Manager, Communications

Job Description:

Manager, Communications

Description

General

The Manager, Communications reports to the Director, Communications and leads the planning and execution of external communications that support the San Mateo County Transit District (District), SamTrans bus service, the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain), the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) and San Mateo County Express Lanes Joint Powers Authority (SMCELJPA). This role manages high-impact messaging across multiple platforms, supervises communications staff and partners closely with leadership, operations and regional agencies. The Manager, Communications ensures all communications remain clear, accurate, accessible and timely — particularly during service changes, major initiatives and incidents.

Essential Functions & Duties

Examples of Essential Functions:

• Manage media relations, including pitching stories, responding to inquiries, developing positive relationships with the press, coordinating interviews and preparing spokespeople.
• Develop and implement a robust social media program, monitor public sentiment and performance metrics to inform continuous improvement of all channels.
• Oversee the ideation, creation, and distribution of content across digital, print, social media and customer-facing channels.
• Supervise staff. Hire, mentor, and take appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary actions. Ensure EEO policies and procedures are followed. Participate in selection, coordinate staff training and professional development, objectives, monitor and evaluate employee performance.

Examples of Essential Duties:

• Manage Rail Safety Education Program and Suicide Prevention Initiatives.
• Support communications planning for service changes and capital projects.
• Manage crisis communications planning and exercises for the Communications Division.
• Interface with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure attendance and support of necessary board meetings, citizens advisory committees, service planning or other review meetings.
• Serve as backup Public Information Officer as needed.
• Evaluate job performance staff, which also includes the professional development of staff through the identification of on-the-job and other professional development opportunities.
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect oneself, fellow employees and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient experience, training, and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the required skills and abilities may be considered.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or a related field.

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible full-time experience in communications, public affairs or media relations.
• Two (2) years full-time supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of public-sector communications, media relations and crisis communications.
• Proven ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, audience-focused messaging.
• Excellent writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing teams, workflows and multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with transportation, infrastructure or government agencies.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion and accessible communications.
  

Below is a summary of the comprehensive benefits provided to District full-time employees:

Health and Welfare Benefits:

• Healthcare Benefits -District employees are offered a choice of healthcare providers under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program.The District will contribute ninety (90) percent towards monthly premiums for full-time employees. Fifty (50) percent for part-time employees.
  
• Free Dental and Vision Benefits provided - Employer Covers Premiums
  
• Free Employee Assistance Benefit - Employees are entitled to 5 face-to-face sessions or telephonic or web-video consultations for problem-solving support per incident, per calendar year.
  

• Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified Health or Dependent Care expenses.
  

Retirement Medical Benefits:

• Long Term Disability Insurance - After 90 days of total disability, Administrative full-time employees are eligible for 60% of monthly income covered by the District.
  
• Health and Wellness - Gyms located at most work locations and discounted Weight Watcher Membership Option.
  

Holidays and Paid Time Off:

• Paid Time Off - Newly hired employees accrue 6.5 hours bi-weekly when hired (if Exempt 8.25 hours).As you move up in years of service credit, the rate of the amount of PTO accrued will also increase.
  
• Paid Holidays - The District provides seven paid holidays throughout the year - New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
  
• Floating Holidays - District employees can earn up to five (5) floating holidays.
  

Financial Planning Benefits:

• Pension Benefits through CalPERS -You must have a minimum of 5 years of service to be eligible for this pension.
  

• CalPERS PEPRA vs. Classic - All employees hired on, or after January 1, 2013, are considered PEPRA members and will contribute 8% of their salary up to the maximum IRS cut-off. All Classic members will contribute 6%
  
• Deferred Compensation Options - Select to contribute to one or both of our Tax Deferred Compensation Options
  
• Reliance Standard Life Insurance with 100% premium paid by the District - 1 times annual salary of employee - max $200,000
  
• Optional Life Insurance - Employees may purchase additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible family members.
  

Growth and Education Benefits:

• Professional Development - Access to LinkedIn Learning and San Mateo County’s professional training. District Tuition Reimbursement Program - A maximum of $5,250 per year for courses related to your job or career goals with the District.
  
• Computer Loan Program - Interest-free two-year loan with a maximum amount of $2,000.
  

Other Amazing Benefits:

• Credit Union - Employees and family members are eligible to join the San Mateo Credit Union and Patelco Credit Union.
  
• Employee Clean Commute (ECC) - Car/Van poolers and Public Transit riders receive a monthly reimbursement.
  
• Commuter Benefits - Free Employee Parking; Free Bus Pass for employee as well as children/spouse; Clipper Card/Go Pass Program for Central employees.
  

For union employees, all of the above benefits are subject to the employee’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. Benefits listed are also subject to change with or without notice and are subject to contract/provider terms and conditions.

Closing Date/Time: 4/27/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$129,834.00 - $181,767.00 Annually