Community Relations Project Manager

Under the direction of the Community Relations Supervisor, the Community Relations Project Manager develops and implements COMMUNITY RELATIONS, public involvement and communications strategies and tactics for ADOT projects. This position is responsible for public and stakeholder outreach throughout all phases of development, including planning, federally-mandated environmental processes, design, construction and maintenance. The incumbent serves as ADOT's primary point of contact for the community and builds and maintains positive relationships between ADOPT and its stakeholders during all phases of the project delivery process occur in accordance with federal requirements (including NEPA, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and ADA) and in alignment with the ADOT Public Involvement Plan. This position collaborates with ADOT staff in Communications, Government Relations and other ADOT divisions, as well as engineering and construction contractors and local municipalities, in the development and implementation of effective public outreach materials and strategies to support projects. Occasional in-state travel is required for this position.
Travel will consist of driving in South Central Arizona for project-related meetings and outreach efforts.

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.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and 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.

• Manage professional consultants on project delivery, special emphasis on public-involvement activities during project study & design phases for
  funded/unfunded projects, 5 Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program & Long-Range Transportation plans in accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) & other federal requirements are met.
  
• Develop/implement strategic communication plans for project delivery (planning, study, design, construction & operation) to outline goals, strategies & tactics for keeping stakeholders informed & involved & to build/maintain positive relationships.
  
• Work with project teams, develop project schedules/traffic-control plans in accordance with ADOT & federal guidelines, provide timely, accurate project updates to stakeholders using appropriate outreach tools with special emphasis on reducing project-related delays for traveling public.
  
• Plan, write & work with internal/external subject-matter experts to create accurate, professional fliers, videos & brochures; draft talking points; &
  develop other necessary project-related collateral to share with key stakeholders & the public.
  
• Build & maintain strong internal stakeholder relationships through ongoing collaboration/cooperation with Communications & other ADOT offices, participating in project partnering; & providing timely, professional customer-focused.

Knowledge in
-Public involvement principles and best practices
-ADOT Public Involvement Plan requirements, including federally-mandated requirements
-Strategic communication planning and implementation
-Proper grammar, punctuation and spelling
-Associated Press (AP) style
-Basic computer skills, competency in Google Workplace: processing, spreadsheet & presentation
-Basic Math
-Reading project maps, diagrams, plans reports
Skill in
-Effectively write clear and accurate documents for diverse audiences and mediums
-Effectively present information through written, verbal and visual communication
-Public speaking
-Public meeting planning
-Organization and time management
-Project research
Ability in
-Develop and implement effective project, public involvement plans, manage tasks, deliverables, schedules, budgets and consultants
-Support/model departmental values: Accountability, Integrity and Respect, Cognitive thinking and sound decision making in the absence of immediate supervision
-Diplomacy & ability to maintain professionalism and customer-focused attitude
-Maintain/build relationships with community, government and Business stakeholders
-Organization and ability to manage time/tasks
-Work as part of a diverse team, problem solve

- Bachelor's degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field.
- Five to seven years of experience in communications, COMMUNITY RELATIONS public relations or a related field.

This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, and the following requirements apply.  Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Sick leave
Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
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

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.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

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

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/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) 712-8188. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. ADOT is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.