The Bus Operations Control Center is looking to expand their team with a Public Communications Coordinator.

• The candidate should have some knowledge of how social media is used to build and inform the customer base
• The candidate should have some desire to build on their knowledge of technology
• The candidate should be a good writer
• The work hours for the position vary. the candidate should understand that the role requires flexibility particularly during severe weather and special events
• A candidate who is creative and interested in continuously staying up-to-date on what's new and innovative in information dissemination
• The candidate will be equipped with tools to work remotely
• The candidate should be sociable and able to work well with all personalities

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Public Administration, Public Affairs, Journalism or related field. Minimum of six (6) years of experience in a large service delivery organization, preferably transportation or travel. Experience in media relations and day-to-day contact with reporters, bloggers and editors is preferable.

Or an equivalent combination of post high school education and minimum of ten (10) years experience in a large service delivery organization, preferably transportation or travel. Experience in media relations and day-to-day contact with reporters, bloggers and editors is preferable.

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:

This position is responsible for disseminating public information of the day-to-day operations of the Bus Operations Central Control offices, which is nearly a 24/7 operation. The incumbent is responsible for communications and providing current, accurate information to customers and employees and the media regarding service, delays and/or service disruptions in a timely and consistent manner. This position reports to the Supervisor, Public Communications and liaisons with the Superintendents of the Operations Control Centers of Bus regularly. The incumbent works and writes well under short deadlines and in high pressure, crisis situations. The incumbent has considerable latitude for independent judgment to identify situations requiring public notification and able to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

Writes and distributes electronic alerts for Metro customers regarding service disruptions.

Updates WMATA's website with service information required during service disruptions and/or reroutes and inclement weather conditions.

Updates WMATA's website with service information required for short and long term bus detours.

Contributes information for news releases pertaining to Metrobus bi-annual and weekend service changes, short and long term detours and service disruptions.

Establishes and maintains effective liaison with both the Rail and Bus Operations Control Center Superintendents and other personnel and other offices to enhance customer advocacy.

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.

Maintains a pipeline of upcoming scheduled initiatives (i.e., bus detours, track work shuttles) requiring public notification.

Provides a regular report to supervisor on performance activities and future initiatives.

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.