational Development

• Support and guide staff and managers, fostering a strong and effective team while encouraging innovation and continuous improvement
• Develop and monitor work plans, performance goals, and objectives for communications, marketing, and community engagement teams

Data Driven Strategies & Resource Management

• Assess customer feedback, ridership trends, and other Metro Transit data to refine strategies and enhance customer satisfaction
• Oversee the Marketing, Creative Services, Communications, and Community Affairs budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively

Any of the following combinations of experience in in business, communications, marketing, public relations, public administration, or closely related field and completed education in business, communications, marketing, public relations, public administration, or closely related field:

• High school diploma/GED with thirteen (13) years of experience, including five (5) years of management experience leading/directing staff, managing budgets, and overseeing departmental strategic planning

• Associate's degree with eleven (11) years of experience, including five (5) years of management experience leading/directing staff, managing budgets, and overseeing departmental strategic planning
• Bachelor's degree with nine (9) years of experience, including five (5) years of management experience leading/directing staff, managing budgets, and overseeing departmental strategic planning
• Master's degree or higher with seven (7) years of experience, including five (5) years of management experience leading/directing staff, managing budgets, and overseeing departmental strategic planning

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

Strategic Communication & Public Engagement

• Experience leading and managing crisis communications, media relations, and public-facing interactions
• Strong understanding of stakeholder engagement practices, particularly in diverse and underserved communities
• Skilled in verbal and written communication to effectively engage with stakeholders, media, and the public

Marketing & Digital Strategy

• Expertise in integrated marketing strategies, including digital, social media, and traditional media channels, to enhance public engagement and brand visibility
• Experience leveraging digital tools and platforms (e.g., social media, website analytics, email marketing) to drive engagement
• Skilled in developing and executing data-driven marketing and communication strategies

Government & Community Relations

• Knowledge of local and state government operations, public administration, and public relations
• Experience in leadership roles within the non-profit or public sector, particularly in transportation or government agencies
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with government agencies, media outlets, and community organizations

Leadership & Organizational Management

• Experience in leadership or management roles, including serving as a key spokesperson
• Skilled in coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams
• Experience planning, coordinating, and overseeing large-scale projects involving multiple stakeholders and departments
• Experience leading organizational changes, including communications strategies to ensure smooth transitions

Budget Management & Data-Driven Decision-Making

• Strong analytical skills to assess performance metrics, ridership data, and customer feedback to refine communication and outreach strategies
• Experience in public sector budget planning, including forecasting and identifying new revenue and sponsorship opportunities
• Skilled in budget management, resource allocation, and strategic planning for marketing and communication initiatives

What knowledge, skills, and abilities should you have within the first six months on the job:

• Develop organizational knowledge and relationships to effectively serve as a spokesperson for Metro Transit
• Analyze and evaluate existing communications, marketing, and community engagement plans to develop comprehensive forward-facing plans
• Gain knowledge of systems, processes, and procedures in place for marketing, creative services, communications, commuter programs, and community engagement teams and identify efficiencies, opportunities for collaboration, and alignment
• Develop a strong understanding of Metro Transit Forward strategic framework and its application in messaging and branding
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic environment while managing multiple projects and priorities
• Ability to ensure messaging and branding align with Metro Transit's mission, vision, and strategic objectives
• Ability to promote an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values culture and diversity among all employees

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Union/Grade: Non-Represented/Grade M
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

What your work environment would be:
You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

• We review your minimum qualifications.
• We review work record evaluations for ATU employees.
• We rate your education and experience.
• We conduct a structured panel interview.
• We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety-sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety-sensitive position) and criminal background checks if the job you're applying for is safety-sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.