Director of Communications

TO APPLY: https://www.drjtbc.org/careers/

SUMMARY:

Accountable for implementation of Communications and Public Relations activities for the DRJTBC, with an emphasis on social media and overseeing public-information content on the Commission’s website. This management-level position shall report to the Deputy Executive Director of Communications, who is ultimately responsible for the professional management, policy-setting, and strategic development of community relations, media communications and public relations. Work is at a full professional-performance level and requires the application of independent judgment and technical proficiency in the completion of projects. The position requires coordination/communication with both the Commission’s website and media consultants, and interaction with nearly all areas of Commission operations. Work shall be performed with considerable independence, subject to the general supervision of the Deputy Executive Director of Communications, who reports to the Executive Director.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES:

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Journalism, Communications, Business Administration, or Public Administration, or any equivalent combination of experience, education, and training. Master’s degree in Journalism or Public Affairs preferred. Seven years of progressive experience in public relations, marketing, communication, and/or journalism, including creating communication and marketing plans involving social media, and traditional open-source media outlets. Five years of managerial experience in communications and knowledge of governmental transportation communications is preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications is essential. Experience with design and publishing tools like InDesign, Photoshop and/or Canva is preferred.

ROLE and RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

The position is responsible for overall content management of the Commission’s external website – www.drjtbc.org – and the agency’s Facebook page. The Director of Communications also shall monitor social media platforms and evaluate any future opportunities for Commission communications via social media. In addition to the Executive Director, the Dep. Exec. Dir. of Communications and the Commission’s media consultant, the Director of Communications shall serve in the role of Commission spokesperson and shall strive to maintain a positive and professional public image for the Commission.

• Implements Commission’s communications and public relations functions and objectives.
• Provides accurate and timely advance notification of travel impacts arising from Commission projects, protracted non-routine maintenance activities, and major traffic incidents.
• Manages the Commission’s social media presence, ensuring content is accurate, accessible, and reflective of Commission objectives.
• Oversees the planning, design and management of a comprehensive web site that supports interactive communications with customers and presents timely, accurate information.
• Assists as needed with execution of community outreach efforts and public-involvement programs conducted in conjunction with major capital improvement projects.
• Responds to members of the media in a timely manner; composes and distributes press releases, travel advisories, and other external communications as needed.
• Works effectively with other Commission departments as needed and with outside contractors and consultants.
• Confirms accuracy, timing, and appropriateness of Communications with applicable Commission executives and departments.
• Implements goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the department; identifies resource needs.
• Maintains editorial standards for Commission communications, ensuring effectiveness, clarity, and a high standard of quality for publications and the public.
• Strives to enhance the image and reputation of the DRJTBC.
• Works with Dep. Exec. Dir. of Communications and Commission media consultant in drafting written content, gathering photographs and other graphic content for the Commission’s Annual Report.
• Synthesizes technical materials or complex operational matters for easy comprehension by the general public and/or employee workforce.
• Represents the DRJTBC in designated forums and meetings.
• Organizes various media-related events and ceremonies. 
• Prepares newsletters and other publications as directed.
• Assists with drafting articles, obtaining images, and designing the Commission’s annual report.
• Identifies opportunities to promote Commission activities, projects, and initiatives through visual means – video, photography, and graphics.
• Assists with the Commission’s media response in emergency or crisis situations.
• Develops, prepares and reviews reports as warranted.
• Maintains an overall perspective and thinks analytically.
• Exercises discretion and independent judgment with a high degree of confidentiality.
• Communicates clearly and authoritatively, orally and in writing; can write in a journalistic style customary for governmental external communications.
• Experienced-based ability to offer media relations advice to senior management.
• Possesses knowledge of latest trends and methods in the communications/public relations arena.
• Maintains positive professional relationships with members of the media.
• Travel as required. (Adverse conditions possible.)
• Adheres to applicable budgets.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Journalism, Communications, Business Administration, or Public Administration, or any equivalent combination of experience, education, or training. Master’s degree in Journalism or Public Affairs preferred. Seven years of progressive experience in public relations, marketing, communication, and/or journalism, including creating communication and marketing plans involving social media, and traditional open-source media outlets. Five years of managerial experience in communications and knowledge of governmental transportation communications is preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications is essential. Experience with design and publishing tools like InDesign, Photoshop and/or Canva is preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Communication

