Public Information Officer

The incumbent is expected to model CAT’s core values of Excellence, Integrity, and Sustainability in daily work, leadership, and communications. These values are applied to the position as follows:

• Excellence:
  Deliver timely, accurate, accessible, and professional communications and continuously improve outreach and marketing effectiveness.
• Integrity:
  Communicate honestly and transparently, verify information before release, protect confidential information, and demonstrate accountability for decisions and commitments.
• Sustainability:
  Promote public transportation’s contribution to community connectivity and environmental stewardship, and use communications resources responsibly to support CAT’s long‑term success.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Public Information Officer/Communications Manager plans, directs, manages, and evaluates Chatham Area Transit Authority’s (CAT) public communications, media relations, marketing, and community outreach activities. The position serves as a strategic advisor to the CEO and translates organizational priorities, transit information, and complex or sensitive issues into clear, accurate, and accessible communications for employees, riders, media outlets, community partners, and the public.

This position leads communications initiatives that strengthen public trust, promote CAT services, support ridership growth, and enhance the Authority’s reputation. The incumbent manages competing priorities and exercises sound judgment in a dynamic environment.

• Serve as a strategic extension of the CEO, aligning communications, media relations, marketing, and outreach with CAT’s mission and organizational priorities.
• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Authority’s Strategic Communications Plan.
• Advise the CEO on communications opportunities, emerging public concerns, reputational issues, and messaging strategies.
• Research audience needs, public perceptions, and outreach opportunities to inform communications planning.
• Prepare speeches, talking points, presentations, press releases, publications, and other communications for executive review and approved distribution.

• Manage relationships with media outlets and respond promptly and accurately to requests for information, following CAT’s approval and information-release procedures.
• Coordinate and facilitate media interviews, press conferences, and public announcements; prepare leadership for media engagements.
• Serve as an authorized spokesperson when assigned, including as a backup to the CEO or other designated leadership team members.
• Coordinate approved communications concerning service changes, disruptions, safety matters, and emergencies with the CEO and appropriate departments.
• Translate complex, technical, or sensitive information into clear language appropriate for diverse audiences.
• Monitor media coverage and public feedback, identify issues requiring leadership attention, and recommend appropriate responses.

• Develop and implement marketing strategies, promotions, and campaigns that increase awareness and use of CAT services among commuters, youth, and other target audiences.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of rider information, promotional materials, print and radio advertisements, video content, and outdoor advertising.
• Coordinate outreach with local and regional jurisdictions, partner agencies, community organizations, advertising contacts, consultants, and vendors.
• Maintain consistent…