Media Relations Director

A primary agency spokesperson for transportation-related topics. This position implements external communication strategies that maintain and enhance positive relations between ADOT and local and national media outlets. Creates and promotes the distribution of news releases agency messaging and other external communications including frequent on-air interviews on high-visibility issues infrastructure and construction and maintenance projects. Recognizes emerging and potential news stories from the perspective of motorists. External communications activities performed by this position will directly support the departments strategic plan with a focus on highway projects and infrastructure. Coaches agency staff on media interviews and message creation.

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.

Proactively develop research and write news releases and external messaging that promotes ADOT goals and initiatives. Provide official agency response to media inquiries related to highway infrastructure construction maintenance and operations. Represent ADOT in media interviews and at public events.

Contribute to the development of external communication materials through writing editing and consulting on creative development of support materials including multimedia. Measure the effectiveness of external communications. This includes written spoken and digital/electronic forms of communications including social media.

Recognize emerging news creating proactive and reactive media outreach to inform commuters and professional drivers. Provide a high level of customer service to journalists. Build and sustain positive relations with local statewide and national media.

Knowledge of:

Communication techniques that attract public support for the agencys programs and objectives.
Principles and practices of journalism publications advertising and public information.
Preparation and production of written and visual materials and materials to be presented orally.
Associated Press Style.
Social media standards trends and methods of measurement.
Arizonas political structure and ADOTs role within that structure.
Transportation infrastructure.

Skill in/with:

News management.
Solid news judgment.
Strong writing skills.
Public speaking.
Specialized interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
Computer skills.
Writing and editing for the web and diverse audience skills.
Posting text video and audio on the web social media and mobile platforms.
Research skills.
Customer service skills.
Time and project management.
Flexibility and adaptability.
Google platform and products.

Ability to:

Effective story-telling techniques.
Maintain community and agency sources and contacts maintain relationships with a variety of stakeholders-including media and public and colleagues.
Handle multiple duties in a team/newsroom environment.
Problem solving critical thinking andworking independently and as part of a team.
Write and produce a story meeting news deadlines.
Interpret technical information to create and edit news content.
Conduct on-camera interviews and public speaking engagements.
Adapt to diverse needs schedule changes and breaking news.
Make quick and independent decisions and to work under pressure.

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.
Ideal candidate will have a professional background in transportation.

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.