Public Communications Coordinator

Marketing Statement

Would you like an opportunity to promote a culture of safety, accountability, and trust? The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is seeking an individual with an excellent understanding and background in communications in an operation's center environment or equivalent communications dissemination role. This candidate would join our team as a Public Communications Coordinator. The ideal candidate would be tasked with writing content for websites and social media. Ability to think creatively to develop campaign ideas and creative copy. Ability to write for the public and communicate under high pressure situations. Must be able to organize and prioritize in a fast-paced work environment and skilled with documenting information into concise, well written reports. Excellent communications grammar, and written skills are a must. Exceptional computer skills using various applications to include Excel, PowerPoint, and Word along with a good understanding of databases. Must be accustomed to presenting before the public. If you love a challenge, nothing will test you more than working in the nation's capital. The position will be located in our office of Bus Operations Communications Center in Landover, MD.

THIS JOB OPENING IS BEING USED TO FILL CURRENT AND FUTURE VACANT POSITIONS IN THIS CLASSIFICATION AT VARIOUS SHIFTS, LOCATIONS AND ASSIGNED DAYS OFF

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

• Associate's degree, in Communications, Public Relations, Writing or related field of study

Experience

• Six (6), years of experience in a communications role with a focus on writing for the public and communicating under high pressure situations.
• Experience writing content for website and social media and a demonstrated understanding of the use of social media as a communications tool.

Certification/Licensure

• Valid Driver's License

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Writing or related field

Medical Group:

Satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodations.

Mission Essential Designation

In accordance with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) this job has been identified as critical to mission essential functions. Incumbents in this role may be required to report to or continue to work in the event of authorized office closings or service suspensions due to severe weather, natural disaster, fire, operational emergencies or related events.

Job Summary/Duties:

The Public Communications Coordinator disseminates public information regarding the day-to-day operations of the Bus Operations Central Control offices, which is nearly a 24/7 operation. The incumbent communicates and provides current, accurate information to customers, employees and the media regarding service delays and/or service disruptions in a timely and consistent manner.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Writes and distributes electronic alerts for bus customers regarding service disruptions to provide up-to-the-minute travel information to customers who are impacted.
• Monitors social media for customer comments/complaints and disseminates information to appropriate WMATA staff so that customer concerns can be recognized and addressed accordingly.
• Using information provided by the Bus Transportation Office (BTRA), updates Metro's website with critical service information, including timely service disruptions data, service reroutes and inclement weather conditions, providing a digital reference to allow customers to make informed travel decisions.
• Contributes information for news releases pertaining to Metrobus quarterly service changes and construction projects impacting bus service, ensuring appropriate information sharing and consistent messaging, to support customer information that is accurate, consistent and timely.
• Establishes and maintains effective liaison with Bus Operations Control Center Superintendents and staff from other offices to enhance customer advocacy.
• Supports BTRA with safety initiatives and communications that are identified by bus management as areas needing attention and, responds to Bus Operations Control Center's (BOCC) requests to communicate to bus operators regarding safety issues via newsletter and campaigns.
• Writes and distributes appropriate messaging (i.e. Snow detours, emergency detours) for digital bus shelter signs, whenever necessary to maximize customer outreach messaging utilizing all communications methods.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Assists in the development and implementation of customer communications plans including printed materials, signage, website information, station and passenger display announcements and electronic alerts for public dissemination.
• Provides regular reports to supervisor on performance activities and future initiatives to maintain inter-departmental communications for purposes of tracking and goal setting.
• On occasion, responds to and supports team during irregular hours, particularly during inclement weather and emergencies.

The above duties and responsibilities are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. It is not intended to limit in any way the right of supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Evaluation Criteria

Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.

Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:

• Skills and/or behavioral assessment
• Personal interview
• Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
• Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
• Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
• Review of a current motor vehicle report

Closing

WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.

This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.