Senior Manager, Outreach

The Senior Manager of Outreach supervises staff in the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority’s Outreach Division and oversees all public engagement activities to ensure they meet federal requirements and align with the NJTPA’s Public Engagement Plan. This position reports to the Senior Director of Communications & External Affairs, and the Outreach Division works closely with the Communication & Public Affairs Division to engage the public, county and city member subregions, Board and Committee members and stakeholders and to promote the agency’s projects and programs. The Senior Manager of Outreach works with other supervisors across the agency to develop the annual work program and budget. This position works with staff across the agency to develop and implement outreach plans and materials, and assists subregions and partner agencies with outreach, as needed. The ideal candidate has management experience, is highly organized, collaborative and able to juggle multiple tasks while meeting deadlines. This position has three direct reports: a Manager of External Affairs and an Outreach Specialist, both full-time, and a part-time Street Smart NJ Coordinator. The Outreach Division engages communities to participate in the NJTPA’s Street Smart NJ pedestrian safety program, coordinates the Morris Canal Greenway Working Group, and oversees specialized outreach, working with a consultant team to engage traditionally underrepresented populations, including the UpNext North Jersey young adult advisory group. The Senior Manager is responsible for maintaining Outreach Division webpages, including on the NJTPA’s WordPress site and an external engagement site, letstalk.njtpa.org. This is a hybrid position based in Newark, NJ with the option to work remotely part of the time. Essential Functions: Supervises and assigns work to the NJTPA’s Outreach Division staff, with a focus on raising awareness about the agency and engaging local officials and the public in agency projects and programs. Develops and implements the agency’s public outreach strategies, including public engagement efforts on planning and project development studies with a public component. Pursues innovative outreach and communications strategies with an emphasis on reaching underrepresented populations, including overseeing the UpNext North Jersey young adult advisory group. Ensures activities are consistent with the NJTPA’s Public Engagement Plan and works with the Communications & Public Affairs group on adherence to agency branding and messaging. Works with staff to review and edit reports and materials related to public outreach. Regularly meets with other supervisors to coordinate and collaborate on agency initiatives, including development of the annual work program and the budget for Outreach Division activities. Oversees outreach for the Street Smart NJ pedestrian safety campaign. Oversees coordination of the Morris Canal Working Group Works with the Communications and Public Affairs Division to develop videos, publications and other content showcasing the agency’s work. Additional Functions: Works with staff in other divisions to identify and highlight relevant data and findings of technically oriented studies and planning efforts, including participating in interdivisional working groups. Maintains Outreach Division webpages and letstalk.njtpa.org engagement site. Prerequisite Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college with a bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, public policy, or a related field. Seven years of relevant experience in public affairs, journalism, communications, planning or related fields. Experience managing outreach, communications and/or public affairs professionals. Self-motivated with ability to work well independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams. Strong oral and written communication skills. Experience conducting public outreach and planning events. At the university’s discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience. Preferred Qualifications: Master’s or other advanced degree. Demonstrated project management and organizational skills. Knowledge of WordPress website publishing. Knowledge of Granicus’ Engagement HQ platform. Knowledge of government, development, planning, transportation, and urban affairs. Spanish-speaking candidates preferred, though not required. Special Instructions to Applicants: Please submit a cover letter along with your resume. This is a grant-funded position not eligible for applicants who require sponsorship.