The position requires superior written, oral, and interpersonal communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment, as well as leadership and organizational skills. Must be able to communicate with a broad spectrum of internal and external groups verbally and in writing. Multi-language skills would be an asset.

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Skill in editing documents for correct grammar.

Skill in giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Skill in communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Skill in talking to others to convey information effectively.

Skill in discussing a variety of job-related topics on short or no notice.

Skill in handling rapid changes in conversation involving difficult questions.

Ability to communicate in English.

Ability to communicate and interact effectively with members of the public.

Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.

Ability to speak on a one-to-one basis using appropriate vocabulary and grammar to obtain information, explain policies and procedures and/or to persuade others to accept or adopt a specific opinion or action.

Ability to make oral group presentations to persuade others to accept a specific opinion or action; or to provide information or explain procedures and policies.

Computer Use

Skill in using computer applications including Microsoft Office Suites, Outlook, Microsoft Teams, desktop publishing products, and website programs.

Skill in using a website content management system (CMS)

Skill in using, designing, or procuring photographs/graphics to enhance communications with the public.

Ability to correct misinformation on Google, Wikipedia, Google Maps, and other online platforms.

Ability to operate office machines, including calculators and personal computers.

Ability to operate a personal computer with a general understanding of application software, and an understanding of the internet.

Ability to learn office specific software, such as ADP, Munis.

Critical thinking / Problem-solving / Analysis

Ability to define problems collects data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Skill in decision making by considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions and choosing the most appropriate one.

Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.

Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.

Ability to implement new systems and procedures and to evaluate their effectiveness.

Ability to process information logically.

Ability to analyze and solve work related problems.

Ability to problem-solve a variety of situations.

Health and Safety

Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.

Ability to respond quickly to emergencies.

Interpersonal

Skill in establishing rapport and gaining the trust of others.

Skill in negotiating; exchanging ideas, information, and opinions with others to formulate policies and programs and arrive jointly at decisions, conclusions, or solutions.

Skill in interacting diplomatically with the public.

Ability to effectively handle difficult and/or angry people.

Ability to work collaboratively and building strategic relations with colleagues, coworkers, constituents, and volunteers.

Ability to work successfully as a member of a team, and independently with moderate supervision.

Ability to interact with persons of various social, cultural, economic and educations backgrounds.

Legal/Policies and Procedures

Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, Commission policies and procedures.

Managerial / Supervisory / Project Management

Identifies ways for the Commission to improve communications with its primary customer bases (motorists and toll payers) through social media, the Commission website, and other non-traditional open-source media outlets. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

Organizational skills in managing projects simultaneously while maintaining a satisfactory work product.

Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate programs.

Ability to establish goals and objectives.

Ability to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.

Public Relations

Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and educate via written, oral, and visual media.

Public relations skills.

Skill in public speaking and delivering presentations to individuals and groups.

Ability to develop websites, as well as website content.

Self-Management Skills

Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.

Skill in performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature.

Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines.

Ability to set priorities and complete assignments on time.

Ability to work independently and following through on assignments with minimal direction.

Vocational Skills

Knowledge of where to go within the organization for needed information and ability to judge what information should be passed on to different levels of management.

Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports, and correspondence.

Ability to review work for accuracy.

Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary.

Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Possession of a valid New Jersey or Pennsylvania driver’s license required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working with a computer. Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times. Be able to arrange and set up occasional project and media events. Attendance at meetings or activities outside of standard work week. Public speaking before an audience and the media. Might need to deal with stressful situations or distraught individuals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.