Public Information Officer
Apply NowCompany: Metropolitan Transportation Commission
Location: San Francisco, CA 94112
Description:
Salary : $121,162.29 - $153,663.12 Annually
Location : San Francisco, CA
Job Type: Regular/Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 25-036
Section: Legislation & Public Affairs Section
Opening Date: 04/24/2025
Closing Date: 5/18/2025 11:59 AM Pacific
Max Number of Applicants: 75
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission is an equal-opportunity, non-discriminatory employer. MTC provides all employees and applicants with an equal opportunity in every aspect of the employment experience regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, physical handicap, medical condition or marital status.
THIS JOB POSTING WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL A QUALIFIED POOL OF APPLICANTS IS ESTABLISHED AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY
First round interviews tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, 2025
A resume and cover letter are not required with your application, but highly encouraged.
Be ready to rethink your assumptions about the public sector. Dedicated and motivated colleagues? Beautiful, high amenity building for on-site work and collaboration? Flexible schedules and hybrid work options? Yes, yes, and yes!
ABOUT MTC
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) is the transportation planning, financing, and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. MTC is the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the state designated Regional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA) for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. MTC provides services to the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). For more information about MTC, visit .
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Public Information Officer position will be filled at the Associate level and is under the direction of the Assistant Director for Communications. The primary job responsibility of this position is to support and promote the activities, policies and priorities of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Association of Bay Area Governments. The individual holding this position will serve as a liaison between the Communications unit and other agency departments.
This position will be responsible for writing and editing a variety of documents and materials, providing support for existing and new communications efforts, both external and internal. The person in this position will communicate and promote the activities, policies and priorities of the agencies to a variety of audiences using a range of communication channels, including digital and print. The individual may also be expected to assist with public engagement activities, events and special projects as needed.
To be considered for this position, you will be required to attach a writing sample (up to 3 writing samples is acceptable) with your on-line application.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Typical assignments and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
QUALIFICATIONS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
The ideal candidate will be able to hit the ground running and be familiar with a wide variety of public-policy subject matter, including transportation, land use, housing, environmental protection, resiliency and economic development.
Writing/Editing
Excellent writing, editing, copyediting and proofreading skills are required. Must be able to write
about technical, complex topics with clarity and style, and over time should be fluent in and enhance the agencies' distinct and authoritative "voice" in all materials produced. A solid command of best practices for presenting data and information in clear and compelling visuals is essential. As both writer and editor, must be able to conceive, shape, write, edit and oversee design and production of materials for the agencies' boards, the public and partner agencies and organizations. Set and maintain high editorial standards. The ability to adapt writing styles for various audiences, for various presenters and for various communication channels also is desired.
Analytical Rigor /Quantitative Aptitude
The position requires confident handling of technical, data-driven topics and materials with high attention to detail. The ability to incorporate and distill statistical and financial information into easily understood writing is essential. In all cases, the ability to identify logical or factual inconsistencies in textual, statistical and even cartographic material is an essential skill. Resourcefulness and persistence in researching answers to resolve any inconsistencies, including by tapping into internal staff expertise as well as researching internal materials and online resources is equally essential.
Editorial Layout/Design
This position requires the ability to produce documents, collateral, meeting materials and PowerPoint slides for presentation to the public and partners. Ability to edit charts, graphs and other technical elements to ensure accuracy and quality work products, and the ability to work with and provide direction to graphics professionals.
Public Events
This position requires the ability to assist in planning and staffing events for the public and elected officials.
Other Skills
Diligence, thoroughness and exceptional attention to detail are crucial. The ability to interact confidently and respectfully with professional and executive staff, as well as board members and other elected officials is essential. Knowledge of the Bay Area's geography and governmental institutions is a plus.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
An appropriate combination of education and experience that has provided the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is:
Education: A Bachelor's degree in one of these disciplines: technical writing, creative writing, mass communications, journalism, English, liberal arts studies, rhetoric, political science, public policy, public administration, transportation or city and regional planning, or a related field. Applicants with a degree issued from an institution outside the United States must have their transcripts evaluated by an academic accrediting service and provide proof of equivalency along with the application.
