Communications Specialist I

Valley Regional Transit

Communications Specialist I Position Opening

Great Organizational Culture * Enriching Work that Changes Lives * Incredible Benefits

Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the Communications Specialist I is responsible for assisting the Communications & Engagement team with outreach and digital marketing functions. The Communications Specialist will manage VRT’s social media platforms, newsletters, and other digital communications tools, in addition to assisting the Communications & Engagement Team with other functions that support department strategies.

The ideal candidate is:

• A community-oriented individual interest and experience in communications, social media, and customer service.
• A responsible and dedicated self-starter, who can work independently and collaborate with a team.
• A positive, engaging and creative communicator.

Responsibilities:

Digital media (60%)

• Develop and implement social media content strategy and calendar across multiple platforms that represent the vision and mission of VRT using the tone, strategy, and goals of the Communications & Engagement department
• Monitor and respond to activity across platforms and encourage social media participation by riders, partners, and members of the public
• Develop a content strategy (that aligns with Comms Plan) for social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Tiktok, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Nextdoor, and other emerging opportunities
• Track social media trends and platform changes, updating social media strategy accordingly, and provide recommendations for content opportunities and policy updates as necessary
• Manage social media partnerships with other stakeholders, community partners, and transportation modes
• Lead social media activity for VRT events
• Analyze social media performance metrics and adjust strategies to improve engagement and reach; compile and share monthly social media numbers report
• Manage content and calendars for other internal and public newsletters; the Specialist will gather content, interview, and draft newsletters, working with the Communications & Engagement Team to build layouts, finalize content, and publish
• Explore untapped digital marketing techniques, such as email marketing with VRT’s user base

Departmental Support (40%)

• Collaborate as a productive member of the Communications & Engagement Team with other team members under the direction of the Chief Communications Officer
• Manage contact list for and distribution of VRT route brochures and information materials to ensure VRT’s information in the community is available, up-to-date, advances department goals of brand visibility, and supports VRTs mission to deliver comprehensive transportation choices
• Hang posters and bus stop tags for holiday closures, service alerts, detours, and general promotion
• In coordination with the Communications & Engagement Team perform various support tasks such as coordinating deliveries or picking up materials needed for outreach and marketing activities
• Provide support at community engagement events as needed
• Respond to l customer inquiries/calls/emails as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Business Management, or related field strongly preferred
• Experience in marketing, communications, business development, volunteer coordination, or public sector or nonprofit fields, and/or relevant coursework preferred
• Internship, fellowship, and/or 1-2 years’ experience in social media engagement and/or customer-facing support roles
• Ability to work with and function as a team member of an interdisciplinary team at all levels within the organization
• Ability to work in a rapidly changing environment and to change priorities accordingly
• Ability to respectfully work with a diverse range of people
• Ability to continually learn and adapt as job requirements change and new opportunities arise
• Above average use of the English language in verbal and written forms
• Ability to communicate complicated technical information in simple and easy to understand terms
• Working knowledge of applicable federal, state and local rules and regulations as they apply to transit
• Willing to become the expert authority in one or more subjects
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills
• Frequently involves sitting, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing
• Must be able to sit in front of a computer for long periods of time
• Involves light physical activity performing non-strenuous daily activities of primarily administrative nature
• Requires ability to travel between sites and to community functions by car and bus
• May require extended periods of time in the field, standing, stooping, and lifting (various marketing materials)
• Valid Idaho driver’s license

Salary Information:

Starting salary range: $46,000 - $51,000 depending on experience.

Location: Meridian, Idaho, with possible flexible/hybrid remote work options

Excellent benefits package includes:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Holiday pay, sick, and vacation leave
• State retirement plan (PERSI): pension and optional 401(k) (see https://www.persi.idaho.gov/ for more information!)

Employment Type:

Full-time, non-exempt

To Apply: Submit your resume and cover letter

Valley Regional Transit is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $46,000.00 - $51,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No nights

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Customer service: 1 year (Required)
• Social media marketing: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $46,000 - $51,000