Communications Project Manager

Job Purpose and Summary

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is seeking an experienced Communications Project Manager to lead strategic communications programs and initiatives. This role manages staff and consultants, oversees multifaceted projects and budgets, develops communications strategies, and supports public events, meetings and stakeholder engagement. Ideal candidates should have extensive experience in communications, journalism, public relations or advertising, including at least three years in a supervisory capacity. Public engagement experience is also preferred. Applicants must submit a sample communications plan with their application.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Manages, plans, and provides guidance and creative direction to staff in their assigned project communications unit to also include supervision, performance management, delegation of work assignments, and review of work product.

Manages and supervises staff in the development and execution of assigned programs such as the PTC’s digital communications program, internal communications program, and/or the marketing program to ensure information is strategic, proactive, creative, accurate, and up to date. 

Develops recommendations and implements changes to proactive short-term and long-term plans, goals, and programs for the communications unit to improve overall effectiveness.

Manages a variety of multifaceted projects simultaneously. Develops communications plans, including scope documents, project briefs, creative briefs, project timelines and deliverables. Manages post-project evaluation and feedback processes.

Develops strategies for mitigating potential risks, identifying improvement areas, and implementing adjustments to PTC communications strategies where necessary.

Manages communication of project updates, progress, and milestones to the project team. Coordinates communication efforts involving other PTC departments.

Implements projects and programs working with applicable marketing, web, social media, and public relations platforms to ensure customers and stakeholders remain informed about PTC projects, promotions, news, etc. 

Assists with crisis communication planning and response for events that happen outside of the PTC but impact internal staff; ensures timely, accurate dissemination of information.

Participates in the request for proposal (RFP) process for development of contracts for communications, public relations. or marketing consulting services. Manages awarded contracts including providing directions for external consultants and vendors retained by the PTC.

Assists with PTC public events, such as news conferences, ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, public meetings or hearings, conferences, and other special events.

Participates in and represents the PTC in various internal and external committees, meetings, and project teams.

Fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment, promoting teamwork and professional development.

Uses situational awareness to anticipate and prevent accidents.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Nine (9) years of experience in communications, journalism, public relations, or advertising; 
OR
Five (5) years of experience in communications, journalism, public relations, or advertising AND a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, advertising or a related field. 
Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be accepted. 

Three (3) of the years of experience must have been in a supervisory capacity.

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

Required Work Sample: Communications Plan

As part of the application process, candidates must upload a communications plan that demonstrates their ability to develop a strategic, audience-focused approach to communications. The plan should include objectives, target audiences, key messages, recommended strategies and tactics, implementation considerations, and methods for measuring success.

Candidates may submit a plan developed for a previous employer, client, academic project or other organization. Please remove or redact any confidential, proprietary or personally identifiable information. The submitted work must reflect the candidate’s own contributions; if the plan was created collaboratively, please briefly describe the candidate’s specific role.

The communications plan should be uploaded under the "Documents - Other" section of the Candidate Profile.  Applications submitted without the required communications plan will not be considered complete.

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 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.