DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION

Driving the future of transportation with a diverse and innovative team
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Address To Be Determined: 1655 W. Jackson Street,  Phoenix,  AZ 85007

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

Salary: $71,999.92 - $81,999.92 

The anticipated salary for this position is: $76,999.93

Grade: 22

A written exercise will be administered at the time of the interview

Our Community Relations Project Manager/Public Information Officer (PIO) position oversees the development and implementation of comprehensive community relations and public involvement during the study, design and construction of ADOT Major Projects and the operation of the state highway system. The incumbent will work in a hybrid position and manage community relations and media relations for Major Projects. He or she will inform/involve the public during all phases of the project delivery process; serve as a media liaison/ADOT spokesperson to provide official agency responses to media inquiries and develop proactive story ideas about Major Projects’ initiatives; collaborate with ADOT’s Major Project Group’s project team(s) to develop and maintain positive, professional working relationships with construction and project managers; resident engineers; utility coordinators; environmental specialists; and other key members of Major Projects’ teams. This position is responsible for completing multiple tasks simultaneously while striving to build positive relationships with the public, community/business stakeholders, local governments, ADOT staff, news media, consultants and professional organizations. 

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona, unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Inform and involve the public during all phases of the project in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and other federal regulations; the ADOT Public Involvement Plan and Guide to Graphic and Editorial Standards; and in alignment with core values of the International Association for Public Participate (IAP2) 

• Develop/implement and manage multi-platform strategic communication plans for all phases of Major Projects’ project delivery including planning/development; environmental study; design; construction; and operation/maintenance. Use outreach strategies and tactics to provide timely, accurate project information/updates, and opportunities for input.

• Research, develop, write and distribute press releases and message points, multimedia presentations and video productions to create awareness, educate public/stakeholders about Major Projects’ initiatives. Provide input to project teams to develop project schedules/traffic-control plans in accordance with ADOT/Federal guidelines.

• Respond to public/constituent/stakeholder inquiries by telephone, email or mail. Build and maintain positive relationships between ADOT and its stakeholders, local governments; community/business stakeholders; councils of governments and metropolitan planning organizations; the traveling public; residents; and organizations that rely on a safe, effective transportation system.

• Manage professional consultants responsible for public involvement, advertising or other communication-related professional services. Write email alerts, message points, newsletters, presentations, press releases, project collateral (flyers, fact sheets, posters), social media messages and surveys. Work with staff to assist with the creation and dissemination of project material.

• Build and sustain relationships with local/statewide journalists; develop and foster relationships with traditional news media outlets and other media serving Hispanic audiences, tribal communities and other traditionally underserved populations in project areas; develop news stories and respond to all media requests with accurate and approved information and in compliance with ADOT and Major Projects news media policies and protocols.

• Provide subject-matter experts with media coaching and interview preparation as needed. Communicate project-related delays and updates to the traveling public, businesses and residents throughout the state. Responsible for multiple hybrid tasks for the ADOT Major Projects team with a high visibility and media presence while managing both community relations and media relations.

Knowledge of:

• Strategic communications

• Effective/accurate writing/editing 

• Associated Press (AP) writing style

• Public involvement principles

• Basic math

• Developing and maintaining project databases 

• State and local issues and geography

• Social media platforms

• Media relations

Skills in:

• Project management and organization 

• Effective, accurate writing and editing for diverse audiences and mediums

• Project research and reporting

• Use of business software

• Diplomacy and ability to maintain professionalism with a customer-focused attitude

• Public speaking and public meeting planning

• Building and maintaining relationships with community stakeholders

Ability to:

• Support and model ADOT values: Accountability, Integrity and Respect

• Make sound decisions without direction and problem solve

• Clearly and professionally communicate ADOT’s position on issues, decisions and policies

• Manage schedules, tasks, budgets and professional consultants in the implementation of project-specific public involvement and communications plans/strategies

• Understand and follow ADOT and federal policies and procedures

• Effectively present information to targeted audiences

• Adapt to diverse needs and project schedule changes

• Be a responsible steward of resources

• Multi-task and manage priorities in a fast-paced, fluid environment

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

A Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field.

5-7 years of experience in communications, community relations, public relations  or a related field.

Experience developing and implementing public involvement activities for transportation projects, working with news media and serving as a PIO/spokesperson.

Bilingual (Spanish) and experience with the NEPA process preferred but not required.

This position requires possession of a valid Arizona Class D Driver License. Candidates for this position must complete and sign PART 1 of the State of Arizona Application for Employment at the time of interview, which will allow ADOT to obtain the candidate's motor vehicle record (MVR). The most recent 39-month period shown on the MVR will be reviewed in accordance with A.A.C. R2-10-207.11 (H) and (I). The review must show an acceptable driving record prior to any offer of employment being made by ADOT. Employment is contingent upon an acceptable MVR.

The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Mandatory participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) is required.

Arizona State Government is an EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 712-7279. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. ADOT is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All newly hired employees will be subject to E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.