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Job Description
Marketing Statement
Ride BART to a satisfying career that lets you both: 1) make a difference to Bay Area residents, and 2) enjoy excellent pay, benefits, and employment stability. BART is looking for people who like to be challenged, work in a fast-paced environment, and have a passion for connecting riders to work, school and other places they need to go. BART offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and the CalPERS retirement program.
Job Summary
Pay Rate
AFSCME (Pay Grade A17)
$138,881.60 (Step 1) - $168,812.80 (Step 5)
Note: The starting negotiable salary offer will be commensurate with experience and education.
Reports To
Manager Government and Community Relations
Current Assignments
The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual to fill an immediate vacancy within the Government and Community Relations Department. The position will be primarily responsible for working with elected bodies and community stakeholders in San Francisco and San Mateo Counties. However, at the hiring manager’s discretion, the selected candidate may be assigned work throughout BART’s service area.
The position requires frequent off-hour shifts, including nights and weekends at in-person community events and stakeholder meetings.
The Principal Representative plays a key role in strengthening BART’s relationships with local governments, businesses, community organizations, and other transit stakeholders. This position collaborates closely with elected officials, internal BART teams, and members of the BART Board of Directors to address community concerns, foster productive partnerships, and enhance the agency’s presence and reputation across the region. In addition, the incumbent plans and leads outreach efforts within their assigned territory to communicate information about BART projects, programs, and funding priorities. This role also identifies opportunities to engage new audiences, expand the reach of BART’s messaging, and works with management to incorporate community input into ongoing planning and decision-making.
The most qualified candidates for this position will have highly developed competencies in the following areas, which will be reinforced with related work experience and will be clearly articulated during the selection process:- Demonstrates a strong understanding of the region’s political landscape and public sentiment related to transit and applies this awareness to inform decisions and stakeholder engagement.
- Skilled communicator with experience in monitoring, identifying, and resolving conflicts or perceived issues that arise between an agency and the public.
- Knowledge of outreach strategies that build cooperative relationships with community stakeholders and local elected bodies/officials.
- Demonstrated case management skills to effectively work with internal and external partners to address problems raised by an individual or group.
- Attention to detail and ability to monitor meetings and agendas of local elected bodies for items relevant to BART.
- Experience in staffing, scheduling, and developing materials for agency leaders and elected officials.
- Strong writing skills to be an effective advocate and communicator.
- Willingness to represent BART at community fairs, festivals, and other large events.
Application & Selection Process
This position is represented by American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). All applicants must apply online at www.bart.gov/jobs .
All applicants are asked to complete the application/bid form in full, indicating dates of employment, all positions held, hours worked, and a full description of duties, and are invited to electronically attach a resume to the application form to provide supplemental information, but should not consider the resume a substitute for the application/bid form itself. Applications must be complete by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement.
The Talent Acquisition Division will screen applications/resumes against the minimum qualifications. Those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be referred to the hiring department for further consideration. The selection process may involve a skills/performance test, a written exam, and/or a panel interview. Outside applicants will not be considered until all employees who have applied have been considered first.
The successful candidate must have an employment history demonstrating reliability and dependability; provide copies of certificates, diplomas or other documents as required by law, including those establishing his/her right to work in the U. S.; pass a pre-employment medical examination, and which is specific to the essential job functions and requirements. Pre-employment processing will also include a background check. (Does not apply to current full-time District employees unless specific job requires additional evaluations).
The selection process for this position will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Applicants needing assistance with the online application process may receive additional information by contacting the Talent Acquisition Division at (510) 464-6112 or employment@bart.gov.
Examples of Duties
Plans, prioritizes, and participates in the implementation of annual advocacy campaigns to secure local funding appropriations and support for the District’s short and long range expansion and renovation plans.
Works directly with elected members of the Bay Area local government delegation to gain support for District plans, policies and political strategies.
Establishes, implements, and manages public outreach programs throughout the Bay Area to maintain a cohesive community-based support for BART District, advises other community relations staff on sensitive district-wide local and political issues.
Represents the District on community and political issues before elected Boards and Commissions.
Works with outside consultants, monitors and advises management of consultant’s progress and quality of work performed.
Communicates and works directly with BART Board members to respond to local and political issues relevant to their respective districts.
Prepares reports and other related communications about funding issues, District policies, legislative matters and public information for use by BART management, BART Board members, external public agencies, political bodies and community organizations.
Performs the most technical and complex tasks of the work unit including special projects which have a major impact, participates in the development of policies and procedures, recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives and may provide or coordinate training.
