Regional Community Relations Manager & Policy Advisor

New Jersey Department of Transportation; Ewing Township (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

New Jersey Department of Transportation is seeking a Regional Community Relations Manager & Policy Advisor to lead the Office of Community Relations (OCR) in coordinating a statewide liaison program with Congress, state legislators, and local officials. The role emphasizes clear communication on transportation updates and timely responses to inquiries.

Responsibilities include supervising OCR staff, overseeing Public Involvement within the Project Delivery Process, and translating technical

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• A Master's Degree may substitute for one year of total experience (noting two years of supervisory experience required).

Responsibilities

• Assist with directing and coordinating OCR team and liaison program with elected officials, local officials and public.
• Coordinate public participation in NJDOT's capital program and serve as liaison with local officials.
• Facilitate clear communication on transportation project updates and responses to inquiries.
• Oversee OCR operations, staff oversight of Regional Coordinators and assistants.
• Translate technical information into clear, accessible language for communities.
• Support meetings and public involvement through Public Information Centers and Public Meetings.

Skills

Public relations experience

Supervisory experience

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree substitute for experience

Job description

• TITLE: Regional Community Relations Manager & Policy Advisor
• DIVISION: Government & Community Relations
• UNIT: Office of Community Relations (OCR)
• RANGE: X 98
• POSITION: Two (2)
• CLOSING DATE: 11/13/2026
• LOCATION: Ewing
• SALARY: $120,000-$145,000

About the Company

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is seeking candidates for the position of Regional Community Relations Manager & Policy Advisor , in the Division of Government & Community Relations. The Office of Community Relations (OCR), is responsible for ensuring the opportunity for public participation in all phases of a transportation project including the planning, design, construction and maintenance process. The Office of Government & Community Relations conducts Public Information Centers, Public Meetings and Public Hearings throughout the state. These events allow local officials and the general public to react and comment on NJDOT projects and initiatives in their respective municipalities and counties.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director, the Manager will assist in directing and coordinating the NJDOT Office of Community Relations (OCR) team in planning, organizing, and maintaining a comprehensive liaison program with the US Congressional delegation, state legislators, elected officials, community stakeholders, and the general public. The Manager will facilitate clear communication on transportation project updates and initiatives, address stakeholder concerns and coordinate timely responses to inquiries regarding state transportation matters. The Regional Community Relations Manager & Policy Advisor is responsible for coordinating public participation in NJDOT's capital program and serve as liaison with local officials and the general public for a variety of issues, programs and services provided by NJDOT. The standard workweek is Monday through Friday.

Responsibilities

• Assist with managing daily operations of the Office of Community Relations (OCR), including staff oversight of the Regional Coordinators and Assistants to the Regional Coordinators.
• Ensure the consistent implementation of office wide protocols and procedures among Regional Coordinators and their assistants to promote operational efficiency, accountability and optimal unit performance.
• Assist with coaching, mentoring, and developing staff while fostering accountability. Set a clear framework of expectations and provide performance reviews as needed.
• Develop a positive, high - performance workplace culture that emphasizes quality work and continuous improvement.
• Oversee Public Involvement within the Department's Project Delivery Process through OCR's facilitation of Local Official's Briefings and Public Information Centers in support of capital projects.
• Ensure quality customer service and responsiveness to public concerns through OCRs coordination with the Departments.
• Support the oversight of correspondence tracking to ensure timely and appropriate responses to formal and informal inquiries (letters, emails, phone calls.)
• Coordinate and facilitate meetings internal and community meetings to address local transportation concerns and support of NJDOT projects, including but not limited to maintenance activities and infrastructure improvements.
• Translate technical verbiage, engineering, and planning information into clear, accessible language and develop communication plans to effectively inform local officials and affected communities.
• Perform other related duties as required to support the mission and goals of the Division and Department.

Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree.
• NOTE: A Master's Degree in Public Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field may be substituted for one year of total experience, however two years of supervisory experience will still be required.

Required Skills

• Experience: Seven (7) years of experience in Government and/or Community Relations, Community Development or a related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience in that capacity.

Preferred Skills

• Preferred Qualities/Experience: Management experience in a team - oriented workplace environment.
• Proven ability to excel in a fast - paced, deadline driven environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Experience developing and implementing communication strategies.
• Ability to manage multiple key initiatives/projects concurrently.
• Ability and interest in learning new technical subjects.
• Experience in meeting facilitation and public speaking.
• Experience facilitating public involvement in support of community development projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including SharePoint.
• Transportation experience preferred.

Pay range and compensation package

As a NJ State Department, NJDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

Benefit Leave (12 vacation days, 15 sick days and 3 administrative days)