Public Communications Specialist II

Job Description

The ideal candidate for the position of Public Communications Specialist possesses a unique blend of communication skills, strategic thinking, and community engagement experience. They should have a proven track record in crafting compelling written content, managing communication projects across various channels, and fostering partnerships with external stakeholders. Additionally, proficiency in utilizing a diverse range of communication tools and technologies is a plus.

• Strong Writing Skills: The candidate should demonstrate exceptional writing abilities through clear and concise communication. They should be able to adapt their writing style to various formats such as memos, letters, advisories, blogs, and notices, ensuring effective communication with diverse audiences.

• Community Outreach Expertise: The ideal candidate should possess hands-on experience in developing and implementing community outreach plans for projects involving multiple external partners. This includes collaborating with civic agencies, regional, state, federal, and private sector partners to effectively engage the community and garner support for initiatives.

• Innovative Communication Strategies: The candidate should have a track record of devising innovative communication plans or strategies to build partnerships between their organization and stakeholders. They should be able to navigate challenges effectively, measure the success of their strategies, and drive positive outcomes.

• Proficiency in Communication Tools and Technology: The ideal candidate should be proficient in utilizing a variety of communication tools, software, and technology platforms to engage the public. They should be familiar with platforms such as social media, email marketing software, content management systems, and analytics tools, with a demonstrated ability to leverage these platforms effectively.

Overall, the ideal candidate should be a strategic thinker with excellent communication skills, community outreach experience, and proficiency in communication tools and technology.

Definition

Under limited supervision, the Public Communication Specialist II performs the full range of activities in support of VTA's public and news media relations, community outreach, employee communications, and marketing promotional efforts, including writing and editing material for publication, program conceptualization and development, and making presentations.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the journey level of the Public Communication Specialist series. This classification works under general supervision in the independent performance of the full range of duties. The Public Communication Specialist II is distinguished from the Public Communication Specialist I in that the latter does not perform tasks with the same level of independence, and is not proficient in the performance of the full range of duties.

About VTA

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County's authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused, innovative, and environmentally responsible transportation options promoting the region's vitality. VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services and participates as a funding partner in regional rail services, including Caltrain, Capital Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.

To learn more, go to: vta.org.

Our Community

Santa Clara County, sometimes referred to as "Silicon Valley", is unique for its innovation, natural attractions, and social diversity. With numerous amenities and perfect weather, it has long been considered one of the best places in the United States to live and work. calendar of festivals and celebrations supports the community spirit. Nearby open space provides easy access to mountain parks, trails, lakes, streams, and beautiful coastal beaches. San José has received accolades for its vibrant neighborhoods, healthy lifestyle, and diverse attractions from national media, including Business Week and Money magazines.

The county's population of 1.9 million is the largest in Northern California and is rich in ethnic culture and diversity. Enjoy access and the option to explore our closely neighboring counties of San Francisco and Alameda.

Classification Bargaining Unit: SEIU

Application Details: Please be aware that this position will close promptly on Monday, April 8, 2024, at 11:59 pm or upon the receipt of 50 applications, whichever occurs first. We encourage interested applicants to apply early to ensure consideration.

Essential Job Functions

Typical Tasks

• Initiates the concept, development, coordination, conduct, and evaluation of marketing, outreach, public awareness, public and news media relations, and other promotional efforts;

• Develops, writes, and edits written materials for advertisements, news releases, brochures, pamphlets, promotional events, campaigns, VTA internal communications, and other public information projects;

• Initiates, develops, and sustains professional partnerships with public and private sector organizations;

• Responds to daily information requests from the public, in person, via telephone and Internet, and in writing;

• Prepares and presents information regarding VTA projects to the public and VTA employees;

• Plans and coordinates events and promotions for VTA employees and for the public; may provide event photography;

• Interviews VTA officials, VTA employees, representatives from various groups and organizations, and the public to secure and verify information;

• Coordinates internal and external project activities, including public meetings;

• Assists in scheduling, negotiating cost, and purchasing media space and time;

• Prepares reports requiring the collection and analysis of data from a variety of sources;

• May assist with developing and maintaining website content;

• May lead and train other staff;

• Responds to media inquiries on an on-call 24-hour basis as assigned;

• May participate in meetings and promotions on weekends and evenings;

• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Employment Standards

Sufficient training, education, and experience to demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Development of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is typically obtained through training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in marketing, journalism, communications, or a related field and two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in journalism, advertising, marketing, or public relations (including making public presentations; writing news releases, employee communications, or similar materials; or responding to citizen complaints and concerns). Experience in journalism, advertising, marketing, or public relations may be substituted for the education requirement on a year for year basis.