Experience: Depending on the assignment, three years of increasingly responsible and complex experience producing significant public information, public relations or media publications and campaigns; and/or overseeing major public outreach programs for a governmental or similar entity, including the equivalent of two years as an Assistant Public Information/Outreach Analyst in MTC.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor's degree in technical writing, creative writing, mass communications, journalism, English, liberal arts studies, rhetoric, political science, public policy, public administration, transportation or city and regional planning, or related field.
Experience: Three (3) years of recent, progressive and verifiable writing and editing experience in a professional environment. Preference will be given to those applicants with proven work experience communicating with the public, special targeted audiences, the media, and/or who have worked with federal, state, regional or local government agencies in a similar role.
Possession of a master's degree from an accredited college or university in technical writing, creative writing, mass communications, journalism, English, liberal arts studies, rhetoric, political science, public policy, public administration, transportation or city and regional planning, or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
License/Certificate:
Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and a safe driving record, or the ability to provide alternate transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Successful completion of a background check, professional references and the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9.DISABILITYThe Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment or skills assessment process to accommodate applicants with disabilities. If selected for an interview or testing, and you require accommodation, please notify the Human Resources Department when confirming your interview or test.
APPLICATION ASSISTANCE
If you need technical assistance with your on-line application, please contact NEOGOV's Applicant Support Line at available from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
All MTC employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
THE FOLLOWING ARE AMONG THE BENEFITS OFFERED TO EMPLOYEES OF MTC:
01
Describe in detail your experience writing for various audiences. How do you approach a writing assignment? How do you ensure the values and voice of the organization you are writing for come across in your writing? (500 words max.)
02
Describe a time when you had to work on something where it was crucial to be accurate. What tools did you use to ensure that there were no mistakes in your work? How do you ensure quality when there are tight deadlines? Have you ever found errors that were not obvious from the start? (500 words max.)
03
Describe your experience communicating and engaging with diverse communities like the Bay Area's. (250 words max.)
04
I understand that some assignments may be subject to adverse weather conditions, walking long distances, and driving a vehicle to project sites and meetings, and that the position may require work on nights, weekends and/or holidays, and I am still interested in being considered for this position.
05
To be considered for this position, I understand that I must attach at least one writing sample (up to 3 writing samples is acceptable) with my on-line application.
06
Briefly describe how your relevant work experience and education qualifies you for this position. (Please refer to Qualifications and/or Knowledge, Skills and Abilities in the job description when answering this question.) **250-word maximum.
Required Question
Location : San Francisco, CA
Job Type: Regular/Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 25-036
Section: Legislation & Public Affairs Section
Opening Date: 04/24/2025
Closing Date: 5/18/2025 11:59 AM Pacific
Max Number of Applicants: 75
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission is an equal-opportunity, non-discriminatory employer. MTC provides all employees and applicants with an equal opportunity in every aspect of the employment experience regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, physical handicap, medical condition or marital status.
THIS JOB POSTING WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL A QUALIFIED POOL OF APPLICANTS IS ESTABLISHED AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY
First round interviews tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, 2025
A resume and cover letter are not required with your application, but highly encouraged.
Be ready to rethink your assumptions about the public sector. Dedicated and motivated colleagues? Beautiful, high amenity building for on-site work and collaboration? Flexible schedules and hybrid work options? Yes, yes, and yes!
ABOUT MTC
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) is the transportation planning, financing, and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. MTC is the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the state designated Regional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA) for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. MTC provides services to the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). For more information about MTC, visit .
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Public Information Officer position will be filled at the Associate level and is under the direction of the Assistant Director for Communications. The primary job responsibility of this position is to support and promote the activities, policies and priorities of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Association of Bay Area Governments. The individual holding this position will serve as a liaison between the Communications unit and other agency departments.
