Communications and Community Relations Manager

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 WordPress, 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 public relations, marketing or communications.

C. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B).

Special Necessary Requirement

• Must obtain and maintain security clearance as required by role and TSA regulations

Salary and Benefits

• Comprehensive salary and benefits package, including medical/dental/vision coverage upon date of hire
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Generous paid time off
• New York State deferred compensation (457b)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Membership in the New York State Local and Employee Retirement System (or alternate Voluntary Defined Contribution Plan for eligible employees)
• Opportunity for professional development opportunities
• Exciting work environment at a leading airport with opportunities for growth and collaboration

You may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments have been made under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. For more information on PSLF, please visit www.studentAid.gov/publicservice
To learn more about our organization, visit: www.flysyracuse.com

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should apply online and include a resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references.

SRAA is committed to equal employment opportunity and leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to serve the traveling public at Syracuse Hancock International Airport. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other basis protected by Federal, State or Local law. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.