Digital Communications Manager

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

22h • $101,480 - $111,480 • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is open to current ADOT employees only. The Digital Communications Manager is responsible for public information and public relations. This role oversees the 24/7/365 public information staff at the Traffic Operations Center (TOC), ADOT's digital strategy and outreach, management of all social media platforms, Dynamic Message Sign safety messaging, and media relations related to traffic conditions. The manager guides staff in communicating news, the operation of the State Highway System, and the implementation of the ADOT Strategic Plan. This includes developing emerging and potential news stories from the perspective of travelers, liaising with law enforcement and PIOs in other organizations, and providing a high level of confidential customer service to journalists. The role is responsible for the development of short and long-range strategies related to the use of social media channels, ADOT blog, news releases, and mobile apps. This position also serves as the initial crisis communications manager. 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.

Requirements

• 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
• Strong management & personnel experience
• Solid news judgment, written & oral communication skills
• News management
• Time management
• Organizational skills
• 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
• 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
• Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS) certification is required.
• Driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job.
• 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.
• Maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training.
• Maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11) if operating a personally owned vehicle on state business.
• Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Nice To Haves

• Five to ten years’ experience in journalism, media relations, public information & or public relations.
• Bachelor degree in journalism, broadcast journalism, communications or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

• 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 ADOT's 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 ADOT's mobile applications & programs including AZ511, provide customer support for apps/programs & Digital Message System for safety-related topics for ADOT groups.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager