MANAGER, COMMUNICATIONS (MEDIA RELATIONS)

Metro Communications Manager

Metro's mission is to provide a world-class transportation system that enhances the quality of life for all who live, work, and play within LA County.

Manages and oversees the planning and execution of communications, public relations, and marketing campaigns on Metro social media channels and across all paid media. This position develops and supports strategic communications, public relations, and media initiatives related to all Metro projects. The position also manages multiple communications projects simultaneously, develops media content related to current events, and supports operations in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Recruitment Timelines: Interviews are projected to be scheduled for week of June 15th, 2026. This date is subject to change. We encourage you to monitor your governmentjobs.com profile and emails for the latest updates.

Examples Of Duties

• Plans, prepares and oversees the execution of Metro advertising campaigns, including social media, digital, out of home (OOH), print, and broadcast
• Plans and executes annual department and ad hoc project-level strategic plans and campaigns
• Plans, prepares, and oversees the design, typesetting, and printing of publications
• Plans, prepares, and oversees the conceptual design, production, and distribution of video programs
• Manages, reviews, and edits content on Metro social media platforms
• Oversees special event production and execution
• Manages VIP (Very Important Person) tour program of the agency and construction projects
• Develops and manages relationships with print, electronic, and digital media providers/vendors
• Coordinates with social media content producers and community managers across the agency to implement best practices and train staff
• Writes, edits, and proofreads copy for all public information materials and video productions
• Oversees commercial filming program and manages vendor
• Plans and acquires photography and graphics for publications, and footage and other video-related elements for use in video productions
• Develops and monitors budgets and costs
• Collaborates with staff in other units of the communications department and outside departments
• Analyzes production contracts and vendors' performance and identifies solutions to minimize production and printing costs
• Prepares reports and recommendations on communications and promotional goals and activities
• Conducts surveys and research on publications; prepares reports and recommendations
• Prospects and generates new sales leads
• Supervises, trains, mentors, and motivates assigned staff
• Communicates and implements safety rules, policies, and procedures in support of the agency's safety vision and goals; and maintains accountability for the safety performance of all assigned employees

Minimum Qualifications

A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis. A typical combination includes:

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field; Master's Degree in a related field preferred
• Six years of relevant experience or three years of relevant supervisory-level experience performing work in marketing, advertising, or other communications programs; some positions in this class may require specialized experience in area of assignment
• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications (PQs) are used to identify relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) as determined by business necessity. These criteria are considered preferred qualifications and are not intended to serve as minimum requirements for the position. In addition, applicants who possess these PQs will not automatically be selected. The following are the preferred qualifications:

• Experience developing and supporting public relations, media, or communications campaigns for multi-year campaigns
• Experience serving as an on-camera representative or quoted spokesperson for print or media publications
• Experience developing media content, story ideas, or communications materials related to current events, public initiatives, or political/community issues
• Experience writing well-thought-out press materials for external audiences

Essential Knowledge

Knowledge of (defined as a learned body of information that is required for and applied in the performance of job tasks)

• Theories, principles, and practices of communications and public relations
• Mass communication techniques and promotional program management
• Digital marketing strategy and channels, content marketing, and social media
• Electronic media materials and processes, including advertising, copywriting, scriptwriting, production techniques, distribution, and placement
• Advertising and promotional tactics
• Special event production
• Video and print production processes and formats
• Print media materials and processes, including photographic, video, and graphic media
• Media planning and buying
• Finance and budget analysis
• Data research techniques
• Maintaining compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
• Editing techniques; proofreading symbols and terminology
• English composition, grammar, and punctuation
• Modern management theory

Skill in (defined as the proficient manual, verbal, or mental utilization of data, people, or things)

• Planning strategic campaigns/programs for multiple focus areas
• Leading strategy, planning, and development of media campaigns
• Defining channels for use in campaigns, and where the approach is paid, earned, or owned
• Critical thinking
• Understanding the dynamics of today's media landscape and its impact on Metro's business and customers
• Reviewing, understanding and reporting data using analytics
• Performing data and statistical analysis
• Navigating Metro billing system
• Analyzing situations, identifying problems, recommending solutions, and evaluating outcome
• Exercising sound judgment and creativity in making decisions
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing
• Interacting professionally with various levels of Metro employees, outside representatives, and public officials
• Mediating and negotiating

Ability to (defined as a present competence to perform an observable behavior or produce an observable result)

• Distinguish best practices and approaches to various social media platforms
• Prioritize competing tasks
• Think and act independently
• Work independently and lead a team
• Make financial decisions within a budget; resolve budget discrepancies and reconcile invoices
• Synthesize complex information
• Apply and evaluate publication strategies
• Understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, budgets, contracts, and labor/management agreements
• Represent Metro before the public and governmental entities
• Prepare comprehensive reports and correspondence
• Travel to offsite locations
• Supervise, train, and motivate assigned staff
• Read, write, speak, and understand English

Special Conditions

• This job specification is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements
• The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job
• Metro provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• This classification is at-will and the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the hiring authority when classified as an Intermittent, Emergency, Annuitant, or Temporary employee, is assigned to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) or Board Clerk's Office, and/or reporting directly to the LACMTA Board of Directors
• Contributes to ensuring