The Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America), the nation’s largest nonprofit association representing the transportation technology industry, is seeking an External Affairs Manager to support the organization’s communications, marketing and legislative outreach activities. ITS America’s membership includes nearly 500 public agencies, private sector companies, and research and academic institutions as well as 27 State Chapter affiliates across 40 states dedicated to advancing the research, development and deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to improve the nation’s surface transportation network. The External Affairs Manager will be responsible for the following activities:

• Plan and manage media, Congressional and stakeholder outreach events;
• Assist in maintaining relationships and managing logistics related to ITS America’s Legislative Steering Committee;
• Plan and manage monthly Smart Solution Spotlight award media events and promotional activities;
• Write and manage the distribution of ITS America’s weekly e-newsletter, the Transportation Technology News;
• Schedule and manage logistics for monthly Congressional Roundtable breakfast or lunch events between ITS America members and Members of Congress;
• Draft press releases, media statements, talking points, marketing materials, member announcements, Web content, social media content and other communications as needed;
• Perform occasional legislative and regulatory research and writing;
• Write, edit and update copy and graphics regularly on www.itsa.org;
• Assist with media outreach and marketing activities for ITS America’s quarterly regional event series;
• Manage logistics and outreach for ITS America’s annual Transportation Technology Showcase and Reception on Capitol Hill;
• Assist with media and marketing activities for major industry events including ITS America’s Annual Meetings and the ITS World Congress;
• Monitor transportation and technology-related news and compile daily press clips for distribution;
• Maintain and expand media, Congressional and stakeholders contacts and distribution lists; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The incumbent will report to the Senior Vice President for Government and External Affairs, with day-to-day management provided by the Director of Communications in coordination with the Vice President for Legislative Affairs. Candidates should have at least 2-5 years of relevant experience, extremely strong writing skills with a working knowledge of AP Style, the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines, and attention to detail. Media relations and event marketing, Congressional relations, and transportation and/or technology policy experience are all a strong plus. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Please submit your resume and at least three writing samples to pfeenstra@itsa.org.

The Intelligent Transportation Society of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. All applications are treated confidentially.

TDM Specialist

Position Description
The primary function of the TDM Specialist is to serve as an advocate for alternative transportation options. The Specialist also acts as a liaison among a variety of agencies working cooperatively to promote TDM and alternative commute options. The TDM Specialist will advocate for policy directions that support alternative modes of transportation and TDM strategies while also coordinating with various agencies in the development of related programs. Additionally, the position will review development proposals and work with clients to develop and implement programs to promote alternative transportation modes, improve air quality, and reduce automobile trips. The position also entails monitoring results, verifying plan compliance, and researching other successful programs.

Duties and Responsibilities
1. Conduct highly technical transportation analyses to form basis for future recommendations.
2. Develop scopes of work and contractual documents, as project manager, and assume responsibility for managing consulting services to address long and short term regional travel issues.
3. Supervise data collection efforts and record data in a concise and functional format, and review completed data prior to dissemination.
4. Serve as spokesperson for our clients at meetings, special and media events.

5. Organize, attend, and/or participate in special events and promotions advocating transportation alternatives.
6. Establish and maintain effective relationships with local, state, and federal agencies, employers, and other parties to develop transportation programs and resolve other transportation issues.
7. Implement annual communication plans that include promotional and educational strategies.
8. Supervise the efforts of lower level staff members.
9. Perform responsible professional and administrative related duties as required.

Qualifications
Education and/or Experience Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Transportation, Engineering, Geography, Planning, Economics or a relevant social science.   Previous experience working in commuter transportation/TDM industry is desirable.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
Computer proficiency and knowledge of transportation planning principles and experience with Transportation Demand Management concepts and strategies is highly preferred. Applicant should have excellent oral and written communication skills, be organized, capable of working independently on complex assignments, and manage multiple tasks.

Must possess a driver’s license and have access to a vehicle during business hours.

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TDM Marketing and Communication Specialist

Position Description
The primary function of the Marketing and Communication Specialist is to serve as an advocate for alternative transportation options. The Specialist also acts as a liaison among a variety of organizations working cooperatively to promote TDM and alternative commute options. The Marketing and Communication Specialist has a direct responsibility to develop marketing strategies that advertise TDM programs and promote travel behavior change. The Specialist generally assists with the following duties and reports to the Senior TDM Specialist.

Duties and Responsibilities

1.  Organize, attend, and/or participate in special events and promotions advocating transportation alternatives.
2.  Serve as spokesperson for our clients at meetings, special and media events.
3.  Develop and implement all outreach and marketing activities, campaigns, and strategies to promote alternative transportation programs. This can be done through a combination of personal contacts, brochures, mass mailings, public presentations, special events, the Internet, social media, etc.
4.  Establish and maintain effective relationships with local, state, and federal agencies, employers, and other parties to develop transportation programs and resolve other transportation issues.
5.  Develop and implement annual communication plans that include promotional and educational strategies.
6.  Performs and supervises all communication, outreach, marketing, public relations, and media duties relating to TDM projects as required.
7.  Supervise the efforts of lower level staff members.
8.  Assist the Senior TDM Specialist with the aforementioned duties and performs other related tasks as required

   Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing/ Advertising, Business or Public Administration. Previous experience working in commuter transportation/TDM industry is desirable.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
Must have proficiency in MS Office Applications, desktop publishing, database and spreadsheet software. Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills are required. Must have the ability to effectively prepare and present information to various groups. The ability to work independently or with others to manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision is essential. Knowledge of marketing principles to develop and implement strategies to promote TDM programs is critical.  A creative thinker a plus.

Must possess a driver’s license and have access to a vehicle during business hours.

Contact

If interested in applying for the TDM Specialist positions, please send a cover letter and resume to Courtney Menjivar atcjmenjivar@mjwells.com.  Learn more about WELLS + ASSOCIATES.

(Source: via Reddit)

Image Courtesy: Imgur.com via Reddit

(Source: via Simplyflying.com)

We all know that the commercial aviation industry is among the cutting edge when it comes to advertising and testing new tools to engage their customers.. So, how are the airlines using the hottest new social media tool in the market – Google Plus (G+)? The brilliant folks at Simpliflying.com (on Twitter: @simpliflying) have done a comprehensive analysis and presented the findings in this awesome infopgraph below..

Image Courtesy: Simplyflying.com - Click Image to Learn More.

(Source: Autoblog)

The graphic says it all.  To get more details on the data, recommend clicking image.

Image Courtesy: Autoblog.com

We all know the art of marketing/selling a product is as important as making a great product.  Looks like BMW has achieved this on both fronts.  I was stunned by the subtleness and awesome creativity behind this simple yet effective ad campaign by BMW. I’m sure you would agree with me as well.  Register your comments below.