Community Relations Specialist, Associate

Overview

Why OCTA: 

Discover work that moves you in a dynamic and innovative setting. Be part of a team delivering Orange County’s transportation network of today and creating a vision for the future.

OCTA is the county’s transportation planning commission and public transit operator. With a focus on safety and accountability, we plan, fund, and implement countywide projects that include bus and rail transit, freeways and express lanes, rideshare, microtransit, paratransit, active transportation, and environmental programs.

We’re passionate about creating a balanced, equitable and sustainable transportation system that reflects the diverse travel needs of the county’s 34 cities and 3.2 million residents. 

Our employees rated OCTA as a top workplace in Orange County. Come join us on our mission of keeping Orange County moving.

Overview:

Under direct supervision, assists with the implementation of proactive public participation and community outreach programs, and helps staff OCTA’s public committees to increase awareness of major agency policies, programs, projects, and services.

This is a non-exempt position in Salary Grade 165: Min $30.97– Mid $37.16 – Max $43.36 per hour. The starting salary will be within this range based on qualifications.

The position will remain open until a candidate is selected.

Responsibilities

This list is intended to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and is not designed to be interpreted as an exhaustive listing of all tasks required of employees assigned to this job.

Displays High Integrity & Honesty: Takes personal responsibility, acts with honesty and consistency.

Has Technical and Professional Expertise: Has the technical skills, product knowledge and professional skills to do the job.

• Assists in implementing public awareness and community and business outreach programs, ensuring the agency's mission and strategic goals are accomplished.
• May assist with planning and coordinating all logistical requirements, i.e., agenda packets, committee notes, invitation process, etc., for various citizen committees, i.e., Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), Taxpayer Oversight Committee (TOC), Special Needs in Transit Advisory Committee (SNAC), Environmental Oversight Committee (EOC), etc. Provides logistical coordination that enhances the Agency’s image as well as emphasizes procedural transparency for citizen committees’ recruitment activities.
• Drafts collateral materials and coordinates production/distribution.
• Assists in staffing and coordinating project specific committees and stakeholder working groups.
• Assists in the preparation and tracking of various communication metrics and internal reports/databases.
• Monitors web and social media content for accuracy and relevance.
• Attends project development team meetings for assigned projects and monitors activities requiring outreach assistance.
• Attends professional development workshops/courses to continually enhance skills and industry knowledge.
• Organizes, analyzes, interprets and clearly explains operational/technical policy information in simple terms.

Builds Relationships: Is trusted by others, is aware and supportive of needs of individuals and balances results with individual needs.

• Assists in maintaining working relationships with internal departments and external audiences for the development of agency services and programs.
• Coordinates with consultants in planning and implementing community outreach meetings.

Communicates Powerfully & Prolifically: Shares insights on issues/problems, clarifies purpose and links that purpose to actions.

• Communicates effectively, orally and in writing.

Customer & External Focus: Markets his/her workgroup effectively and influences others in the organization.

• Assists with developing public participation programs to reflect the needs of the community utilizing public engagement tools including online surveys.
• Assists in planning and implementing public forums, workshops, conferences, and special events.
• Assists in the development of strategies that support agency’s implementation of a balanced transportation network.

Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or related field. Related experience preferred.  Knowledge of Orange County demographics and transportation issues is desirable.

Working Conditions/Physical Activities:

(The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. OCTA provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions).

Positions in this class typically require:

• Work may be performed in a stressful, fast-paced office environment, depending upon assignment.
• Requires ability to understand verbal communication and to respond effectively.
• Positions in this class typically require: Reaching, Finger Dexterity, Grasping, Feeling, Talking, Hearing, Seeing, and Repetitive Motions in computer use.

Compensation and Benefits:

OCTA offers an attractive compensation and benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision health insurance programs, flex time (may be available), paid sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement, deferred compensation plan, educational reimbursement, excellent in-house training programs, free transportation passes for the employee and dependents, wellness and ergonomic programs, and much more.

OCTA is an equal employment opportunity employer that recruits, hires, and promotes qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, or other legally protected status.

Salary : $31 - $43