Program Communications Manager

RS H; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

RS&H is seeking a Program Communications Manager for the FDOT District 7 Corridors Program Office in Plant City, FL. This embedded role reports to the office five days a week and informs the public, transportation stakeholders, the media, and staff about projects and initiatives.

You will lead development of marketing and communications strategies, create targeted messaging, and serve as a spokesperson for FDOT media relations across internal and external channels.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, English, or related field.
• 10+ years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or public affairs; Master’s may substitute for one year.
• Experience leading and managing a team of communications professionals.
• APR credential preferred.
• Knowledge of journalistic writing style and AP style; strong written and verbal communication.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a communications strategy to promote DCPO goals and accomplishments.
• Manage internal and external communications with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Collaborate with leadership and other organizations to ensure consistent messaging.
• Oversee coordination of public events including meetings, open houses, groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, and tours.
• Direct the DCPO Communications team to meet goals in a timely manner.
• Monitor effectiveness of communications and adjust as necessary.
• Respond with flexibility and professionalism to issues and evolving goals.
• Perform other duties as program leadership deems necessary.

Skills

Team leadership

Communications strategy

Public relations

Journalistic writing

Microsoft Office

Stakeholder management

Content creation

Spokesperson

Public affairs

Spanish fluency

Portuguese fluency

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications

Tools

MS Office suite

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

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 OFCCP here.

Please note: no agency representation or submissions will be recognized for this vacancy. Candidates should apply directly to this role to be considered. I t 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.