This position will be responsible for writing and editing a variety of documents and materials, providing support for existing and new communications efforts, both external and internal. The person in this position will communicate and promote the activities, policies and priorities of the agencies to a variety of audiences using a range of communication channels, including digital and print. The individual may also be expected to assist with public engagement activities, events and special projects as needed.
To be considered for this position, you will be required to attach a writing sample (up to 3 writing samples is acceptable) with your on-line application.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Typical assignments and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Write and edit technical and/or complex materials for a variety of audiences, including the Bay Area public and partner agencies and organizations.
- Write articles, op-ed pieces, reports, talking points and speeches for a wide variety of audiences.
- Develop, write and edit communications for MTC commissioners, executives, and program managers including talking points, all staff emails, articles, memos, presentations, meeting notes, etc.
- Plan, develop, produce and/or distribute content on various platforms (website, blog, email, etc.) to attract and engage various audiences.
- Ensure that all content is technically accurate, informative, engaging and audience-appropriate, as well as strategically delivered.
- Review and edit the written work of staff for clarity, conciseness, and adherence to MTC and AP Style.
- Work with cross-functional internal teams to assist with communication needs.
- Adapt and repurpose communications content for various internal and external audiences.
- Collaborate with MTC graphics team to develop print and digital materials, providing direction to produce clear and compelling charts, graphs and other visuals.
- Perform research and analysis in the preparation of informational and promotional communications.
- Identify and implement appropriate metrics that evaluate success and impact of communications strategies.
- Develop community relations publications and education-related material.
- Coordinate the preparation, publication and distribution of print and electronic newsletters and reports.
- Initiate, organize, prioritize and complete work in a timely manner despite deadlines and competing responsibilities.
- Establish positive working relationships with colleagues within and outside the agency.
- Adapt to working in a fast-paced environment.
- Represent the agency at meetings and events, including occasional evening and weekend assignments.
- Perform other job-related tasks and duties as needed or assigned by the Section.
QUALIFICATIONS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
The ideal candidate will be able to hit the ground running and be familiar with a wide variety of public-policy subject matter, including transportation, land use, housing, environmental protection, resiliency and economic development.
Writing/Editing
Excellent writing, editing, copyediting and proofreading skills are required. Must be able to write
about technical, complex topics with clarity and style, and over time should be fluent in and enhance the agencies' distinct and authoritative "voice" in all materials produced. A solid command of best practices for presenting data and information in clear and compelling visuals is essential. As both writer and editor, must be able to conceive, shape, write, edit and oversee design and production of materials for the agencies' boards, the public and partner agencies and organizations. Set and maintain high editorial standards. The ability to adapt writing styles for various audiences, for various presenters and for various communication channels also is desired.
Analytical Rigor /Quantitative Aptitude
The position requires confident handling of technical, data-driven topics and materials with high attention to detail. The ability to incorporate and distill statistical and financial information into easily understood writing is essential. In all cases, the ability to identify logical or factual inconsistencies in textual, statistical and even cartographic material is an essential skill. Resourcefulness and persistence in researching answers to resolve any inconsistencies, including by tapping into internal staff expertise as well as researching internal materials and online resources is equally essential.
Editorial Layout/Design
This position requires the ability to produce documents, collateral, meeting materials and PowerPoint slides for presentation to the public and partners. Ability to edit charts, graphs and other technical elements to ensure accuracy and quality work products, and the ability to work with and provide direction to graphics professionals.
Public Events
This position requires the ability to assist in planning and staffing events for the public and elected officials.
Other Skills
Diligence, thoroughness and exceptional attention to detail are crucial. The ability to interact confidently and respectfully with professional and executive staff, as well as board members and other elected officials is essential. Knowledge of the Bay Area's geography and governmental institutions is a plus.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
An appropriate combination of education and experience that has provided the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is:
Education: A Bachelor's degree in one of these disciplines: technical writing, creative writing, mass communications, journalism, English, liberal arts studies, rhetoric, political science, public policy, public administration, transportation or city and regional planning, or a related field. Applicants with a degree issued from an institution outside the United States must have their transcripts evaluated by an academic accrediting service and provide proof of equivalency along with the application.
