Community Relations Specialist

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 general supervision, assists with the conceptualization, design, and implementation of proactive public participation, community outreach and inter-governmental programs to inform and engage the public, including diverse and underrepresented communities, and ensure equitable and inclusive transportation planning and project development

This is a non-exempt position in Salary Grade 175: Min $34.15 – Mid $40.97 – Max $ 47.80 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 with the development, implementation and evaluation of public awareness and community and business outreach programs, ensuring the agency’s mission and strategic goals are accomplished.
• Assists in the development of strategies that support the agency’s implementation of a balanced transportation network.
• Coordinates with consultants in implementing outreach programs and public participation activities.
• Assists in planning and implementing public meetings, workshops, event booths, and other special events.
• Assists in preparation of various publications, fact sheets, staff and internal reports and provides information in e-newsletters and social media channels.
• Assists in supporting public committees.

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

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with key stakeholders and external audiences to assist in planning services and programs to reflect the needs of the community.
• Mentors and guides outreach interns.

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

• Assists in the development of presentations to provide information on transportation planning activities and capital projects to local organizations and the public.
• Reviews print collateral and digital communications to ensure accuracy and timeliness and recommends edits for implementation.
• Prepares responses to constituent inquiries and submits for final approval.

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

• Strategizes and customizes presentations and outreach activities to specific audiences.
• Coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to research and create content.

Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in public relations, communication, or related field with a minimum of three years professional experience in public participation, marketing, government relations and/or community relations programs.  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, Fingering, Grasping, Feeling, Talking, Hearing, Seeing, and Repetitive Motions in computer use.

Hazardous Conditions:

Positions in the class may also include these factors:

• Hazardous physical conditions.
• Atmospheric conditions.
• Intense noise.
• Travel.

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 has a hybrid remote work program. Eligibility is dependent on manager’s approval.

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 : $34 - $48