Program Manager LinkUS Communication

Central Ohio Transit Authority • Columbus, OH

3d • $79,789 - $93,870

About The Position

COTA's Project Manager, LinkUS Communications is responsible for coordinating and implementing communications, public engagement, and event strategies that support the LinkUS Mobility Initiative. Reporting to the Director of Public & Media Relations, this position ensures clear, consistent, and timely communication with the public, media, and stakeholders, while managing long ‑ term planning and day ‑ to ‑ day coordination across multiple internal and external partners, including businesses and residents along COTA's current and future bus rapid transit (BRT) corridors. Performs other duties in alignment with the COTA Strategic Plan and in support of the organization's vision to Move Every Life Forward.

Requirements

• Requires a bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, public administration, or a related field required and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public affairs, or project management, preferably in a public agency, infrastructure, or mobility-related environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing complex, multi-agency projects and communications initiatives is strongly preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will also be considered.

Responsibilities

• Oversee LinkUS corridor communications, including planning, messaging, and implementation in collaboration with partner agencies, consultants, and COTA leadership.
• Manage corridor ‑ related events such as open houses, town halls, tabling events, and other public engagement activities; attend as needed.
• Coordinate TSI (Transit ‑ Supportive Infrastructure) communications with LinkUS partners, ensuring alignment with COTA and LinkUS messaging and public materials.
• Serve as the communications liaison to the Chief LinkUS Program Officer and LinkUS Program Managers, ensuring consistent updates on project milestones and community outreach efforts.
• Support the President/CEO's Office on LinkUS ‑ related events, speaking engagements, and media opportunities.
• Lead recurring LinkUS communications meetings with internal teams and external partners to maintain collaboration and message consistency.
• Participate in engineering and design meetings to provide communications input and prepare public materials related to design, construction, or service changes.
• Manage and report on Key Performance Indicators for LinkUS engagement activities.
• Support reporting requirements and participate in meetings for the LinkUS Delivery Alliance.

Benefits

• Medical
• Vision
• Dental
• Supplemental and Life Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Discounts
• COTA Bus Pass
• Wellness Initiatives
• On-Site Chair Massage
• On-Site Health Coach
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Public Pension through OPERS & Ohio Deferred Compensation

What This Job Offers

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