Experience: Depending on the assignment, three years of increasingly responsible and complex experience producing significant public information, public relations or media publications and campaigns; and/or overseeing major public outreach programs for a governmental or similar entity, including the equivalent of two years as an Assistant Public Information/Outreach Analyst in MTC.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor's degree in technical writing, creative writing, mass communications, journalism, English, liberal arts studies, rhetoric, political science, public policy, public administration, transportation or city and regional planning, or related field.
Experience: Three (3) years of recent, progressive and verifiable writing and editing experience in a professional environment. Preference will be given to those applicants with proven work experience communicating with the public, special targeted audiences, the media, and/or who have worked with federal, state, regional or local government agencies in a similar role.
Possession of a master's degree from an accredited college or university in technical writing, creative writing, mass communications, journalism, English, liberal arts studies, rhetoric, political science, public policy, public administration, transportation or city and regional planning, or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
License/Certificate:
Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and a safe driving record, or the ability to provide alternate transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Successful completion of a background check, professional references and the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9.DISABILITYThe Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment or skills assessment process to accommodate applicants with disabilities. If selected for an interview or testing, and you require accommodation, please notify the Human Resources Department when confirming your interview or test.
APPLICATION ASSISTANCE
If you need technical assistance with your on-line application, please contact NEOGOV's Applicant Support Line at available from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
All MTC employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
THE FOLLOWING ARE AMONG THE BENEFITS OFFERED TO EMPLOYEES OF MTC:
- Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); employee contributes a portion of gross salary on a pre-tax basis.
- MTC is subject to California Pension Reform and as of January 1, 2013 will offer two pension plans. The plan employee will receive will be based on the individual's historical pension plan membership. HR will discuss this directly with all final candidates.
- Health Benefits Insurance through the Public Employees' Retirement System (premiums are shared between agency and employee).
- Agency-paid Dental Insurance (dependent coverage shared by the employee and MTC).
- Agency-paid Vision Care Insurance, employees only (dependent coverage is paid in full by employee).
- Agency-paid Life, AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance.
- Eleven paid holidays per year.
- One day per month paid vacation leave; for each year of service, an additional day per year is granted to a maximum of 25 days per year.
- One day per month paid sick leave, with no limit to the amount of sick leave that can be accumulated. (May cash out up to 240 hours of accumulated sick leave upon separation from the Agency.)
- Personal Business leave; up to three (3) days per year depending upon date of hire.
- Monthly Transit/Parking Subsidy.
- Alternative employee-paid payroll savings plans (tax-deferred compensation plans).
- Two voluntary employee-paid pre-tax dependent care and flexible spending accounts available for employees to participate in.
- Voluntary Supplemental life insurance.
01
Describe in detail your experience writing for various audiences. How do you approach a writing assignment? How do you ensure the values and voice of the organization you are writing for come across in your writing? (500 words max.)
02
Describe a time when you had to work on something where it was crucial to be accurate. What tools did you use to ensure that there were no mistakes in your work? How do you ensure quality when there are tight deadlines? Have you ever found errors that were not obvious from the start? (500 words max.)
03
Describe your experience communicating and engaging with diverse communities like the Bay Area's. (250 words max.)
04
I understand that some assignments may be subject to adverse weather conditions, walking long distances, and driving a vehicle to project sites and meetings, and that the position may require work on nights, weekends and/or holidays, and I am still interested in being considered for this position.
- Yes
- No
05
To be considered for this position, I understand that I must attach at least one writing sample (up to 3 writing samples is acceptable) with my on-line application.
- Yes
- No
06
Briefly describe how your relevant work experience and education qualifies you for this position. (Please refer to Qualifications and/or Knowledge, Skills and Abilities in the job description when answering this question.) **250-word maximum.
Required Question