Public Information Officer

Job Description

General

The Public Information Officer will report to the Manager, Communications and will manage media relations for the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans), the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain) and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA), and the San Mateo 101 Express Lanes

Essential Functions & Duties

Examples of Essential Functions:

• District spokesperson, on-call 24/7, for various incidents, accidents, and events in and around the service area, including San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
• Serves as a media liaison between the District and news outlets , pitching stories, researching, and responding to media inquiries .
• Creates content for news releases, blogs, District publications/e-newsletters, informational materials and feature stories.
• Pitches news and feature stories that highlight the District's services, programs, projects, employees and contributions to the community.
• Coordinates press conferences and assist with special events.
• Works with the Manager of Communications in the development and creation of media strategy.
• Collaborates with agency departments to assure coordination of messages and information through mainstream media and social media tools.
• Assists Board Members and Executive Team with interviews, talking points and other press inquiries.

Examples of Essential Duties:

• Answers media inquiries and maintains media contact lists.
• Represents the Strategic Communications Department on cross-functional teams to support agency projects.
• Crafts, edits and refines copy for web and printed material.
• Attends monthly board and internal meetings.
• Provides writing and editing support for the District , where needed.
• Tracks and collects data on District news and social coverage through Meltwater, sends summary of news to all District staff.

• Serves as a member of the District’s Emergency Operations Team, will help with the preparation plan for the dissemination of information to employees, outside support systems and the community.
• Writes and creates content for District podcast .
• Performs other duties as assigned. Supervisory duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient education, training and experience to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism , Communication, Public Relations or a closely related field.
• Three (3) years’ experience in the communications field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent and effective oral, written communication and proofreading skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of media strategy.
• Experience working in a newsroom and writing in AP style.
• Proficiency in using emerging technologies, including AI tools.
• Experience working for a public agency.
• Fluent in English and Spanish.

Below is a summary of the comprehensive benefits provided to District full-time employees:

Health and Welfare Benefits:

• Healthcare Benefits -District employees are offered a choice of healthcare providers under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program.The District will contribute ninety (90) percent towards monthly premiums for full-time employees. Fifty (50) percent for part-time employees.
  
• Free Dental and Vision Benefits provided - Employer Covers Premiums
  
• Free Employee Assistance Benefit - Employees are entitled to 5 face-to-face sessions or telephonic or web-video consultations for problem-solving support per incident, per calendar year.
  

• Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified Health or Dependent Care expenses.
  

Retirement Medical Benefits:

• Long Term Disability Insurance - After 90 days of total disability, Administrative full-time employees are eligible for 60% of monthly income covered by the District.
  
• Health and Wellness - Gyms located at most work locations and discounted Weight Watcher Membership Option.
  

Holidays and Paid Time Off:

• Paid Time Off - Newly hired employees accrue 6.5 hours bi-weekly when hired (if Exempt 8.25 hours).As you move up in years of service credit, the rate of the amount of PTO accrued will also increase.
  
• Paid Holidays - The District provides seven paid holidays throughout the year - New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
  
• Floating Holidays - District employees can earn up to five (5) floating holidays.
  

Financial Planning Benefits:

• Pension Benefits through CalPERS -You must have a minimum of 5 years of service to be eligible for this pension.
  

• CalPERS PEPRA vs. Classic - All employees hired on, or after January 1, 2013, are considered PEPRA members and will contribute 8% of their salary up to the maximum IRS cut-off. All Classic members will contribute 6%
  
• Deferred Compensation Options - Select to contribute to one or both of our Tax Deferred Compensation Options
  
• Reliance Standard Life Insurance with 100% premium paid by the District - 1 times annual salary of employee - max $200,000
  
• Optional Life Insurance - Employees may purchase additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible family members.
  

Growth and Education Benefits:

• Professional Development - Access to LinkedIn Learning and San Mateo County’s professional training. District Tuition Reimbursement Program - A maximum of $5,250 per year for courses related to your job or career goals with the District.
  
• Computer Loan Program - Interest-free two-year loan with a maximum amount of $2,000.
  

Other Amazing Benefits:

• Credit Union - Employees and family members are eligible to join the San Mateo Credit Union and Patelco Credit Union.
  
• Employee Clean Commute (ECC) - Car/Van poolers and Public Transit riders receive a monthly reimbursement.
  
• Commuter Benefits - Free Employee Parking; Free Bus Pass for employee as well as children/spouse; Clipper Card/Go Pass Program for Central employees.
  

For union employees, all of the above benefits are subject to the employee’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. Benefits listed are also subject to change with or without notice and are subject to contract/provider terms and conditions.

Closing Date/Time: 11/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific