Communications Associate

Job Purpose and Summary

This position is responsible for performing entry-level work for public and stakeholder outreach for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC). Work involves the development and coordination of communications strategies and materials that promote the PTC’s work and keep both the public and staff informed about ongoing programs, initiatives, and activities.  Work is performed with some independence and reviewed by a manager for attainment of program goals, completion of projects, and overall performance.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Performs activities and assists in the administration of public and stakeholder outreach. Ensures consistent messaging and brand identity across all communication channels.

Provides support for events internally and at service plazas, community events, trade shows, and other events to promote PTC initiatives. 

Drafts and proofreads correspondence, reports, and other work products and ensures a unified brand voice across all platforms.

Researches and gathers information or commentary pertinent to the creation and execution of assigned projects.  

Assists in the development of story/message or design ideas in support of the organization’s values and strategic/capital plan initiatives, providing support for ideas with research and experience. 

Supports the communications team with creative concepts, messaging, campaigns, crisis communications, and related tasks.

Communicates with and supports vendor relationships and provides information to contracted vendors to use in developing communications products.

Assists in determining the format strategy for content distribution, including planning and executing campaigns that meet the business objectives of the organization.

Stays up to date on market trends and changes in communication methods, and recommends solutions to improve communication effectiveness and innovation. Assists with implementation of changes to current processes and procedures as necessary.

Serves as a customer service representative and responds to general customer or stakeholder inquiries regarding communications initiatives and other related requests. Escalates high-level questions or issues and concerns to the appropriate specialist or manager.

Performs varied administrative support, including but not limited to scheduling meetings, drafting agendas, taking minutes for meetings, ordering supplies/materials, answering phones, and maintaining files.

Represents the PTC at various public events including trade shows, meetings, and other events. 

Uses situational awareness to anticipate and prevent accidents. 

Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Four (4) years of experience in communications, public administration, or advertising; OR Bachelor’s degree in communications, public administration, advertising, or related field.
Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be accepted. 

Possession of a valid driver’s license. Must obtain and maintain a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license within six (6) months of employment.

Competencies

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Position demands include frequent speaking, writing, and reading reports. Position requires frequent work at a computer utilizing business programs and PTC specific operating systems. Position may require occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds. Position requires occasional travel and/or fieldwork with exposure to roadway traffic. Occasionally works outside of normal business hours for assigned work assignments.

Office environment with low levels of noise, adequate lighting, and comfortable temperature. Field environment may include exposure to moderately adverse and undesirable conditions. Physical environment is generally safe, but safety equipment or precautions must be followed in field conditions.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by the incumbent(s) within this job. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and working conditions required of the employee(s) assigned to this job. Management has the discretion to add or modify duties of the job and to designate other functions as essential at any time.