Confers with and provides professional assistance to District departments on government and community relations matters, such as: collaborates with the Real Estate Department, Access Facilities, Planning and Extensions Planning to provide Community Relations support for systems projects that impact the community.
Minimum Qualifications
Education :
A Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
Experience :
Four (4) years of (full-time equivalent) verifiable professional government or community relations program development and implementation experience.
Substitution :
Additional professional experience as outlined above may be substituted for the education on a year-for- year basis. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of :- Advanced knowledge of services and activities of a government and community relations program
- Principles of capital funding advocacy
- Outreach programs that build cooperative relationships with community groups, organizations, local elected officials
- Principles and practices of legislative program development
- Principles of lead supervision and training
- Principles and practices of legislative lobbying and advocacy programs
- Advanced knowledge of policies and procedures of government agencies and legislative bodies
- Transit funding programs and processes
- Advanced methods and techniques of policy analysis
- Current office procedures, methods and equipment including computers
- Principles of business letter writing and report preparation
- Advanced methods and techniques of public relations
- Related Federal, State and local codes, laws and regulations
- Maintaining personal contacts with key officials or representatives of organizations
- Coordinating the work of advocacy committees
- Independently performing the most difficult and complex local government and community relations work
- Interpreting, explaining and enforcing department policies and procedures
- Working independently in the absence of supervision
- Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of Work
- Evaluating and analyzing effectiveness of programs and activities
- Operating office equipment
- Operating standard computer applications such as basic word processing, spreadsheet and database Programs
- Overseeing the work of consultant staff
Equal Employment Opportunity GroupBox1
The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and above), religion, national origin (including language use restrictions), disability (mental and physical, including HIV and AIDS), ancestry, marital status, military status, veteran status, medical condition (cancer/genetic characteristics and information), or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.
The BART Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities or for religious reasons. Please advise the Human Resources Department of any special needs in advance of the examination by emailing at least 5 days before your examination date at employment@bart.gov .
Qualified veterans may be eligible to obtain additional veteran's credit in the selection process for this recruitment (effective Jan. 1, 2013). To obtain the credit, veterans must attach to the application a DD214 discharge document or proof of disability and complete/submit the Veteran's Preference Application no later than the closing date of the posting. For more information about this credit please go to the Veteran's Preference Policy and Application link at www.bart.gov/jobs .
The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) prides itself in offering best in class benefits packages to employees of the District. Currently, the following benefits may be available to employees in this job classification.
Highlights- Medical Coverage (or $350/month if opted out)
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Insurance (Basic and Enhanced Plans Available)
- Retirement Plan through the CA Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)
- 2% @ 55 (Classic Members)
- 2% @ 62 (PEPRA Members)
- Reciprocity available for existing members of many other public retirement systems (see BART website and/or CalPERS website for details)
- Money Purchase Pension Plan (in-lieu of participating in Social Security tax)
- 6.65% employer contribution up to annual maximum of $1,868.65
- Deferred Compensation & Roth 457
- Sick Leave Accruals (12 days per year)
- Vacation Accruals (3-6 weeks based on time worked w/ the District)
- Holidays: 9 observed holidays and 4 floating holidays
- Life Insurance w/ ability to obtain additional coverage
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- Survivor Benefits through BART
- Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts: Health and Dependent Care
- Commuter Benefits
- Free BART Passes for BART employees and eligible family members.
Closing Date/Time: 5/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
Show moreThe BART story began in 1946. It began not by governmental fiat, but as a concept gradually evolving at informal gatherings of business and civic leaders on both sides of the San Francisco Bay. Facing a heavy post-war migration to the area and its consequent automobile boom, these people discussed ways of easing the mounting congestion that was clogging the bridges spanning the Bay. In 1947, a joint Army-Navy review Board concluded that another connecting link between San Francisco and Oakland would be needed in the years ahead to prevent intolerable congestion on the Bay Bridge. The link? An underwater tube devoted exclusively to high-speed electric trains.
Since 1911, visionaries had periodically brought up this Jules Verne concept. But now, pressure for a traffic solution increased with the population. In 1951, the State Legislature created the 26-member San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit Commission, comprised of representatives from each of the nine counties which touch the Bay. The Commission's charge was to study the Bay Area's long range transportation needs in the context of environmental problems and then recommend the best solution.
The Commission advised, in its final report in 1957, that any transportation plan must be coordinated with the area's total plan for future development. Since no development plan existed, the Commission prepared one itself. The result of their thoroughness is a master plan which did much to bring about coordinated planning in the Bay Area, and which was adopted a decade later by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG).
