Digital Communications Manager

Responsible for public information & public relations role; oversees the 24/7/365 public information staff at the Traffic Operations Center (TOC) ADOTs digital strategy & outreach management of all social media platforms Dynamic Message Sign safety messaging & media relations related to traffic conditions. Guides staff in communicating news the operation of the State Highway System & the implementation of the ADOT Strategic Plan. Develop emerging & potential news stories from the perspective of travelers liaisons with law enforcement & PIOs in other organizations. Provide a high level of confidential customer service to journalists; responsible for the development of short & long range strategies related to the use of social media channels ADOT blog news releases & mobile apps. Serves as initial crisis communications manager.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely within Arizona based upon the departments 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 States 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 staff working a 24-hours-a-day setting leads efforts to improve operations & output eliminate waste/increase quality; prepares annual evaluations & oversight/performance feedback for the team; conducts huddle board sessions develops standard work charts progress toward solving problems. Supervise/coach team in content creation shooting editing & optimizing video for social media.

Ensure continuity for digital communication operation coordinates with the Public Information Manager when other staff is needed to ensure continuity of staffing. Directs in developing improving & standardizing content/strategies that improve communication & enhance ADOTs image through social media channels & continuously improving engagement & reach to meet performance measures.

Develop/implement social media strategies for social platforms & the ADOT blog to increase engagement & audience. Creates places/tracks metrics for paid social media ads. Oversees the development/maintenance of ADOTs mobile applications & programs including AZ511 provide customer support for apps/programs & Digital Message System for safety-related topics for ADOT groups.

Knowledge of:
Principles & practices of journalism public relations advertising & public information
Preparation & production of written & visual materials & materials to be presented orally
Social media standards trends production & methods of measurement
Associated Press style
Leadership & project management knowledge & practices
Managing or supervising a team including performance management. Google & Microsoft software suites
Incident command structure
Public records laws
Transportation or road construction industry experience

Skill in/with:
Strong management & personnel experience
Solid news judgment written & oral communication skills
News management
Time management
Organizational
Computer skills
Writing & editing for the web & diverse audiences
Shooting video & creating social media content
Posting text video & audio on the web social media & mobile platforms
Strong research skills
Strong customer service skills

Ability to:
Make quick & independent decisions & to work under pressure
Maintain community & agency sources & contacts while maintaining & developing relationships with a variety of stakeholders including the media & the public & colleagues
Handle multiple duties in a team & newsroom environment
Meet tight deadlines
Problem solve critical thinking & works independently & as a team
Write & produce a story meeting news deadlines
Interpret technical information to create & edit news content
Do on-camera interviews & public speaking

Five to ten years experience in journalism media relations public information & or public relations.
Ideal candidate for this position will possess a bachelor degree in journalism broadcast journalism communications or a closely related field.

Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS) certification is required.

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 drivers license complete all required training and successfully pass all necessary drivers license record checks. The license must be current unexpired and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to drivers 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.) R.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 programhere. 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.

For questions about this career opportunity please contact ADOT Human Resources Recruitment via email at or phone call at option 2.

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 option 3. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. ADOT is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.