Traveler Information Communications Specialist

$42,390 - $63,731/Yr

State of Utah

Full-time - Entry Level

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is seeking a dedicated Traveler Information Communications Specialist to enhance the distribution of traveler information to the public. This role is pivotal in ensuring that accurate and timely information regarding traffic plans and impacts is communicated effectively across various platforms, including social media, websites, and alert systems. The successful candidate will work closely with the Traveler Information Program Manager at the Traffic Operations Center, overseeing the dissemination of information and guiding consultants to ensure that all travel impacts are reported accurately and promptly. In this position, you will be responsible for monitoring lane closures and ongoing construction projects, producing media for public consumption, and responding to inquiries from the public and media partners. You will develop messaging for public information, ensuring that scheduled messages for construction, special events, and public service announcements are executed on time. Additionally, you will assist in managing the AskUDOTTraffic email account and monitor Click n Fix account requests, providing support in drafting responses. The role also involves researching subjects of interest, interviewing subject matter experts, and writing articles for the employee newsletter. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, a background in relevant fields such as English, journalism, or marketing, and experience managing social media platforms. This position requires excellent organizational skills, the ability to work independently, and a working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite programs. The role is primarily scheduled for normal business hours but may require 24-hour availability for extreme traffic or weather situations, making flexibility essential. UDOT values teamwork, trust, and a positive work-life balance, making this an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the community.

Responsibilities

• Communicate traffic plans and impacts via social media, website/phone app, and alert systems.
• Ensure accurate and consistent information across all public platforms.
• Work closely with the Traveler Information Program Manager at the Traffic Operations Center.
• Oversee and guide consultants to provide complete, timely, and accurate information about all travel impacts.
• Collaborate with internal partners to provide complete, timely, and accurate information about all travel impacts.
• Correspond with partners, internal communications, the public, and media partners to develop material for distribution and consumption.
• Monitor lane closures and ongoing construction projects, and review Control Room output for these events.
• Produce media for public consumption via app/web, social media, and report documents.
• Receive, research, and respond to incoming questions or complaints; provide information, explain policy and procedures, and/or facilitate a resolution.
• Develop messaging for public information.
• Ensure that scheduled messages for construction, special events, and public service announcements run on time.
• Assist in addressing questions/requests directed to the [email protected] email account.
• Monitor Click n Fix account requests and provide support drafting responses.
• Research subjects of interest, interview subject matter experts, and write short articles for the employee newsletter.
• Monitor and respond to emails received at the [email protected] email account.
• Act as the public information officer as needed; interface with media agencies and provide communications expertise for UDOT.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree, or higher, in English, journalism, marketing, communications, graphic design, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• The ability to convey information and ideas clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Experience managing social media platforms.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Knowledge of copywriting, proofreading, and editing.
• A working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite programs (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere) or similar software.
• Understanding of customer experience principles and best practices.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in public relations and/or as a public information officer.
• Background in marketing/branding, communications, and/or digital graphic design.
• Experience in customer service and/or customer experience work.

Benefits

• Full benefits package including health and retirement benefits.
• Positive work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.