Public Information Officer
About The Position
The Public Information Officer reports to the Manager, Communications and manages media relations for the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans), the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain), the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA), and the San Mateo 101 Express Lanes. The role serves as a District spokesperson and media liaison, develops and coordinates communications, and supports agency leaders and departments in sharing information with the public and news outlets. The position is on call 24/7 for incidents, accidents, and events in and around the service area, including San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties. The Public Information Officer creates and edits news releases, blogs, publications, e-newsletters, informational materials, feature stories, web and print copy, and podcast content. The role also supports media strategy, press conferences and special events, Board Members and the Executive Team, agency projects, and emergency communications. It tracks District news and social coverage using Meltwater and shares news summaries with District staff. Other duties may be assigned, including supervisory duties.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communication, Public Relations, or a closely related field.
- Three years of experience in the communications field.
- Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
Nice To Haves
- Excellent and effective oral and written communication and proofreading skills.
- Demonstrated knowledge of media strategy.
- Experience working in a newsroom and writing in AP style.
- Proficiency with emerging technologies, including AI tools.
- Experience working for a public agency.
- Fluency in English and Spanish.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the District spokesperson, on call 24/7 for incidents, accidents, and events in and around the service area.
- Act as a media liaison between the District and news outlets; pitch stories, research topics, and respond to media inquiries.
- Create content for news releases, blogs, District publications and e-newsletters, informational materials, feature stories, and the District podcast.
- Pitch news and feature stories highlighting District services, programs, projects, employees, and community contributions.
- Coordinate press conferences and assist with special events.
- Work with the Manager of Communications to develop and create media strategy.
- Collaborate with agency departments to coordinate messages and information through mainstream media and social media tools.
- Assist Board Members and the Executive Team with interviews, talking points, and other press inquiries.
- Answer media inquiries and maintain media contact lists.
- Represent the Strategic Communications Department on cross-functional teams supporting agency projects.
- Craft, edit, and refine copy for web and printed materials; provide writing and editing support to the District as needed.
- Attend monthly Board and internal meetings.
- Track and collect District news and social coverage through Meltwater and send news summaries to District staff.
- Serve on the District’s Emergency Operations Team and help prepare plans for disseminating information to employees, outside support systems, and the community.
- Perform other duties as assigned, including supervisory duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
