Director Of Strategy, Communications And Community Engagement

Tampa Hillsborough County Expressway Authority

Position Description

Please submit a resume to apply.

For more information please visit: https://www.tampa-xway.com/careers/

The Director of Strategy, Communications and Community Engagement reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for developing, executing, and maintaining positive community relationships with the community based, business groups, public and governmental organizations. The Director of Strategy, Communications and Community Engagement is responsible for being a strong voice in organizational strategy around project and program delivery, media relations, advertising, marketing, public information, and community based, business groups, public and governmental relations. This position serves as the primary spokesperson for the Agency.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Manages, directs and coordinates the activities of the Public Affairs/Communications Department
• Develops, manages and monitors short and long-term plans and budgets for the Public Affairs/ Communications Department programs and activities
• Develops public awareness and promotion programs for compatibility with public relations efforts
• Participates in community, state and national transportation organizations and meetings
• Provides leadership and strategic communications input on issues that impact the Agency’s reputation, so as to ensure a positive image for the organization in the eyes of stakeholders, including media, key opinion leaders, customers, transportation professionals, policymakers and employees
• Provides analyses and reports to senior management and the Board on the Public Affairs/ Communications Department work and activities
• Directs citizen and customer complaints and assigns departments or initiates investigations to determine the correct responses for corrective actions
• Administers public involvement activities for the Authority’s construction projects, including marketing and awareness campaigns of activities associated with the agency’s master plan and work plans
• Builds strong, effective working relationships with key stakeholders, governmental officials, policymakers and media representatives in order to stay abreast of policy and legislative developments affecting the transportation and tolling industry
• Initiates, develops, directs and implements special projects as directed by the CEO
• Provides counsel to the Executive Director, Executive Board and senior management staff regarding public relations, including advance notice on issues and potential situations when appropriate
• Manages advocacy, public involvement and creative contracts
• Works with staff to identify potential news and feature stories and assists in the dissemination of program and department brochures to ensure effective public awareness of the Authority’s initiatives and services

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• The ability to build and manage relationships with the media to produce positive public relations
• Basic knowledge of web functions, design and content development
• A customer and community focus on delivery of the program and decision making
• The ability to establish a network of media contacts
• Possess a high level of creativity and skill sets to develop communication concepts, ideas and campaigns
• Basic knowledge of publication design and layout, to include desktop publishing skills, in order to facilitate the production of publications
• Highly skilled in interacting effectively with all levels of the organization
• The ability to compose and edit correspondence and communicate clearly
• The ability to drive a vehicle
• Excellent decision-making, problem-solving, time management and follow-through skills
• The ability to obtain a Florida driver license and proof of car insurance
• The ability to work in an office environment
• Exceptional written and oral communications skills
• Demonstrated ability to be “hands-on” while delivering on strategic goals with the flexibility to switch gears as priorities change and opportunities arise

The ideal candidate will have :

• A team focus, innovative spirit, and positive attitude
• Sensitivity in handling confidential issues
• Ability to create a culture of trust
• Experience in developing and implementing a variety of communication and marketing strategies concurrently
• Ability to develop and deploy a programmatic strategy for outreach associated with project or program delivery and community involvement
• Practice in working in a high paced environment and the ability to develop internal and external relationships

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

Minimum requirements include a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and ten years of progressively responsible leadership and comprehensive executive level experience in professional management, program analysis and development, communication, consensus building, budget and contract management, and strategic planning. A Master's degree is not required but is desirable. Knowledge of transportation programs and toll operations is a plus. Candidate must possess strong interpersonal skills.