Transportation Systems Management & Operations Community Outreach Specialist [Tampa, FL]

Iteris, Inc.; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 80,309,000 - 109,238,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with immediate matching

Paid-Time-Off

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Life insurance

Education assistance program

Disability coverage

Job summary

Iteris, Inc. in Tampa, FL seeks a TSM&O Community Outreach Specialist to lead public information efforts, liaising with the District Seven PIO and the public to promote TSM&O programs in Florida.

The role focuses on messaging, brand consistency, media relations, crisis communications, content development, and coordinating with partners across agencies and communities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Administration, or a related field

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary communications liaison for TSM&O.
• Coordinate with FDOT District Seven PIO staff on media relations.
• Act as media spokesperson during crisis communications.
• Develop and execute public information campaigns to educate the public on TSM&O.
• Draft and distribute communications materials including press releases, emails, technical articles, award submissions, news briefs, and social posts.
• Manage and respond to public inquiries related to TSM&O/RTMC programs, projects, and services.
• Coordinate with partners to research and resolve customer issues.
• Lead collaboration and cross-promotion with other FDOT Districts, FDOT Central Office, THEA, transit agencies, and local partners.
• Identify and coordinate training on communication, customer service, and program messaging.
• Provide graphic design support

Skills

Public relations

Media relations

Crisis communications

Content development

Public speaking

Branding

Strategic messaging

Stakeholder engagement

Public interaction

Translation of technical information

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Administration, or related field

APR/ CPRC accreditation

Job description

• Provide graphic design support

The TSM&O Community Outreach Specialist supports the District Seven Transportation Systems Management & Operations (TSM&O) Office in advancing its core mission of improving the safety, security, and efficiency of the state transportation system. Serving as the primary liaison between the TSM&O Office, District PIO Office, and the public, media, stakeholders, and elected officials, the COS leads all internal and external communications efforts for TSM&O. This role also serves as the communications bridge, translating complex technical TSM&O information into clear, accessible messaging for the public and partners. This role is responsible for crafting messaging, strengthening brand identity, and promoting a positive public image of the program and its services.

What You Will Be Doing

• Serve as the primary communications liaison for TSM&O.
• Coordinate with the oversight of FDOT District Seven Public Information Office (PIO) staff on media relations.
• Act as media spokesperson when requested and provide guidance during crisis communications.
• Develop and execute public information campaigns to educate the public on TSM&O.
• Content Development
• Draft and distribute communications materials, including:
  • Press releases
  • Email communications
  • Technical articles
  • Award submissions
  • News briefs
  • Draft social media content for posting by D7 PIO Office Marketing collateral
• Manage and respond to public inquiries related to TSM&O/RTMC programs, projects, and services.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners to research and resolve customer issues.
• Lead collaboration and cross-promotion efforts, including but not limited to:
  • Other FDOT Districts
  • FDOT Central Office
  • Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (FTE)
  • Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA)
  • Transit agencies
  • Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)
  • Local and County agencies
  • Local Universities and Colleges
  • Community Organizations
  • Non-profits
• Identify and implement improvements to public information processes and service delivery.
• Recommend and support new tools, technologies, and communication strategies.
• Identify and coordinate training opportunities related to communication, customer service, and program messaging.
• Support TSM&O Manager and staff in preparing correspondence, meeting PowerPoints and other reports pertaining to outreach.
• Recommend and support geofencing efforts.
• Provide graphic design support

What You Need To Be Successful In This Role

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Administration, or a related field
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in public information, communications, or related discipline
• Demonstrated experience in media relations and/or crisis communications
• Proven ability to develop professional communications materials (e.g., press releases, public advisories, reports)
• Experience working with government agencies, transportation programs, or similar public-sector environments preferred
• Experience engaging with stakeholders, including public officials, partner agencies, and the general public
• Strong customer service and public interaction experience
• Experience presenting in public forums, media engagements, or conferences
• Proficiency with modern communication tools and platforms
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment
• Proven ability to develop professional communications materials (e.g., press releases, public advisories, reports)
• Experience working with government agencies, transportation programs, or similar public-sector environments preferred
• Experience engaging with stakeholders, including public officials, partner agencies, and the general public
• Strong customer service and public interaction experience
• Experience presenting in public forums, media engagements, or conferences
• Proficiency with modern communication tools and platforms
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to translate technical transportation and engineering concepts into clear public messaging
• Experience working collaboratively with government agencies and stakeholders
• Confidence in public speaking, media engagement, and formal presentations
• Strategic mindset for branding, outreach, and program promotion
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and produce accurate, high-quality work
• Awareness of current trends in communications, marketing, and public engagement
• FDOT experience or knowledge of TSM&O concepts
• Accreditation (Accredited in Public Relations (APR), Certified Public Relations Counselor (CPRC), etc.)
• Experience with emergency response communications

Iteris anticipates paying an hourly rate of $33.00 for this role.

What’s In It For You

• 401(k) with immediate matching and no vesting period
• Generous Paid-Time-Off [PTO] benefits
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• Medical reimbursement plans
• Disability coverage
• Education assistance program

Iteris, Inc. is a provider of smart mobility infrastructure management solutions and part of the Almaviva Group businesses serving the transportation and logistics industry. Iteris’ cloud-enabled solutions help public transportation agencies, municipalities, commercial entities, and other transportation infrastructure providers monitor, visualize, and optimize mobility infrastructure to make mobility safe, efficient, and sustainable. As a pioneer in intelligent transportation systems technology, Iteris’ advanced detection sensors, mobility and traffic data, software-as-a-service offerings, and consulting services represent a comprehensive range of mobility infrastructure management solutions that serve customers in the United States and internationally. For more information, visit Iteris’ website at www.iteris.com.

Almaviva Group designs, implements, and manages advanced technological solutions and systems and related logistics structures for companies and public administrations operating in a variety of sectors, including, but not limited to, transport, logistics, agriculture, digital health, defense and security, energy, utilities, financial services, industry, telecommunications, and media. For more information, visit Almaviva’s website at www.almaviva.it.

Iteris, Inc. is an affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender identity and expression, color, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), national origin/ancestry, religion, military/veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status or any other characteristic and group protected by applicable law. Iteris, Inc. complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access to all qualified individuals with a physical or mental disability. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. A valid driver’s license may be required based on essential duties.