Director of Corporate Communications

Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

ORGANIZATION:
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) works to deliver experiences that uniquely enrich the lives of our visitors and residents. Through leadership in destination development, marketing, and venue management expertise, the CRVA leads efforts to maximize the region’s economic potential through visitor spending and creating jobs and opportunities for the community. Brands supported by the CRVA include the Charlotte Convention Center, Spectrum Center, Bojangles Entertainment Complex, NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Film Commission, Visit Charlotte, and Visitor Info Centers.

For more information please visit crva.com.

REPORTS/RELATIONSHIPS:
This position will report directly to the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer and will directly supervise one employee (Corporate Communications Manager).

BASIC FUNCTIONS:
The Director of Corporate Communications is responsible for managing and supervising strategic corporate communications programs across media relations, internal communications, community relations, and stakeholder communications. This position oversees and directs the communication strategies and initiatives of the CRVA, ensuring coherent and consistent messaging. Key areas of focus include strategic planning, media relations, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement.

Specific duties will include, but not necessarily be limited to:

Develop comprehensive corporate communication strategies that align with the organization’s overall goals and objectives.
Serve as the primary liaison between the CRVA and the media. Manage media inquiries and act as an official spokesperson when necessary.
Provide strategic counsel to executive leadership on media relations, internal communications, and complex organizational issues with communications implications.
Ensure effective internal communication and advocate for the CRVA Internal Communications Plan through organization-wide communications tools, meetings, executive updates, and the employee intranet to keep staff informed and motivated.
Monitor and manage the organization’s public image and reputation and mitigate any negative publicity and manage crisis communications.
Elevate the CRVA’s reputation as an essential organization and influential leader of Charlotte’s visitor economy.
Develop and nurture strong relationships with economic development partners, city and county contacts, and other essential stakeholders.
Lead the development and oversight of the organization’s corporate social responsibility initiatives and communicate the organization’s efforts and achievements in social responsibility to internal and external audiences.
Develop various communication materials, including crafting speeches and key talking points for the Chief Executive Officer and executives.
Oversee the production of content that aligns with corporate identity and reputation, including annual reports, stakeholder correspondence, and messaging.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies through metrics and analytics.
Provide regular reports to the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer on the performance of communication initiatives and adjust strategies as necessary to improve outcomes.
Lead and manage the corporate communications team, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.
Ensure the team works collaboratively and efficiently to achieve goals and continually progress and develop through measures of accountability.
Make evidence-based decisions using CRVA research.
Regularly handle confidential information, including public records, customer quotes, and financial documents, while ensuring compliance with North Carolina public records laws.
Keep abreast of issues with potential external implications for CRVA.
Serve as a member of the CRVA’s Directors Team, attending regular meetings with the expectation of strong engagement and active participation.

REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to translate strategic goals and objectives into actionable plans and results.
Problem-solving skills and the ability to provide solutions aligned with core values and organizational goals.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize competing tasks and projects, meet deadlines, and remain responsive in a fast-paced team environment.
Keen attention to detail, adaptable writing style, and ability to produce error-free work. Impeccable spelling and grammar, with advanced expertise in AP style.
Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and the ability to work independently and collaborate effectively.
Demonstrated ability as a corporate spokesperson.
Extensive contacts with local, regional, national, or trade media, and the ability to quickly build media relationships.
Excellent verbal and presentation skills, with the ability to demonstrate political savvy. Ability to maintain composure and clarity of thought and purpose in highly stressful situations.
Excellent judgment and decision-making skills. Effective analytical, problem identification, and resolution skills.
Ability to anticipate needs, build positive relationships, exceed customer expectations, treat all with respect and courtesy, and deliver exceptional service internally and externally.
Demonstrated experience developing and leading corporate social responsibility initiatives for a sizable organization.
Counsel and interview preparation.
Work closely with the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer in the development and coordination of strategy, messaging, and issue management.
Independently develop and pitch new ideas to increase media coverage.
Availability to work during evenings and weekends as required.
Exhibit executive presence and business acumen.
Adaptability to changes in business operations and work processes with minimal notice.
Ability to handle confidential, privileged, and sensitive information with care.
Approach challenges with a positive attitude and demeanor.
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or public relations from a four-year college or university, and at least ten (10) years of related experience in managing internal and external relations activities.

COMPENSATION:
Compensation will be commensurate with experience including a competitive base salary, bonus opportunity, and competitive benefits package.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Chris Shade, Consultant
[email protected]
704.377.0362