VP, Communications

Company:

Come shape the future of American travel by joining the Brightline West team. We are working to reimagine greener, better, and faster train travel!

After Brightline Florida completed the first passenger rail system connecting Miami and Orlando, Brightline West was formed to connect Las Vegas and Southern California through the nation’s first true high-speed, electric passenger rail system. Reaching speeds of more than 186 miles per hour, this 218-mile high-speed rail service will take passengers from Las Vegas to the Greater Los Angeles area twice as fast as the normal drive time.

We are looking for talented individuals to join Brightline West who share our pioneering mindset for building something that’s the first of its kind and have a bright vision for redefining the future of American travel.

Your Purpose:

As a VP of Communications, you will own all aspects of communications as we continue to revolutionize passenger rail travel in the United States. This role will report to the president and will oversee all external communications encompassing construction communications, marketing communications, headline risk, and stakeholder engagement initiatives for Brightline West.

If you have the courage to lead, build strong relationships with people across different perspectives, and are driven to make things happen for your teammates, this is the perfect opportunity!

Your Role:

Strategic Communications Leadership: The Vice President of Communications will lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy that supports Brightline West’s business objectives, brand positioning, and long-term growth initiatives. This individual will work closely with cross-functional teams—including construction, operations, legal, marketing, and the executive leadership team—to ensure that internal and external messaging is aligned and consistently executed. The VP will also collaborate with investor relations to support financial and business-related communications, reinforcing Brightline West’s value proposition to stakeholders. Oversight of external PR and communications agencies will be a key component of this role, ensuring cohesion, quality, and strategic alignment across all channels.

Public Relations and Media Strategy: In this capacity, the VP will serve as a primary spokesperson and public face of Brightline West, managing day-to-day media relations and leading proactive engagement strategies to raise the company's visibility. They will cultivate and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, journalists, industry influencers, and community stakeholders to shape and share Brightline West’s story. This includes overseeing press releases, media events, and interview coordination for company executives, as well as developing and executing public-facing initiatives such as product launches and press conferences. The VP will also be responsible for leading Brightline West’s crisis communications planning and response, ensuring a unified voice and rapid, strategic reaction to emerging issues.

Community and Construction Communications: The VP will manage all communications related to Brightline West’s 218-mile construction project from Las Vegas to Southern California. This includes coordinating messaging to agency partners, municipalities, local business owners, residents, and the media, ensuring consistent and transparent updates throughout the project lifecycle. Additionally, the role will lead community relations and outreach efforts along Brightline West’s current and future routes, fostering public support and trust. Digital communication will also fall under this area, with the VP overseeing strategy and content for the company’s website, social media platforms, and online engagement. Executive communications, such as speech writing, thought leadership, and speaking engagements, will be supported and coordinated to elevate the visibility and influence of Brightline West’s leadership team.

Please note that this Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the teammate for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Managerial Responsibility:

Direct supervisory responsibility including the ability to hire, transfer, suspend, layoff, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward, or discipline, or effectively recommend such actions.

Experience & Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in communications, including at least 5 years in senior leadership roles.

Substantial experience leading and managing communications strategies for corporations, campaigns, and executive leadership.

Proven success in briefing and preparing C-suite executives for public engagements and media appearances.

Strong background in media relations with an established network of industry contacts.

Experience in transportation, infrastructure, or other highly regulated industries is strongly preferred.

Demonstrated expertise in crisis communications and reputation management.

Prior experience with regulatory and government communications.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for a variety of internal and external audiences.

Confident public speaker with experience delivering presentations and conducting interviews for television and radio.

Deep understanding of digital marketing trends and best practices, including social media strategy and online engagement.

Ability to think strategically and execute tactically in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.

Work Environment:

Works in a clean, air-conditioned office space, free of noise, dust, and humidity.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, talk, and hear. Occasional lifting of light items required. No specific vision requirements.

Objects weighing 70 pounds or more must be accompanied by a second individual to avoid injury.

Travel:

25%

This role is located in Las Vegas, NV. Travel would primarily be limited between Las Vegas and Southern California with occasional visits to Florida.

Combine your experience, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit by joining our growing team in Las Vegas. Brightline West is pleased to offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, and the opportunity to make a difference while making history the nation’s first true high-speed, electric passenger rail system.

Brightline West is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Brightline West will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.