Work with YoloTD

Communications and Marketing Specialist
$88,708 – $116,276

FLSA Non-Exempt | At-Will

Established: June 14, 2021

Proposed Amendment: December 10, 2024

OVERVIEW

As the only dedicated, full-time communications staff for a small public transit and transportation agency, this position is responsible for a broad range of communications, outreach and promotional activities. Under the supervision of the Executive Director, this position plans and implements agency-wide communications, advertising campaigns and promotions, special events and public information programs. This position designs and creates content for the District’s website, social media, newsletter and print materials that is clear, engaging, timely and accessible. As the District’s outreach liaison, this position also builds strong working relationships with local agencies, non-profit organizations and community partners.  By organizing special events, representing the District at external events and collaborating with community partners, this position helps us stay connected to the communities we serve.  This position also assists the transit operations, transportation planning and finance departments to develop and implement project-specific communication and outreach strategies.

Supervision received and exercised: This position reports to the Executive Director. This position provides direct supervision of interns.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Oversees the development and implementation of the District’s communication and marketing strategies, campaigns and promotions. Identifies goals and objectives, coordinates content creation (text, graphics, images, signage), discusses options, distributes materials, and analyzes results.
• Designs and develops print materials and publications by researching and analyzing materials and options, preparing plans and writing copy, organizing information for final print, reviewing and editing drafts, and reviewing final copies.
• Researches and coordinates advertising media placement. Recommends ad buys. Drafts print and radio spots and coordinates with the production of television, video, outdoor and direct mail advertising appeals.
• Implements specific communications and marketing strategies to raise awareness and use of transit by key target audiences, including commuters, youth and University affiliates.

• Develops, coordinates, and enhances communication relationships with regional agencies, stakeholders, and partners.
• Reviews current District communications practices and policies, researches and analyzes areas for improvement, and provides recommendations to Executive Director.
• Develops and maintains up-to-date website content including text, graphics and images, and ensures website complies with relevant statutes and policies including the Brown Act and Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Develops timely and engaging social media content to drive engagement, grow audience, and advance agency priorities. Manages social media accounts including paid advertising/boosting posts.
• Plans and implements the District’s in-person outreach, such as ribbon-cuttings, news conferences and outreach events. Coordinates with community partners to attend and table at festivals, farmers markets, parades.
• Develops media kits and collateral including logos, graphics, sample posts and photographs for use by partners.
• Produces and updates on-vehicle transit service information (bulkheads, brochures, timetables), on-street transit service information (signage), and other transit service communications materials at the request of the Transit Operations Department.
• Works with the Transit Operations, Transportation Planning and Finance Departments to develop and implement project-specific communications and outreach strategies.
• Works with the Executive Director to prepare monthly email newsletter, write news releases and other content to advance agency-wide priorities.
• Responds to media inquiries and requests; supports the District team members in communicating clearly and effectively in interviews or public venues.
• Leads development and monitoring of annual budget and workplan for marketing and communications
• Oversees third-party vendor contracts including, but not limited to, web designer, bus advertising sales, translation services and printing. Ensures all contracts are up to date and within budget.
• As needed, procures new/updated contracts including developing and distributing RFQs/RFPs, reviewing and scoring proposals, interviewing candidates, selecting a preferred contractor, and negotiating final contract.
• Recruits, trains and supervises 1-2 part-time, paid student interns.
• Purchases and maintains inventory of marketing material and equipment, including promotional giveaway items (‘swag’), photography gear, event supplies.
• Ensures that all marketing-related purchases and procurements are consistent with District’s adopted purchasing policies and financial controls.
• Other related duties or responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM Qualifications

Experience: Candidate should have at least three (3) years of experience in communications, marketing, public relations, community relations or a closely-related field. Education: Successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, business administration or a closely-related field.

DESIRED Qualifications

Communications experience in a government or public agency setting is strongly preferred.

The desired candidate will be an early to mid-career Communications professional with verifiable experience developing marketing and communications strategies and content. A successful candidate’s flexibility, ability to prioritize work, and good judgment is essential in this fast-paced environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills, customer service orientation, and work ethic define characteristics of a person who will flourish in this environment. Desirable candidates exhibit strong emotional intelligence and demonstrate collaborative behavior with other employees and external partners.

• Interpersonal skills and the ability to interact well with the public, media and community partners.
• A professional and kind demeanor to project a positive image for the agency.
• Problem-solving skills to handle complex and sensitive issues.
• Good judgment to find the right choice of words and navigate interactions, and know when to escalate issues.
• Organizational skills to manage several projects at a time, while being responsive to colleagues and deadlines.
• Excellent writing and editing skills to compose clear, grammatically-correct and professional content.
• Skilled in visual communication including graphic design, photography, videography and data visualization.
• Strong public speaking skills and the ability to stay on message.
• Abilty to carry out responsibilities in a busy environment;
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite and online meeting platforms.
• Demonstrable professional experience in the following areas:
  • Working with reporters, writing press releases and pitching stories.
  • Social media content creation.
  • Managing projects from inception all the way through to completion.
  • Overseeing the work of consultants, vendors and interns
  • Event planning

Additional information

Additional Requirements: Ability to work in a standard office environment which may involve prolonged sitting, bending and operation of typing, word processing, and other office equipment; some walking and standing indoors and outdoors on a variety of surfaces; and occasional lifting of up to twenty-five pounds. Ability to work outside normal business hours and attend evening meetings.

Equal Opportunity: YCTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values a diverse and inclusive workforce. Women, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals are encouraged to apply.

In Person Requirement: This position is in-person at the YCTD office located in Woodland, CA. At the discretion of the Executive Director, remote work may be allowed up to two days a week.

Driver’s License: A valid California Driver’s license is required.

Employee Benefits: Our employees participate in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The District pays up to 90% for the health insurance premium of the lowest cost HMO Plan thru CalPERS.  Other benefits include:

• Dental and vision insurance
• Optional CalPERS 457 retirement savings program
• 12 holidays per year and 3.5 floating holidays
• 80 hours of vacation per year, increasing with additional years of service
• Bilingual pay for those whose regular duties involve oral or written Spanish translation.

About Us

Yolo County Transportation District was created in 1982 and has been providing safe, reliable and convenient transportation to our communities ever since. We operate Yolobus, which provides fixed route bus service that serves Woodland, West Sacramento, Davis, Capay Valley, the Sacramento International Airport and downtown Sacramento. We also serve as the multimodal transportation planning agency for Yolo County, overseeing projects and planning efforts to enhance travel for all modes, including active transportation corridors across Yolo County and improving the commute on Interstate 80. The District has 15 full time employees, who are passionate about our mission to help transit riders and the public get around Yolo County and the Sacramento region more easily. District staff work closely with ~120 contract staff: bus operators, mechanics, dispatchers, road supervisors and managers, who are located in the office next door and operate all public transit services. The District is governed by a Board of Directors that is made up of 7 individuals representing the different local jurisdictions in Yolo County.

To Apply

Please email a job application, cover letter and resume to jobs@yctd.org. The position is open until filled. First review of applications will begin January 21, 2024.