Job Description

About us:

I-77 Mobility Partners LLC is financing, developing, designing, constructing, operating and maintaining the 26-mile I-77 Express project as part of a public-private partnership with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The tolled express lanes run adjacent to the general-purpose lanes on I-77 between uptown Charlotte and Mooresville. I-77 Mobility Partners is responsible for operations and maintenance of all lanes, both express and general purpose, and right of way within the designated project corridor limits.What makes us different? Our people come first. We want every single employee to develop both professionally and personally. With a strong focus on growth potential, we look to our internal employees as potential candidates for both national and international opportunities. We aim to achieve greatness by promoting from within every chance we get. We work hard and play hard and strive every day for success and achievement. With a diverse group of professionals working in a fast-paced environment, we achieve milestones constantly. And if that weren’t enough, we also offer our employees highly competitive insurance benefits, Paid Time Off, and a matching 401(k) program.

The Communication & Government Affairs Director manages and oversees the government relations, communications and media, community relations, customers communications, and issues management for an approximate $800 million infrastructure public-private partnership initiative called the I-77 Managed Lanes Project, which is currently in the Operations and Maintenance Phase. The Director also (i) coordinates activities between the developer, contractor, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and any other stakeholder involved to communicate relevant information, including traffic impacts, (ii) manages public and government expectations (iii) mitigates public perceptions of the project by stakeholders and (iv) manages general public and customer questions and complaints related to the project.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the day to day operations of government and media relations, stakeholder outreach and engagement, digital and social media development, and partner interaction
• Collaborate with developer, contractors, NCDOT, and outside public relations and government affairs firms to communicate day-to-day impacts of the project to motorists, corridor businesses and residents, government officials and the general public
• Manage questions, compliments and complaints from the general public and customers related to the project, including maintenance activities
• Serve as key liaison and spokesperson for I-77 Managed Lanes Project to stakeholders, elected officials and media
• Coordinate developer and contractor leadership teams to maintain appropriate relationships with the state, cities and other government contacts regarding project activities, status and issues management
• Establish and implement corporate communications plans that include crisis management, public relations, digital and social media development, stakeholder outreach, disadvantaged business enterprises, and media and government relations
• Oversee the development of all materials: print, audio-visual, digital and social media-based mediums
• Work with internal leadership and outside resources to conduct research and data that guides appropriate messaging and marketing support activities to the public and stakeholders
• Develop an annual marketing and branding strategy to maintain consistent positive brand awareness and increase customer loyalty and usage in the Charlotte, NC region
• Develop and deliver presentations to various transportation, government, business and community organizations
• Develop and oversee contractual relationships with public relations, market research and advertising firms
• Prepare, justify and manage annual department budget
• Perform other job-related duties as required

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to fulfill those duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 15+ years of experience in a combination of the following: senior government affairs management, senior media affairs management, senior issues management, senior public affairs management, dealing with end-customers

Professional Qualities:

• Effectively lead and manage direct reports and Corporate Affairs department through managers and supervisors
• Independently manage and adhere to tight deadlines
• Must be comfortable acting as a liaison for the organization with third-party groups and contractors
• Must be confident interacting with upper-level executives and colleagues on a regular basis
• Superior interpersonal communication, spokesperson, media, presentation, decision-making, project management and negotiating skill s
• Must be able to multitask, problem solve, prioritize, and implement innovative processes within a fast-paced environment

Computer Skills:

• Must be able to demonstrate computer proficiency, especially within Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Must be familiar with WordPress web design

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet
• Local travel between and within Charlotte is required, with trips as needed regionally (Raleigh, surrounding).
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to adjust focus, as necessary to use a computer
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear
• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk and sit