Marketing Spec Spv – Communications Manager

Job description

JOB SUMMARY: Supervises, guides, and/or instructs the work assignments of subordinate staff. Supervises the development, implementation and planning of an overall marketing strategy for a section, division or agency. Develops and administers the marketing budget.

JOB SPECIFIC DUTIES:

About the Role
The Communications Manager is a key leader within Georgia DOT’s Strategic Communication office responsible for guiding a team dedicated to crafting clear, compelling content that helps Georgians understand the work, priorities, and impact of GDOT. This role is perfect for a leader who excels at editorial writing and editing-and who understands how powerful storytelling can translate complex transportation topics into meaningful, relatable narratives.

In this position, you will guide the development of written content that informs, educates, and connects with the public. As a people manager, you’ll set goals, coach staff, manage performance, and foster a culture of teamwork, creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement. You will define editorial priorities and ensure every written product reflects the highest standards of accuracy, readability, and strategic alignment. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Strategic Communications, you’ll help define GDOT’s editorial voice and bring consistency and clarity to how we tell our story.

What You’ll Do

• Provide strong, proactive leadership for a team of writers and editors, ensuring each team member has clear expectations, guidance, and professional support.
• Delegate strategically, manage individual workloads, and provide constructive coaching and regular performance feedback.
• Identify and elevate strong story ideas that highlight GDOT’s programs, people, and statewide impact.
• Craft and refine written content-including press releases, feature stories, speeches, blogs, podcast outlines, web copy, presentations, internal messages, and public-facing materials.
• Transform technical or complex information into engaging narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Maintain editorial standards, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistency across all written content.
• Manage writing workflows, review cycles, deadlines, and quality control for all editorial projects.
• Collaborate across departments to uncover compelling stories, verify facts, and ensure messaging aligns with agency priorities.
• Guide the development of communication plans and messaging strategies rooted in strong storytelling.
• Represent the Strategic Communications office and communicate effectively with staff at all organizational levels.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The selected candidate must meet the advertised minimum qualifications to include State Entry Qualifications as well as Agency Specific Minimum Qualifications

STATE ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma/GED and four (4) years of job-related experience
• OR one (1) year of experience required at the lower level Marketing Spec 3 (GSP072) or equivalent.

AGENCY MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, marketing, public relations, or a related field
  * Professional experience writing, editing, and developing editorial content
  * Demonstrated Supervisory experience, including delegation, coaching, and performance feedback
  * Strong project and workflow management experience
  * Outstanding writing, editing, and proofreading abilities with strict attention to detail
  * Experience building and leading teams in a creative or communications environment
  * Ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization
  * Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment
  * Problem-solving skills and the ability to simplify complex information for public audiences
  * Commitment to outstanding customer service and high-quality communication

AGENCY PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Eight or more years of communications or editorial experience managing high-profile projects
• At least two years of directly managing staff
• Excellent organization, problem solving, written and verbal communication skills
• Well established project and/or people management
  * Demonstrated storytelling expertise for a public-facing organization or agency
  * Experience working with senior leaders
  * Background in transportation, infrastructure, or government communications

THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER