Public Relations Specialist

Position Status:

This is a temporary assignment with an average 40-hour work week. The selected candidate will be hired into a temporary assignment and should not expect guaranteed permanent employment. Depending on organizational needs and staffing considerations, the assignment may transition into a regular full-time position in the future. MTS reserves the right to modify the duration or employment status of this position at any time.

SUMMARY:

The Public Relations Specialist is responsible for media relations, attending community meetings, managing stakeholder partnerships, executing outreach and appreciation events, managing vendor contracts, developing fresh content for the MTS website and social media channels, publishing quarterly newsletters, and assisting in the development and implementation of major marketing campaigns and projects.

Application Review: Priority will be given to applications received by July 10th, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. 

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

Essential Functions

• Serves as primary project manager for media outreach, including drafting news releases, pitching stories to local and trade media, coordinating interviews, and acting as an on-camera media spokesperson.
• Works with staff to respond to media inquiries about MTS operations, including service disruptions, extra service for special events, budget, fares, and Public Records Act requests.
• Leads planning and execution of media events, including site walkthroughs, speaker coordination, equipment rentals, event setup and breakdown, development of speaking points, and creation of run-of-show materials.
• Manages special projects for marketing and public relations campaigns and initiatives from planning through execution.
• Monitors, analyzes, and expands the agency’s earned media presence, including reporting on performance and impact.
• Builds and maintains relationships with key stakeholders across the region, including community-based organizations, city governments, military partners, and planning groups.
• In collaboration with Marketing and Communications leadership, facilitates and manages ongoing community relations meetings (e.g., San Diego Transportation Equity Coalition, RideSD, Circulate Planning & Policy, Community Advisory Committee).
• Supports executive and internal communications efforts, including drafting content for employee newsletters, CEO communications, and employee engagement events and activities.
• Assists with agency award submissions, research initiatives, and surveys (e.g., annual APTA awards, Economic Benefit Study, customer satisfaction survey).

Duties May Include, But Are Not Limited To, The Following:

• Responds to information and marketing material requests from customers and the general public.
• Supports the Marketing & Communications Manager with content development and strategy for MTS social media platforms, such as Facebook, X, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
• In partnership with the Community Engagement Specialist, plans, executes and/or maintains MTS community partnerships.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of or ability to learn MTS policies and regulations, ability to read, understand and apply MTS policies, regulations and union labor contracts; ability to write letters, memoranda and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct English; ability to speak clearly, distinctly and effectively in person-to-person or small group situations using tact and diplomacy; ability to coordinate and initiate actions necessary to implement decisions and delegate responsibilities to appropriate personnel; ability to establish and maintain priorities in order to complete assignments by deadlines without detailed instructions; skill in verifying the accuracy and completeness of forms and reports; knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel and the ability to learn and use other software that MTS might have or acquire; ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups, managers, customers and the general public; ability to represent MTS as an enthusiastic brand ambassador in a positive way while working with the public; ability to provide professional level support in both the marketing and communications areas; knowledge of MTS Bus and MTS Rail services.

Physical Requirements

The successful candidate must be able to fulfill the physical demands of the job such as walking, stooping, sitting, bending, reaching for overhead files and occasional lifting (must be able to lift up to 15 pounds). Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and perform tasks involving manual dexterity, such as use of a computer and 10-key. Work will at times require more than 8 hours per day or an irregular work week to perform the essential duties of the position. Duties will be performed primarily in an office type environment and may require travel to external locations and agencies.

Experience/Education/Certificates/Licenses

Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in marketing, communications, political science, public relations or journalism is preferred. Possess a minimum of five years of experience in the marketing/public relations field. Requisite knowledge, skills and experience may be substituted for the degree requirement. Bilingual in English and Spanish is strongly preferred, but not required. Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver License or be able to utilize alternative transportation when needed to perform job-related essential functions.

GENERAL:

Must satisfactorily pass all applicable post-offer examinations, including but not limited to a pre-employment physical conducted by an independent medical provider, a comprehensive criminal background check, and, when applicable, a pre-employment drug test as required by MTS Board Policy 35.

SALARY GRADE:

Salary offers are based on factors such as the knowledge, skills, abilities, and relevant experience of the successful candidate, while taking into account internal equity, budget constraints, and other market factors. This position is in salary grade #10, which has a minimum of $81,963 and a maximum of $116,388. Salary grades are typically adjusted annually to ensure they remain market competitive
DISCLAIMER: The above described job elements are intended to indicate the general nature and levels of work being performed by employees assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required of employees so classified. Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

EEO is The Law - Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled
MTS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer with an ongoing commitment to treat all people, including customers, co-workers and the public at large, with dignity and respect. As a public transportation agency, MTS is committed to providing an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities in which we work and live.

MTS supports and promotes an environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. MTS recruits, hires, trains and promotes individuals without regard to race, such as hair texture and hairstyles), color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age (40 years or older), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition (cured or rehabilitated cancer), physical disability, mental disability, reproductive health decision-making, genetic information (including family medical history), military or veteran status, or any other protected class.

MTS encourages veterans, military spouses and people from different backgrounds to apply for open positions for which they are interested. Additionally, MTS employees are encouraged to refer qualified candidates

from all backgrounds and age groups. At MTS, we are committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.