The ideal candidate for VTA Media Spokesperson is outgoing and assertive with a strong work ethic. We are also looking for a team player with the ability to work well with people across the entire organization, and the Communications Team, and take on challenges with a positive attitude, all while supporting members of the Communications Team. The ideal candidate should possess the temperament to remain even-keeled, with time and topic-sensitive news media inquiries and possess creativity that can shine through on social media channels. Definition
The Communications & Media Spokesperson creates content for internal and external communications.

Distinguishing Characteristics
An incumbent is a designated contact and representative of VTA to the media for the dissemination of critical information and to promote VTA's programs and services. An incumbent is also required to be proactive and strategic in representing VTA to the public.

This classification is distinguished from Director of Communications in that the latter is a department head and directs all of VTA's communications and public relations programs and activities.

Classification Bargaining Unit: Non-Represented

Essential Job Functions

Typical Tasks

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  Serves as a VTA media spokesperson including serving as VTA's communications lead during emergency situations;
• Develops, manages, coordinates, conducts, and evaluates public and media relations and internal communications;
• Builds support and advocacy for VTA initiatives;
• Produces and disseminates content through electronic communications, social media, the internet and the intranet;
• Utilizes social media and technology to amplify messages;
• Regularly represents VTA and the General Manager's office at internal and external meetings with public and private sector groups;
• Reviews, analyzes, and reports on VTA's media coverage; identifies potential controversial issues and works with staff to develop appropriate media strategies and messages;
• Analyzes, coordinates, and/or implements special projects with support from various divisions and departments, as needed;
• Assists the General Manager with communications and presentations for various internal and external constituencies;
• Prepares news releases, feature stories, blogs, media advisories, talking points, speeches, presentations, publications, and articles for internal and external information, including planning, writing, and editing;
• Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships and performs liaison activities with community groups, government officials, and special interest groups to gain support for VTA's goals and programs;
• Interviews VTA officials, employees, and representatives from various groups, organizations, and the general public to secure information;
• Analyzes and evaluates complex situations, recommends and implements effective solutions;
• Oversees media contact logs, develops quarterly publicity reports, and initiates video monitoring system;
• Prepares reports and correspondence;
• Provides on-call support, 24 hours/day;
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Employment Standards
Sufficient training, education, and professional public and media relations experience to demonstrate possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Development of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is typically obtained through a combination of training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a four-year degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or a related field, and extensive, increasingly responsible experience in media relations, public information, and crisis communication. A minimum of five (5) years of experience, including the creation of public communications plans and strategies, is required.

Experience in a large transit organization, public agency, and/or the construction industry is desirable.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of:

• Principles and techniques of effective public communications, internal communications, and news media relations;
• Principles, practices and techniques for utilizing social media platforms and other electronic communications;
• Customs and practices of contemporary public information media;
• Principles and contemporary practices of multi-faceted community outreach and public involvement programs;
• Principles, practices, and trends in public and business administration;
• Principles and techniques of copy writing and interviewing;
• Research methods including data verification techniques and statistics;
• Principles and practices of photography, video, and editing;
• Regional politics and political interests affecting VTA.

Ability to:

• Act as a spokesperson for VTA;
• Develop and maintain effective and positive media relations;
• Plan, develop, organize, direct, coordinate, control, and manage internal and external communication activities;
• Accurately, concisely, and effectively communicate technical information, ideas, and concepts, both orally and in writing, to the media and through traditional and electronic communication channels to maximize understanding;
• Plan, coordinate, and organize effective public and internal information programs and special events on an ongoing basis;
• Utilize technology, established software and applications for website postings, social media content, intranet content and sign programming;
• Analyze and interpret information, reason logically, and recommend appropriate courses of action;
• Prepare clear and comprehensive correspondence, reports, presentations, and other materials;
• Take initiative and be creative in formulating new and feasible solutions;
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Work effectively under stressful situations involving tight deadlines as well as confrontation and conflict;
• Promote teamwork, a positive work environment, and collaborative problem solving;
• Speak before and facilitate discussions with large, diverse groups of people;
• Use good organizational skills in dealing with a variety of projects;
• Effectively represent VTA in a variety of public and private sector activities;
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Serve on-call 24 hours/day.