MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Affairs/Public Relations, Political Science, Public/Business Administration, Research, or a related field

Experience

Minimum nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience in communication, marketing, research, transit management, or public affairs/public relations.

Strong, demonstrated technology experience in web content, social media, video production, and mobile web applications.

Impeccable, demonstrated writing skills.

Experience engaging customer concerns and providing information; proficient in creating and delivering clear, concise messages.

Certification/Licensure

Preferred

Experience preferably in a large service organization setting.

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.

SUMMARY

The Digital Communication Officer is a next-generation media relations professional, responsible for managing traditional public relations functions in a press office while also creating high-quality digital content for use to "tell Metro's story" to a broad external audience across multiple communication channels. This position supports the department's overall digital strategy, recommending tools and processes by identifying emerging digital and journalism trends. The incumbent is the lead in implementing all initiatives managed by the Director of Innovation and Digital Communication, and should be a highly-organized self-starter, able to operate in a high-pressure environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously. The incumbent is expected to be on-call 24/7 to respond to emergencies, as needed, and must be able to manage confidential and sensitive matters with discretion.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Responsible for supporting the creation and accuracy of all digital passenger communications, including but not limited to social media, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) website, email and text message notifications, mobile application information, and video.

Acts as an official Authority spokesperson on a variety of issues affecting the Authority and communities served. The incumbent is on-call 24/7, responding to inquiries at local, regional, national, and trade media levels. Composes news releases, media advisories, service advisories, and other public messaging as assigned. Provides managerial support and assistance to the Director of Innovation and Digital Communications for assigned functions.

Researches and coordinates responses on topics receiving extensive, high profile media attention, often confidential in nature. Maintains a calendar of impending milestones for public communication, which involves tracking events, accomplishments, anniversaries, and strategic initiatives.

Develops and publishes content for MetroWeb assets, including promotion of Metro News, initiatives and partnerships, as well as ensuring that content is fresh, relevant and up-to-date. Supports the digital content needs of Employee Communications, Marketing, and other internal stakeholders; acts as the liaison to media relations activities such as photo opportunities, press conferences, interviews, and roundtable discussions.

Engages on social media to bring public awareness to Metro-related news, initiatives, milestones, service exceptions, and events. Actively monitors operations using a variety of internal tools, as well as social media, to provide real-time intelligence to assist in managing Metro's response to incidents and to craft customer messaging.

Monitors social media for the latest or emerging trends, and topics. Understanding social media insights around defined metrics like engagement, popularity, trending, and sentiment.

Serves as leader or member of Authority matrix teams to plan, launch, and evaluate timely, results-oriented, special communications projects and programs requiring a strong communications element.

Leads and participates on various internal and external committees and task forces, building and maintaining effective working relations to ensure interdepartmental cooperation, coordination, and productive, mutually beneficial interface with external public and private entities and individuals.

Responsible for cost allocation to appropriate projects and for the timely and accurate review and approval of applicable invoices. Develops, monitors, and coordinates project budgets with the Department of Customer Service, Communications and Marketing (CSCM) and other departments.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

The essential duties listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and 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.