Senior Manager, Outreach

This position reports to the Senior Director of Communications & External Affairs and oversees all public engagement activities to ensure they meet federal requirements and align with the NJTPA’s Public Engagement Plan. The Outreach Division works closely with the Communication & Public Affairs Division to engage the public, county and city member subregions, Board and Committee members, stakeholders, and to promote the agency’s projects and programs.

About the role

The Senior Manager of Outreach supervises staff in the Outreach Division, develops the annual work program and budget, and collaborates with staff across the agency to implement outreach plans and materials. This position has three direct reports: a Manager of External Affairs, an Outreach Specialist (both full-time), and a part-time Street Smart NJ Coordinator.

The Outreach Division engages communities in the NJTPA’s Street Smart NJ pedestrian safety program, coordinates the Morris Canal Greenway Working Group, and oversees specialized outreach to traditionally underrepresented populations, including the UpNext North Jersey young adult advisory group. The Senior Manager maintains Outreach Division webpages 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.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and assigns work to the NJTPA’s Outreach Division staff, focusing 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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 the 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 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.

This is a grant-funded position not eligible for applicants who require sponsorship.