Job Description

Public Information Officer

The Public Information Officer will report to the Manager, Communications and will manage media relations for the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans), the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain) and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA), and the San Mateo 101 Express Lanes.

Essential Functions & Duties

Examples of Essential Functions:

• District spokesperson, on-call 24/7, for various incidents, accidents, and events in and around the service area, including San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
• Serves as a media liaison between the District and news outlets, pitching stories, researching, and responding to media inquiries.
• Creates content for news releases, blogs, District publications/e-newsletters, informational materials and feature stories.
• Pitches news and feature stories that highlight the District's services, programs, projects, employees and contributions to the community.
• Coordinates press conferences and assist with special events.
• Works with the Manager of Communications in the development and creation of media strategy.
• Collaborates with agency departments to assure coordination of messages and information through mainstream media and social media tools.
• Assists Board Members and Executive Team with interviews, talking points and other press inquiries.

Examples of Essential Duties:

• Answers media inquiries and maintains media contact lists.
• Represents the Strategic Communications Department on cross-functional teams to support agency projects.
• Crafts, edits and refines copy for web and printed material.
• Attends monthly board and internal meetings.
• Provides writing and editing support for the District, where needed.
• Tracks and collects data on District news and social coverage through Meltwater, sends summary of news to all District staff.
• Serves as a member of the District's Emergency Operations Team, will help with the preparation plan for the dissemination of information to employees, outside support systems and the community.
• Writes and creates content for District podcast.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Supervisory duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient education, training and experience to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communication, Public Relations or a closely related field.
• Three (3) years' experience in the communications field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent and effective oral, written communication and proofreading skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of media strategy.
• Experience working in a newsroom and writing in AP style.
• Proficiency in using emerging technologies, including AI tools.
• Experience working for a public agency.
• Fluent in English and Spanish.

The selection process may include a panel interview, written and skills test assessments, or supplemental questions. Only those candidates who are the most qualified will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to continue in the process.

Complete an online employment application by 11:59 p.m. of the listed closing date. Resumes and cover letters will not be accepted in lieu of fully completed applications. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that applications are completed with all relevant information (experience, education, certifications, licenses, references and/or other information).

The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request. If you have a need for an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Persons with Disabilities and Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

This position is not eligible for benefits.

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