Special Projects Manager - Public Engagement

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

Leads, advises, and/or participates in special projects of strategic importance to VIA, involving the public, customers, internal/external partners, and other stakeholders. Collaborates across the organization to drive delivery and gain stakeholder alignment and maintain progress/positive engagement on strategic initiatives. Creates and manages the link between external and internal resources by identifying key issues and opportunities and facilitating the development and implementation of key project objectives. Identifies issues with short- and long-term impact on the project, analyzes risks, and advises the Vice Presidents and Senior Vice President of the Division, as well as other project stakeholders, on developing strategy to address such issues.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Provides oversight for the development and implementation of project strategies and objectives to drive delivery of VIA’s Keep San Antonio Moving (KSAM) projects and creates and maintains support for the KSAM Plan, and related programs.

Serves as project manager for special projects; facilitates project activities, resolves issues; and develops and submits project reports.

With Vice Presidents of the divisions, develops necessary public engagement programs designed to communicate with the public and community members about VIA projects.

With Vice Presidents and Senior Vice President of the division, contributes to the development and execution of Public Engagement Plan (PEP) and strategic messaging plan.

Establishes and leads a cross-functional team in the execution of strategic and operational projects, with respect to Public Engagement. And ensures a high degree of team focus and risk balance.

Provides subject-matter expertise on Public Engagement strategies and processes to internal/external project stakeholders.

Maintains awareness of active projects and provides oversight and resources as appropriate.

Prepare reports and presentations to deliver to staff, Board of Trustees, and community stakeholders as needed.

Represents VIA at community forums and events, state and national forums as needed. Builds collaborative relationships with peers.

This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job. Other duties may exist.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Project Management, Public Involvement, or related field and seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in public engagement, including strategic planning, program development, analysis, with significant interaction with executives, public officials, engineering/marketing firms, large teams, and community organizations in the public or private sector with three (3) years supervisory experience. Experience may be substituted in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis up to four years.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

N/A

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must have, or be able to quickly develop, a thorough knowledge of applicable governmental regulations and federal, state, and local laws, particularly as they pertain to transit/transportation and public funding models.

Must have ability to read and understand complex material.

Must have physical ability to attend meetings and other off-property functions.

Must have demonstrated proven skills/performance in the following areas:

• Analytical skills showing sound judgment and decision-making.

• Initiative

• Leadership

• Team building

• Verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to follow through/get results/fulfill commitments/achieve goals.

• Demonstrated strong work ethic.

• Organization

• Interpersonal skills

• Integrity and discretion in all areas, especially in dealing with confidential matters.

• Strong negotiation skills

• Planning and organizing

• Ability to change/be flexible

• Accepting responsibility for problems and for the implementation of corrective actions.

• Being pro-active

• Time management

Must be able to maintain good work attendance.

Safety Accountability Statement:

• Employees must consider safety in all tasks performed, as well as demonstrate safe judgment and decisions that not only maintain their own safety; but that of fellow employees and customers.

• Demonstrate a professional commitment to assure compliance with all organizational policies, practices, and programs related to safety, health, and system security.

• Employees have a responsibility to identify and report hazards, as well as potentially unsafe conditions, to your immediate supervisor or Safety Department.

• Employees are responsible, a nd required , to stop a job/task to prevent an unsafe incident or act from occurring. This acknowledges the threat of potential injury, property damage and the opportunity for better judgment to be used.

Must comply with and support all applicable VIA EEO Policies and Procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical ability required to be mobile, bend, stoop, stand, reach and lift objects weighing 5-25 pounds such as files, supplies, equipment and large heavy reference manuals and books.

WORK ENVIRONMENTS:

Works in normal office environment.

Work frequently involves deadlines and multiple priorities.

VIA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal opportunity to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.