Director, Communications

General

The Director, Communications will report to the Chief Communications Officer. This position directly oversees the Strategic Communications team including Media Relations, Public Relations, Public Information, Internal Employee Communications and Digital Communications. The Director is responsible for advising leadership on the strategic direction and management of the District’s internal, external and crisis communications, plus the Agencies’ online social media presence for the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans), the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain), the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) and San Mateo County Express Lane Joint Powers Authority (SMCELJPA).

Essential Functions & Duties

• Responsible for continuously developing, implementing, and monitoring outcomes of the agencies’ integrated strategic communications plan and calendar.
• Provide strategic guidance to staff and the Chief Communications Officer about opportunities for internal/external communications that will support the agencies’ mission and goals and oversee its implementation.
• Lead cross-functional communications projects including those requiring cross-agency, cross-divisional management.
• Responsible for connecting internal and external stakeholders, including the public, members of the press, officials, and customers, to the Agencies’ mission and vision through meaningful content and storytelling across all communication channels.
• Develop strategy and messaging for media responses related to all aspects of District business.
• Develop, manage, and update the District’s crisis communications plans.
• Supervise staff. Hire, mentor and take appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action. Ensure EEO and affirmative action policies and procedures are followed. Coordinate staff training and professional development, establish performance objectives, monitor and evaluate employee performance.

Examples of Duties:

• Responsible for strategic content, accuracy, compliance with written style guides, and production of all communication materials to educate and inform the news media, public, and staff. This may include news releases, presentations, Board reports, agenda items, staff reports, messaging, speeches, newsletters, progress reports, FAQs, social media posts, responding to public records requests, and other various communications.
• Responsible for internal communications. This includes consistent application of the District’s style guide, quality control of written communications, and ownership of the process for the Communications Division to review and improve sensitive or strategic communications from other departments before release.
• Lead 24/7 crisis communication coverage; manage on-call public information officers.
• Build and maintain strong and effective working relationships with media contacts, industry representatives, and stakeholders.
• Develop and manage the Strategic Communications Department budget.
• Oversee on-call Public Relations vendors as needed; strategically deploy services and budget.
• Oversee the planning and coordination or press conferences and high-profile community events.
• Oversee high-profile internal events like Quarterly Town Halls and Transit Worker Appreciation Day.
• Develop and implement community safety and education campaigns.
• Conduct presentations to Boards of Directors at public meetings.
• Ensure communications staff support and attendance at monthly Board, citizens’ advisory committees, service planning, agenda review and capital review meetings.
• Represent the District publicly, as needed.
• Evaluate job performance of staff which also includes the professional development of staff through the identification of on-the-job and other professional development opportunities.
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect oneself, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient experience, training and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, full time work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing or related field.
• Seven (7) years of progressive experience in communications, marketing, media relations, and/or public relations.
• Three (3) years of management experience including multilevel teams and/or units preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Public Transit communications or media relations experience highly preferred.
• Experience as the public information officer (PIO) for a public agency highly preferred.
• Experience supporting multiple executive stakeholders and boards with strategic communications preferred.
• Excellent oral and written presentation and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively work under pressure and within deadlines.
• Proven working knowledge of various communications strategies, styles, and protocols, ideally with the general public as a primary audience.

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: 2/2/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• San Mateo County Transit District

• 650-508-6308

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