Public Communication Specialist I
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority - San Jose, CA
Work at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
Overview
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Overview
Location : CA 95134-1927, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 1251-Feb2025-MLJ
Division: External Affairs
Department: External Affairs
Opening Date: 02/04/2025
Closing Date: 2/25/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description
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.
About the Communications Division
The Communications Division, led by Patrice Smith, Chief Communications Officer, encompasses VTA departments that disseminate information and engage with the public. Our Media Relations team conducts interviews with news media and pitches stories proactively that help our community understand not only what we do, but who at VTA is doing it and how. Customer Service provides the assistance our passengers need to navigate our system smoothly and successfully. Creative Services develops all the designs you see on our buses and trains and promotions and almost anything else that is branded "VTA." Community Outreach ensures that the residents of Santa Clara County are informed and involved in the critical transportation infrastructure initiatives affecting their neighborhoods and lives. And our Marketing team shouts the benefits of VTA to the rooftops of Santa Clara County, so everyone knows what services we offer and why they should use them.
These teams work collaboratively to support the fundamental mission of VTA: to provide solutions that move people to their jobs, education centers, recreational activities, appointments, home, and more, allowing us to meet the varied needs of Santa Clara County's diverse population.
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 Deadline: Posting will close February 25, 2025 at 11:59pm
Essential Job Functions
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.
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. 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.
Supplemental Information
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:
- 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 our , 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:
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
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
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
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.
VTA offers a generous benefit package including: vision care, a choice of health plans, dental coverage, an employee assistance program, life insurance, and liberal holiday, vacation, and sick leave. A credit union and deferred compensation are also available to employees at their option. Detailed information on VTA's benefits may be found here:
As defined by the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA):
- Classic Members' retirement benefit formula is 2% @55.
- New Members' retirement benefit formula is 2% @62.
All Classic AFSCME, SEIU, TAEA, and Non-Rep employees hired on or after 01/09/2012 pay 7.0% of salary toward the required employee contribution to PERS.
All New/PEPRA AFSCME, SEIU, TAEA, and Non-Rep employees pay 8.0% of salary toward the required employee contribution to PERS.
Social Security taxes will be deducted from each employee's bi-weekly salary.
01
Describe the process you used/use to manage large, time-sensitive projects. How do/did you stay organized? What tools did you use to stay on task?
02
Describe your fluency with social media activity. List the social media channels you are familiar with and comfortable creating content on. Please provide an example of a successful campaign or post you worked on and describe the engagement. What were the approaches that made the post or campaign successful?
03
Describe the qualities you have that show you can work well with others including co-workers and upper management. Provide an example where you used these qualities to complete a major task or project explaining how you overcame unexpected challenges, if any, along the way. The goal here is to showcase your ability to adapt to change and work well with everyone.
04
This is your opportunity to show your creative writing skills. Please write no more than 150 words about a topic of your choice. You are encouraged to use wit, humor, or whatever clever approach you think will allow your skills to shine.
Required Question