SUMMARY:

The Media and Communications Specialist develops media relations strategies and implements public relations activities, events, projects and/or programs to enhance the public’s awareness of the Metropolitan Transit System. The position reports directly to the Director of Marketing and Communications. All functions include the individual entities and their consolidation.  Essential duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

Essential Functions

• Develops the MTS media relations strategy.
• Prepares and disseminates press releases.
• Responds to media requests for information or calls from local newspapers, television, and radio stations.
• Cultivates and maintains effective working relationships with reporters, editors and producers in the print and electronic media on national, regional, and local levels, including Hispanic media and MTS trade publications.
• Acts as company spokesperson.
• Responds to system emergencies to manage media coverage.
• Acts as project manager for the production of MTS specialty publications for internal and external audiences
• Plans and coordinates press events or news conferences, or interviews; coordinates production and distribution of press kits and promotional materials.
• Develops speeches and message point strategies for MTS executives.
• Develops crisis communication strategies.
• Provides content for the MTS Web site.
• Facilitates the news release and media coverage archives for the MTS internet and intranet.
• Coordinates photographic and audiovisual services.
• May perform video and still photography.
• Coordinates media projects for special events.
• Interviews people associated with news events.
• Collects and analyzes information from other departments for inclusion in final products.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Assist in overall marketing planning for MTS.
• Attends and supports community relations events.
• Represent MTS Marketing Department before the MTS Board of Directors.
• Respond to questions and comments received from the public.
• Compile and analyze complex data.
• Represent the MTS before the public.
• Perform other tasks as may be assigned based on the needs of the Board.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Theories, principles, and practices of public information and print and media communications;
• Laws, rules, and regulations governing the disclosure of information by a public agency;
• Knowledge of or ability to learn MTS policies and regulations, ability to read, understand, and apply MTS policies and regulations, union labor contracts;
• Ability to learn and use other software that we might have or acquire;
• Ability to write letters, memoranda, and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct English
• Ability to speak clearly, distinctly, and effectively in person-to-person or small group situations using tact and diplomacy;
• Ability to coordinate and initiate actions necessary to implement decisions and delegate responsibilities to appropriate personnel;
• Ability to establish and maintain priorities in order to complete assignments by deadlines without detailed instructions;
• Skill in verifying the accuracy and completeness of forms and reports;
• Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) are encouraged;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and internet/intranet technology.

Physical Requirements

The successful candidate must be able to fulfill the physical demands of the job such as walking, stooping, sitting, bending, and reaching for overhead files and occasional lifting (must be able to lift up to 10 pounds). Must possess a valid California Class C driver’s license and be able to operate a motor vehicle and perform tasks involving manual dexterity. Work will at times require more than 8 hours per day or an irregular work week to perform the essential duties of the position. Duties will be performed primarily in an office type environment with occasional exposure to weather and physical hazards. May require travel to external locations/agencies.

Experience/Education/Certificates/License(s)

An accredited college degree (BA) in English, Journalism, Public Relations, or other related field, a minimum of three years of full-time experience performing journalism, media relations, communications or marketing work. Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) are preferred. Experience as outlined above may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

GENERAL:

Must satisfactorily pass all applicable examinations including, but not limited to, a pre-employment physical, including urine drug screen administered by the company physician, and background check.

SALARY:   Range 8 ($40,452 to $64,967)

San Diego Metropolitan System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

DISCLAIMER: The above described job elements are intended to indicate the general nature and levels of work being performed by employees assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required of employees so classified. Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.