The BART Concept is Born
The Commission's least-cost solution to traffic tie-ups was to recommend forming a five-county rapid transit district, whose mandate would be to build and operate a high-speed rapid rail network linking major commercial centers with suburban sub-centers.The Commission stated that, "If the Bay Area is to be preserved as a fine place to live and work, a regional rapid transit system is essential to prevent total dependence on automobiles and freeways."
Thus was born the environmental concept underlying BART. Acting on the Commission's recommendations, in 1957, the Legislature formed the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District, comprising the five counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo. At this time, the District was granted a taxing power of five cents per $100 of assessed valuation. It also had authority to levy property taxes to support a general obligation bond issue, if approved by District voters. The State Legislature lowered the requirement for voter approval from 66 percent to 60 percent.
Between 1957 and 1962, engineering plans were developed for a system that would usher in a new era in rapid transit. Electric trains would run on grade-separated right-of-ways, reaching maximum speeds of 75-80 mph, averaging perhaps 45 mph, including station stops. Advanced transit cars, with sophisticated suspensions, braking and propulsion systems, and luxurious interiors, would be strong competition to "King Car " in the Bay Area. Stations would be pleasant, conveniently located, and striking architectural enhancements to their respective on-line communities.
BART employees in the 1970s.
Hundreds of meetings were held in the District communities to encourage local citizen participation in the development of routes and station locations. By midsummer, 1961, the final plan was submitted to the supervisors of the five District counties for approval. San Mateo County Supervisors were cool to the plan. Citing the high costs of a new system-plus adequate existing service from Southern Pacific commuter trains - they voted to withdraw their county from the District in December 1961.
With the District-wide tax base thus weakened by the withdrawal of San Mateo County, Marin County was forced to withdraw in early 1962 because its marginal tax base could not adequately absorb its share of BART's projected cost. Another important factor in Marin's withdrawal was an engineering controversy over the feasibility of carrying trains across the Golden Gate Bridge.
BART had started with a 16-member governing Board of Directors apportioned on county population size: four from Alameda and San Francisco Counties, three from Contra Costa and San Mateo, and two from Marin. When the District was reduced to three counties, the Board was reduced to 11 members: four from San Francisco and Alameda, and three from Contra Costa. Subsequently, in 1965, the District's enabling legislation was changed to apportion the BART Board with four Directors from each county, thus giving Contra Costa its fourth member on a 12-person Board. Two directors from each county, hence forth, were appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. The other two directors were appointed by committees of mayors of each county (with the exception of the City and County of San Francisco, whose sole mayor made these appointments).
The five-county plan was quickly revised to a three-county plan emphasizing rapid transit between San Francisco and the East Bay cities and suburbs of Contra Costa and Alameda counties. The new plan, elaborately detailed and presented as the "BART Composite Report, " was approved by supervisors of the three counties in July 1962, and placed on the ballot for the following November general election.
The plan required approval of 60 percent of the District's voters. It narrowly passed with a 61.2 percent vote District-wide, much to the surprise of many political experts who were confident it would fail. Indeed, one influential executive was reported to have said: "If I'd known the damn thing would have passed, I'd never have supported it. "
The voters approved a $792 million bond issue to finance a 71.5 mile high-speed transit system, consisting of 33 stations serving 17 communities in the three counties. The proposal also included another needed transit project: rebuilding 3.5 miles of the San Francisco Municipal Railway. The new line would link muni streetcar lines directly with BART and Market Street stations, and four new Muni stations would be built.
The additional cost of the transbay tube -- estimated at $133 million -- was to come from bonds issued by the California Toll Bridge Authority and secured by future Bay Area Bridge revenues. The additional cost of rolling stock, estimated at $71 million, was to be funded primarily from bonds issued against future operating revenues. Thus, the total cost of the system, as of 1962, was projected at $996 million. It would be the largest single public works project ever undertaken in the U.S. by the local citizenry.
After the election, engineers immediately started work on the final system designs, only to be halted by a taxpayer's suit filed against the District a month later. The validity of the bond election, and the legality of the District itself, were challenged. While the court ruled in favor of the District on both counts, six months of litigation cost $12 million in construction delays. This would be the first of many delays from litigation and time-consuming negotiations involving 166 separate agreements reached with on-line cities, counties, and other special districts. The democratic processes of building a new transit system would prove to be major cost factors that, however necessary, were not foreseen.
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