Manager Media Relations en CSX Transportation, Inc

Job Summary

The Media Relations Manager plays a critical role in protecting and strengthening CSX’s reputation through proactive storytelling and rapid, disciplined response. This position requires proven experience in crisis communications — including media response, issue management, and real-time decision-making in a highly regulated industry. The manager will handle a day-to-day media relations portfolio with a focus on local, trade, and industry press, while also being a frontline contributor in crisis response. Candidates must work collaboratively with other business units and departments, and be comfortable working under pressure, adapting quickly to evolving situations, and representing CSX with accuracy and professionalism.

Primary Activities and Responsibilities

• Serve as a company spokesperson for local, trade, and community-focused media inquiries, conducting background briefings, issuing statements, and managing day-to-day press interactions.
• Play a frontline role in crisis communications, including:
  • Participating in 24/7 on-call media rotation.
  • Traveling to incident sites to support media response.
  • Drafting crisis statements, Q&As, and talking points in real time.
  • Coordinating with cross-functional teams (Operations, Legal, Government Affairs, Risk, etc.) to ensure consistent and accurate messaging.
• Develop and execute media strategies that highlight CSX’s core business strategies.
• Monitor media coverage and provide timely analysis to leadership during both routine and high-profile events.
• Support planning and execution of media events, including logistics, messaging, and reporter engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in media relations, public relations, or corporate communications (corporate or agency).
• Demonstrated experience in crisis communications (either as spokesperson, responder, or direct support role).
• Ability to operate effectively in high-pressure environments with incomplete or rapidly changing information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Crisis communications certifications (e.g., FEMA ICS/NIMS, PIO training, emergency response coursework).
• Experience in transportation, infrastructure, or other highly regulated industries.
• Strong media contacts in regional, trade, or local outlets.
• Familiarity with media monitoring tools and digital content distribution.
• Support emergency response and crisis management and act as Public Information Officer as required. Occasionally be available for extended work hours outside of standard business hours, call-out support as needed, and participate in our emergency response team and on-call rotation.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to deliver accurate, clear messaging under deadline.
• Deep understanding of current media landscape, including dynamics during crisis situations.
• Effective decision-making with limited information.
• Ability to maintain composure, credibility, and professionalism in high-stakes situations.
• Strong interpersonal and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Job Requirements

• Willingness to serve in on-call media rotation, including after-hours and weekends.
• Ability to travel on short notice to support incident response or media events.
• Comfortable working in outdoor and challenging environments during incident response.

Company