Program Communications Manager

Socket.dev; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

RS&H in Plant City, FL is seeking a Program Communications Manager to lead district corridor communications. You will craft messaging, manage media relations, and direct a team to align with program goals and public affairs initiatives.

The role requires a long track record in strategic communications, leadership of communications professionals, and proficiency with MS Office tools. Expect collaboration with FDOT leadership and stakeholders to deliver consistent public messaging.

Qualifications

• B.S. or B.A in Communications, Public Relations, English, or other related field.
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or public affairs. A Master’s degree may be substituted for one year of experience.
• Experience leading and managing a team of communications professionals
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful communications efforts
• Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential preferred
• Knowledge of journalistic writing style and the concepts of grammar, punctuation and associated press style. Skilled in written and verbal communication.
• Knowledgeable and skilled in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook at an intermediate level.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, managers, citizens, and appointed and elected officials.
• Adept in maintaining clear and consistent communication with leadership and with subordinates.
• Ability to research market trends, recommend marketing strategies and tactics. Ability to create content, reports and newsletters for the general public’s understanding.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with citizens and other interested parties on a variety of issues.
• Ability to understand and implement communication policies and practices, style guides, and brand standards.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and respond quickly to program needs.
• Flexibility and outstanding work ethic

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a communications strategy to promote the DCPO goals and accomplishments.
• Manage internal and external communications with a wide variety of stakeholders regarding the DCPO.
• Collaborate with other disciplines to align communication strategies with overall program objectives.
• Collaborate with program and FDOT leadership and other organizations as needed to ensure seamless and consistent messaging.
• Oversee and direct the coordination and implementation of special events including public meetings, open houses, groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, and project tours.
• Oversee and direct the DCPO Communications team members to ensure all communications goals and objectives are met in a timely manner.
• Monitor the effectiveness of all DCPO communications with all audiences and adjust as necessary.
• Demonstrate flexibility, responsiveness, and professionalism when responding to emerging issues or evolving goals.
• Performs other such duties as program leadership deems necessary.

Skills

Strategic communications

Public relations

Media relations

Spokesperson

Content creation

Written and verbal communication

Project management

Team leadership

Brand standards

News releases writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications

APR credential preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Publisher

Outlook

Job description

The Opportunity

FDOT is currently seeking a Program Communications Manager to join our District 7 Corridors Program Office (DCPO) team in Plant City, FL. This is an embedded position reporting to the office 5 days per week.

The Program Communications Manager is an integral part of our FDOT DCPO Team, and is responsible for keeping the public, transportation stakeholders, the media, and staff informed about the Program’s projects, initiatives, and innovative methods. In this position, you will oversee the development and implementation of marketing and communications strategies to achieve the program’s goals and objectives. This position oversees the development of strategic and targeted messaging to be used in internal and external communications as well as educational campaigns; serves as a spokesperson and point of contact for FDOT media relations; plans and coordinates news events and writes/edits news releases and articles; oversees the development of program related creative content materials.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a communications strategy to promote the DCPO goals and accomplishments.
• Manage internal and external communications with a wide variety of stakeholders regarding the DCPO.
• Collaborate with other disciplines to align communication strategies with overall program objectives. Collaborate with program and FDOT leadership and other organizations as needed to ensure seamless and consistent messaging.
• Oversee and direct the coordination and implementation of special events including public meetings, open houses, groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, and project tours.
• Oversee and direct the DCPO Communications team members to ensure all communications goals and objectives are met in a timely manner.
• Monitor the effectiveness of all DCPO communications with all audiences and adjust as necessary.
• Demonstrate flexibility, responsiveness, and professionalism when responding to emerging issues or evolving goals.
• Performs other such duties as program leadership deems necessary.

Requirements:

• B.S. or B.A in Communications, Public Relations, English, or other related field

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or public affairs. A Master’s degree may be substituted for one year of experience.

• Experience leading and managing a team of communications professionals

• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful communications efforts

• Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential preferred
• Knowledge of journalistic writing style and the concepts of grammar, punctuation and associated press style. Skilled in written and verbal communication.
• Knowledgeable and skilled in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook at an intermediate level.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, managers, citizens, and appointed and elected officials.
• Adept in maintaining clear and consistent communication with leadership and with subordinates.
• Ability to research market trends, recommend marketing strategies and tactics. Ability to create content, reports and newsletters for the general public’s understanding.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with citizens and other interested parties on a variety of issues.
• Ability to understand and implement communication policies and practices, style guides, and brand standards.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and respond quickly to program needs.
• Flexibility and outstanding work ethic

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience working with government agencies or large programs
• Fluency in Spanish and/or Portuguese
• Experience in the transportation infrastructure field

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCPhere.

Please note: no agency representation or submissions will be recognized for this vacancy. Candidates should apply directly to this role to be considered. It is the responsibility of all third-party recruiting and employment agencies to know and adhere to our recruiting policy.

The Team

From managed toll lanes and long-range corridor plans, to complex segmental bridges, our teams are providing the highest quality infrastructure and facility solutions. Each day, we partner with transportation agencies and local governments across the country to keep our communities moving. By joining our team, you too can lead the evolution of transportation.

The Company

Employee-owned, RS&H is one of the nation’s leading architecture, engineering, and consulting firms, with associates who work hard every day to create tomorrow together. We offer an exceptional journey from start to future. Our integrated teams translate experience into insight, turn challenges into opportunities, and build relationships that are as strong as the buildings and infrastructure we deliver together. We attribute our success to our unwavering commitment to our core values: integrity, accountability, curiosity, and teamwork.