Public Communication Specialist I Job at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Autho

The VTA Marketing Team is looking for a creative, proactive, forward-thinking team member to elevate our efforts in increasing ridership, enhancing community partnerships, and engaging social media. This individual will assist in planning and executing marketing projects, writing engaging outreach emails and blogs, and coordinating company-wide social media activities. Definition Under supervision, the Public Communication Specialist I performs or assists in the performance of a variety 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, conceptualizing and developing programs, and preparing and making presentations. Distinguishing Characteristics This is the first working level of the Public Communication Specialist series. Incumbents in this classification work under supervision and perform continuing projects of a routine and limited scope, with a limited amount of discretion. Incumbents may receive general supervision on routine assignments or may assist on more complex assignments under closer supervision. The Public Communication Specialist I is distinguished from the Public Communication Specialist II in that the latter works independently in the performance of the full range of duties, and may lead and train staff as required. The Ideal Candidate We are looking for a candidate with a proactive work ethic who is eager to learn and ready to face challenges. The ideal candidate should possess excellent project management and communications skills, which will allow them to effectively coordinate campaigns, manage timelines, and collaborate with coworkers on any project. With a strong traditional and digital marketing background, the candidate can leverage social media, content creation, and data-driven strategies to enhance engagement and drive results. Typical Tasks Assists in 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; Assists with the development of 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, or assists in the preparation and presentation of information regarding VTA projects to the public and VTA employees; Plans and coordinates, or assists in the planning and coordination of 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 participate in meetings and promotions on weekends and evenings; Performs related work as required. 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. 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) 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. Knowledge of: Principles, techniques, and methods of effective public communications, public relations, news media communications, and community outreach; Principles and techniques of preparing advertising writing copy, layout, and production; Customs and practices of various public information media; Techniques of interviewing; Standard English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Ability to: Compile and analyze data from a variety of sources to draft news releases; Communicate ideas and concepts through creative writing and through presentations to large and small groups; Draft, edit, and proofread written materials for publication; Conceptualize print and broadcast advertising; Plan and organize outreach and promotional activities; Complete multiple assignments efficiently and meet established deadlines in a fast paced team environment; Understand and effectively communicate technical data to the media and the public; Assist in the development and implementation of responses to community concerns related to VTA projects; Operate a personal computer with common software applications (i.e., word processing, spreadsheet, database, etc.); learn specialty software of the work unit; Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. What’s in it for You? 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. Leave: 15 days of vacation (accrued), 96 Hours of sick time (accrued), and 13 paid holidays per year. Retirement: 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 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. 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 to personnel@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 at Personnel@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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr