Communications Manager at Ben Franklin Transit in Richland, WA

Salary: Position Range: $92,589.00 - $128,166.00 Hiring Range: $104,449.000 - $122,236.000 Most applicants’ offers will fall within this hiring range based on qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role’s needs.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Join the team that keeps the Tri-Cities moving!

OUR MISSION

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) provides exceptional and cost-effective transportation services that consistently exceed customer expectations while promoting the principles and practices of livable communities and sustainable development.

OUR VALUES

We value customer service, collaboration, diversity, fiscal accountability, innovation, sustainability and safety. Employees and representatives of BFT are expected to uphold our values and mission.

NATURE OF POSITION

Perform a full range of activities in support of the agency’s public information, media relations, employee communications, community engagement, and marketing initiatives. This position serves as the Agency’s Public Information Officer (PIO) and is responsible for developing and managing strategic communications that increase public awareness of Agency services, support transparency, strengthening community trust, and promoting the value of Ben Franklin Transit within the agency and the community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a contact for media inquiries, public information requests, and external communications.
• Assist in the development and management of marketing and communications initiatives including ridership campaigns, service promotions, branding, public outreach, and community engagement efforts.
• Develop, write, edit, and/or oversee development and execution of content for advertisements, press releases, news statements, brochures, reports, speeches, website content, social media, outreach events, campaigns, internal communications, and other public information projects.
• Coordinate media relations activities including responding to media inquiries, preparing public statements, arranging interviews, and supporting crisis and emergency communications as needed.
• Respond to requests from internal stakeholders for communications support and public messaging assistance.
• Oversee development of promotional and informational materials including graphics, layout, messaging, and content; ensure compliance with Agency brand standards and style guidelines.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships internally and with the public, media representatives, public officials, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Plan, write, produce, and/or oversee development of internal and external communications materials for publication and distribution.
• Utilize social media, website platforms, and web applications to support communication activities, customer engagement, and Agency image.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date information on bft.org and mybft.org.
• Provide technical writing support for policies and procedures, Board memoranda/resolutions, employee handbooks and the Agency yearbook for distribution agencywide.
• Maintain accurate records, files, media contacts, and communication materials.
• Participate in meetings and events on weekends and evenings as required.
• Work with and maintain confidential and sensitive information.
• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of principles and practices of public information, media relations, strategic communications, crisis communications, copy writing, copy editing, and style guide adherence.
• Ability to identify and define challenges; develop, evaluate, recommend, and implement effective communication strategies and “best course” alternatives.
• Ability to communicate ideas and concepts effectively through presentations to small and large audiences.
• Ability to effectively represent the Agency in a variety of public and private sector activities.
• Ability to work as a team member and independently; effectively apply organizational and time management skills; meet deadlines and comply with Agency policies.
• Ability to focus on tasks and recall details while handling frequent interruptions and multiple priorities.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with employees, leadership, media representatives, community partners, and the public.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

• Collaboration: Shares time and knowledge with others; adjusts priorities as circumstances dictate; follows through on commitments, accepts responsibility for actions, resolves interpersonal conflicts constructively.
• Diversity: Demonstrates an awareness and respect of cultural and individual values. Treats all people with dignity, courtesy and respect.
• Fiscal Accountability: Actively contributes to the productivity of the agency; demonstrates good stewardship of company time and resources; displays high standards of ethical conduct.
• Customer Service: Anticipates the needs of internal and external customers; delivers quality work products and services within expected timeframes. Considers and responds appropriately to people in various situations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related field from an accredited institution and five years of progressively responsible experience; or an equivalent combination of experience and education. Our ideal candidate is a communications professional who has exceptional writing, editing, and communications skills, with a demonstrated ability to translate company information into a compelling story.

LICENSES, REGISTRATION & CERTIFICATES

None.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree in related field.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Generally sedentary in nature; occasionally stand and walk; intermittently kneel, stoop, bend and twist at the waist, and reach overhead; sit for long periods of time. Rarely kneel, crouch, or crawl. Occasionally lift, push/pull, or carry up to 40 pounds. Good vision to read print and computer screen. Hear and speak to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to include repetitive keyboarding, grasping and reaching to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and/or standard office equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is primarily performed in an office environment where noise, frequent interruptions, and lack of privacy may be present. Operate a motor vehicle. Occasional exposure to outdoor environment and weather conditions in when participating in Agency events. Must be available to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

If you want to give back to the community, consider hopping onboard the team that's going places!

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. It is BFT’s policy to employ, train, promote, compensate, and provide conditions of employment without regard to a person’s race, color, sex, disability, religion, national origin, age, veteran’s status, citizenship, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Drug-Free Workplace Policy

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) is a drug-free workplace.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure worker fitness for duty and to protect our employees, passengers, and the public from the risks posed by the use of alcohol and prohibited drugs.

Participation in BFT’s zero tolerance drug-free workplace policy is a condition of employment.