Communications and Community Relations Manager

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Syracuse Hancock International Airport is growing, and the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) is looking for dedicated professionals to join our team. The SRAA is currently seeking a full-time Communications and Community Relations Manager to contribute in shaping how the airport engages with its passengers, partners, and surrounding communities.

Job Description

This position blends strategic communications with hands-on program and event leadership to ensure the airport's brand, reputation, and public presence remain strong and forward-looking. From crafting compelling social media stories to strengthening community partnerships, coordinating high-profile events, and enhancing the overall passenger experience, this role serves as a key ambassador for the airport-both inside the terminal and beyond. You will be part of a team that strives to make Syracuse Hancock International Airport a best-in-class airport.

Must be able available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. The position reports to the Chief Commercial Officer.

Typical Work Activities

Communications & Media Relations

• Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies aligned with the airport's mission and organizational objectives.
• Serve as primary media point of contact, coordinating press releases, interview requests, media briefings, and crisis communications as needed.
• Maintain consistent brand messaging across all platforms and materials.
• Draft speaking points, internal communications, and executive communications as requested.

Social Media & Digital Engagement

• Lead the creation, scheduling, and monitoring of social media content across all channels to drive engagement and promote airport initiatives.
• Collaborate with IT staff to develop, update and maintain website content.
• Develop digital campaigns that highlight airport services, community involvement, operational updates, and passenger enhancements.
• Monitor trends, community sentiment, and analytics to refine messaging and digital strategy.

Community Relations & Outreach

• Manage and grow the airport's Fly Guide and Pets Easing Travelers volunteer programs, ensuring participants receive proper training, recognition, and ongoing engagement.
• Build and maintain relationships with local organizations, schools, nonprofits, businesses, and civic groups to strengthen the airport's community presence.
• Represent the airport at community events, meetings, and public forums.

Event Coordination & Planning

• Plan, coordinate, and execute airport-sponsored events, including community programs, open houses, holiday activities, and special recognition ceremonies.
• Lead planning and execution of inaugural airline events, route launches, and other high-visibility celebrations in partnership with internal teams and airline partners.
• Oversee logistics, vendor coordination, event budgets, and post-event evaluation.

Passenger Experience & Enhancement Initiatives

• Develop and deliver programs focused on improving the customer journey, from terminal activation initiatives to community-driven passenger support activities.
• Collaborate with internal departments on customer service campaigns, amenities upgrades, and engagement opportunities.
• Monitor passenger feedback and help translate insights into actionable improvements.
• Develops and tracks customer service KPI's.

Internal Collaboration & Leadership

• Work closely with airport leadership, operations, marketing, and administrative teams to ensure consistent communication across departments.
• Provide strategic insights regarding public perception, passenger trends, and community expectations.
• Support emergency communications and public information roles within the airport's incident command structure.
• Any other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of marketing and communications media and their effective use
• Excellent written communication skills, including clear writing, editing, and proofreading
• Ability to design and develop newsletters and related communication materials
• Effective oral communication and public speaking skills
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with staff, partners, and the public
• Ability to research, verify, and clearly present information
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications
• Working knowledge of Word Press, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Canva
• Ability to professionally engage online communities on behalf of the organization
• Sound judgment, tact, and professionalism in all interactions
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

Minimum Qualifications
A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered College or University with baccalaureate degree and two (2) years of professional level work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in public relations, marketing or communications.

B. Six (6) years of paraprofessional or professional level work experience, or its part-time equivalent, two (2) years of which must have been professional level work experience in…