Project Assistant (Communications Specialist)

$84,156 - $106,454/Yr

Transportation, Department of - Buffalo, NY

Full-time

Buffalo, NY

Specialty Trade Contractors

About the position

The Project Assistant (Communications Specialist) will serve as the Kensington Project Communications Liaison, working under the supervision of the Director of Public Information. This role is crucial in managing and disseminating information related to the Department of Transportation's programs and activities in Western New York, particularly focusing on the Kensington Project. The incumbent will collaborate closely with the project manager for both phase 1 and phase 2 of the Kensington project, ensuring effective communication and public engagement throughout the project's lifecycle. Key responsibilities include preparing, editing, and disseminating written materials that inform the public about various programs and activities. The incumbent will maintain the communications department's schedule of events and prepare materials for community and stakeholder meetings. Additionally, the role involves supporting the Director of Public Information in interactions with the media, the public, and stakeholders during meetings and open houses. The incumbent will also respond to public inquiries regarding capital projects in the region, ensuring that accurate and timely information is provided. The Project Assistant will create and publish digital content for the department's external website, as well as manage social media accounts related to the Kensington Project. This includes project promotion and public involvement support through various channels such as websites, media, public meetings, festivals, and fairs. The role may also require filling in at outreach centers as needed, assisting in writing press releases, speeches, and executive briefings, and providing backup phone and website support. Coordination with Region 5 leadership is essential to gather information for internal communications, including newsletters and employee recognition programs. The incumbent will also serve as a liaison with local Governor's Representatives and elected officials on behalf of the Region 5 and Kensington Project Team. Responsibilities may extend to supporting the department's response to regional and statewide emergency situations within the Incident Command System.

Responsibilities

• Function as the Kensington Project Communications Liaison under the supervision of the Director of Public Information.
• Work with the project manager for phase 1 and phase 2 of the Kensington project.
• Prepare, edit, and disseminate written materials related to the Department of Transportation's programs and activities.
• Maintain the communications department's schedule of events and prepare materials for community and stakeholder meetings.
• Support the Director of Public Information in interacting with the media, the public, and stakeholders at meetings and open houses.
• Answer inquiries from the public concerning capital projects in the region under the direction of the Director of Public Information.
• Create and publish digital content for the department's external website and social media accounts related to the Kensington Project.
• Provide project promotion and public involvement support through various channels.
• Fill in at outreach centers when needed.
• Assist in writing press releases, speeches, and executive briefings, along with document support.
• Provide backup phone support and website support.
• Coordinate with Region 5 leadership to gather information for internal communications.
• Serve as the liaison with local Governor's Representatives and elected officials on behalf of the Region 5 & Kensington Project Team.
• Support the department's response to regional and statewide emergency situations within the Incident Command System.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in media, new media, English, communications, journalism, broadcasting, public relations, films, TV productions, or digital marketing AND three years of experience in public or governmental relations, and/or in writing or producing content for various media; OR
• A master's degree in media, new media, English, communications, journalism, broadcasting, public relations, films, TV productions, and digital marketing AND two years of experience in public or governmental relations, and/or in writing or producing content for various media; OR
• Seven years of the experience described above.