Possession of a California driver's license is required at the time of appointment.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of:

• Principles, techniques, and methods of effective public communications, public relations, news media communications, and community outreach;

• Key criteria for partnership development and maintaining effective professional relationships;

• Principles and techniques of preparing advertising writing copy, layout, and production;

• Customs and practices of all forms of public information media;

• Techniques of interviewing;

• Standard English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Plan, write, and produce internal and external communications materials for publication;

• Compile and analyze data from a variety of sources to draft news releases;

• Complete multiple assignments efficiently and meet established deadlines in a fast paced team environment;

• Communicate ideas and concepts through creative writing and through presentations to large and small groups;

• Conceptualize print and broadcasting advertising.

What's in it for You? (Review Benefits packet)

Work/Life Balance:40-hour work weeks, and a option of a flexible/hybrid remote schedule.

Health: VTA participates in a CalPERS-sponsored medical plan with VTA contribution to employee and dependent premium health insurance premiums. Employees pay a monthly contribution of any amount in excess of the Kaiser Bay Area Family rate.

Flex Spending Account: $300 employer-funded Health FSA for eligible employees

Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents

Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents

Mental Health Days: 3 days: May 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024

Leave: 17 days of vacation (accrued), 80 Hours of sick time (accrued), 12 paid holidays per year, and 1 floating holiday per year.

Retirement:

• Participation in CalPERS

• Classic Members: 2%@55

• PEPRA Members: 2%@62

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (voluntary)

• 457 pre-tax

• 457 Roth

• Self-directed brokerage account option for qualifying employees

• Retiree medical coverage for eligible employees with VTA contributions to the retiree's medical premium

Additional perks:

• All active full-time employees and their eligible dependents are eligible for transit passes for use over VTA lines, including VTA Paratransit services.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to each employee, eligible dependent, and household member, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Professional Development Fund

• Wellness Programs

As we continue to implement ourVTA Forward Plan, we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services.

For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit:https://www.vta.org/VTAForward

General Instructions

Please read this entire job announcement before applying for the position. Print and keep a copy of this announcement so that you can refer to it. Questions not answered within this job announcement may be sent topersonnel@vta.org.

To ensure consideration, completed applications must be submitted online to the Human Resources department by the stated closing time and date posted. When the stated closing date is "continuous," apply immediately; the position may close without notice. You will receive an immediate email confirming receipt of your submitted application. If you do not receive this email, contact NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line at (855) 524-5627 between 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Only on-line applications will be accepted for this recruitment (paper applications or resumes will not be accepted). Job Interest Notification Cards, or copies of previous, partial, or un-submitted applications, are not an acceptable substitute to a completed application.

ALL APPLICATION AND TESTING NOTIFICATIONS WILL BE SENT BY E-MAIL.Applicants should select e-mail as the preferred method of notification. Candidates must maintain an up-to-date, valid and reliable e-mail address. Candidates are also responsible for maintaining up-to-date phone numbers and addresses on their on-line account. Due to the number of applications received, candidates must check their application status through their on-line account. Contact NeoGov for assistance if needed.

Information on how to apply for jobs at the VTA is available on the VTA Employment website and from the NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line (855) 524-5627. NeoGov Applicant support is available from 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations

The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities. If you wish to request an accommodation, call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email atPersonnel@vta.org.

Application Processing Information

All related current and past work experience (including VTA experience) must be listed and fully described in the Work Experience section of the application ("See Resume" is not acceptable). Incomplete or improperly completed online applications may be rejected even if you are qualified for the position for which you are applying. It is your responsibility to ensure that the online application reflects the work experience and education needed to meet the requirements for the position you are applying for. Although your resume may have all your experience and education details, please make sure to complete each section of the online application to ensure that your information is accurately captured during our screening process.

All applications are subject to review as to meeting minimum qualifications at any point in the recruitment process. Passing any step is no guarantee of continuation if it is determined that the applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the class specification.

Candidates found to have exaggerated/falsified their qualifications, experience, training, and/or education may be disqualified at any point in the recruitment process and may be denied future employment with the VTA.

If selected for the position, candidates will be required to complete a criminal conviction disclosure form. Candidates who successfully become VTA employees, and fail to disclose any of the criminal background information as required may be subject to discipline up to and including discharge.

Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment. If you have questions related to an Eligible List you might be on or were on, you should contact Human Resources.

If you have questions regarding your status as an applicant for this position, please call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at Personnel@vta.org.

VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities or religious needs, absent undue hardship.

VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national, origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.