Salary Range:  $36,551 - $45,689

Works with the MarCom team to promote public relations initiatives for the agency. Creates, manages, and implements PR campaigns with the goal of enriching the agency's position within the public eye. Responsible for managing all social media outlets to include updating and writing content. Coordinates the marketing calendar with online activity, tracks social media analytics, partners with other departments to ensure proper public messaging and relevancy, ensures consistency of messages across multiple mediums and prepares reports to update internal staff on usage statistics, and provides continuous monitoring and coverage. This position actively supports the Marketing and Communication department’s Public Outreach staff through building strategic community partnerships with customers and the general public.

Essential Job Functions:

(Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor to limit duties that might reasonably be assigned.)

• Plans, develops, and maintains public relations activities and events to include preparation and distribution of information, photographs, or other media.
• Coordinates with the agency’s Customer Relations Department to ensure that unexpected changes in service are reported via appropriate social platforms, typically Facebook and Twitter
• Create, manage and edit content for the agency’s internal and external websites.
• Manages all company social media by creating content, sets social media objectives, tracks and analyzes social metrics.
• Monitors social trends and implements them as necessary, as well as establishes additional platforms.
• Develops social media reports monthly to be distributed to various departments and presents data/insights as needed in meetings internally.
• Assists in submitting stories and preparing additional content for The Link, the agency’s monthly newsletter.
• Proven ability to write communications plans using traditional and web-based tactics, and to coordinate their execution
• Makes contact with various stakeholders including City departments, outside agencies and organizations, civic and community groups, and the general public for the purpose of establishing and maintaining an effective community relations program.
• Ensures that HRT staff, the public and interested organizations are informed of the Agency’s activities by conducting meetings with staff and community groups, issuing information to the press, trade publications and other media sources; responds to questions and requests from various sources.
• Consults with the Marketing and Communications Department on the development of internal publications and outlets (internal television, website and employee newsletter) to keep personnel informed of agency activities.
• Develops fresh story ideas to support internal communications.
• Assists as needed with coordinating media coverage through press releases and other media information packages. Identifies and recommends public relations opportunities.
• Assists as needed with coordinating the development of all consumer information materials (collateral) including brochures, timetables, signage and promotional items.
• Supports HRT’s strategic communication strategy and presence on the web, social media and in print.
• Organizes and implements in-house and community-wide special events.
• Represents HRT at community projects, outreach events, and public relations functions, including social, media/news events and business gatherings as well as press events and agency involvement activities.
• Develops and implements strategic communication plans tailored to maximize the involvement of target audiences to include: drafting correspondence, documenting and organizing public comments, and agency responses to these requests.
• Manages the Marketing and Communications Department’s contact database.
• Assist in developing public involvement techniques designed to meet the diverse needs of the general public, which includes those traditionally underserved by existing transportation systems and facilities.
• Detailed planning and follow-through of assigned tasks, meetings and presentations.
• Actively and positively work across teams and departments to achieve desired results.
• Formulate and lead team efforts to conduct targeted outreach that will enhance the experiences of HRT customers on all modes of HRT services.
• Assist in developing opportunities to educate the public on public transportation initiatives and projects.
• Arrange for HRT’s meaningful participation in community events including environmental, persons with disabilities, and community relations projects among others.
• Responsible for compliance with the Hampton Roads Transit Records Management Policy and Procedures.
• Responsible for maintaining a general awareness of HRT’s EMS.
• Responsible for handling all related job responsibilities in accordance to HRT’s Environmental Policy, relevant EMS Standard Operating Procedures, and Emergency Management Plan.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Abilities and Skills essential to Job Functions:

• Ability to take basic pictures, edit them and post them on internal and external websites
• Must possess strong communication skills including writing and public speaking.
• To be able to communicate information positively, clearly, accurately and effectively for a variety of audiences.
• Knowledge of developing and implementing community relations and public involvement plans. 
• Proven knowledge of public relations, communications, marketing, and media principles.
• Coordinates meaningful engagement with internal staff, outside agencies and individuals.
• Ability to conduct quality research, maintain complete and accurate records.
• Develop a core understanding of HRT services, industry practices and public participation methodologies relative to state and federal guidelines.

Required Software Knowledge and Skills essential to Job Functions:

Proficiency in using computer systems and the listed software applications associated with performance of assigned work is essential. Proficiency in use of social media apps to be used. Basic problem solving skills associated with software applications used is expected.   Software usage relevant to job duties will be evaluated. Comfortable with WordPress, and the standard suite of Microsoft Office Products

Software applications:

MS Office software, Adobe Creative, Google Analytics, Sprout Social, Mail Chimp, Survey Monkey, Wordpress and Hoot Suite.  

Training and/or Education:

Bachelors Degree in Communications, Public Relations, English, Marketing, Political Science, Public Administration, or related field is preferred. A combination of education and five years of experience will be considered as meeting the requirements. 

Required Experience:

At least five years experience is preferred.

Licenses or Certificates:

Virginia Driver’s License

Special Requirements:

This position is classified as non-essential personnel.

FLSA Status:

Non-exempt

Physical Demands:

Work requires some physical effort in transporting equipment and materials, making onsite presentations, setting up displays, operation of a keyboard device and standing for long periods of time.  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Unusual Demands:

Work will require evening and weekend hours for public hearings, speaking engagements, major events and other meetings. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Work involves meeting multiple demands on a timely basis.  Duties may require some seasonal overtime.