Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
Public Communication Specialist I/II BART Silicon Valley Phase II (Project Posit
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, San Jose, California, United States, 95199
Overview
The Public Communications Specialist will serve as a proactive collaborative team member on VTA’s BART Silicon Valley Phase II Project, engaging with the community as part of the BSVII External Affairs team. The ideal candidate will blend communication skills, strategic thinking, and community engagement experience, with a proven track record in crafting written content, managing communication projects across channels, and fostering partnerships with external stakeholders. The BSVII Project is anticipated to start revenue service in 2037. BART Division
VTA’s BART Silicon Valley involves a program of transportation improvements that generally extend from the southern boundary of Alameda County in Fremont through Milpitas, San Jose, and Santa Clara in Santa Clara County. These improvements include a planned 16-mile, six-station extension of the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) system into Silicon Valley, along with related projects to prepare the rail corridor for BART, such as relocation of UPRR tracks and utilities, drainage improvements, and grade separation projects. VTA’s BART Silicon Valley is managed by VTA in cooperation with BART and is constructed in phases. Phase I ( Berryessa Extension ) opened in 2020. Phase II will include a 5-mile subway tunnel through downtown San Jose and extend BART from the Phase I terminus for about six miles to the City of Santa Clara, with four proposed stations: 28th Street/Little Portugal, Downtown San Jose, Diridon, and Santa Clara. What you will be doing
Under supervision, the Public Communications Specialist I performs or assists in a variety of activities in support of VTA’s public and news media relations, community outreach, employee communications, and marketing promotional efforts, including writing and editing material for publication, conceptualizing and developing programs, and preparing and making presentations. Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the first working level of the Public Communication Specialist series. Incumbents work under supervision on routine and limited-scope projects with limited discretion. They may receive general supervision on routine assignments or assist on more complex tasks under closer supervision. The Public Communications Specialist I is distinguished from the Public Communications Specialist II, who performs the full range of duties independently and may lead or train staff. Typical Tasks
Assists in the concept, development, coordination, conduct, and evaluation of marketing, outreach, public awareness, public and news media relations, and other promotional efforts; Develops, writes, and edits materials for advertisements, news releases, brochures, pamphlets, promotional events, campaigns, internal communications, and other public information projects; Assists with the development of professional partnerships with public and private sector organizations; Responds to daily information requests from the public in person, by telephone and Internet, and in writing; Prepares and presents information regarding VTA projects to the public and VTA employees; Plans and coordinates events and promotions for VTA employees and the public; may provide event photography; Interviews VTA officials, employees, representatives from various groups, and the public to verify information; Coordinates internal and external project activities, including public meetings; Assists in scheduling, negotiating costs, and purchasing media space and time; Prepares reports requiring data collection and analysis from various sources; May assist with developing and maintaining website content; May participate in meetings and promotions on weekends and evenings; Performs related work as required. Employment Standards
Sufficient training, education, and experience to demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Development of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is typically obtained through training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in marketing, journalism, communications, or a related field. Experience in journalism, advertising, marketing, or public relations may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis. Possession of a California driver’s license is required at the time of appointment. Knowledge of: Principles, techniques, and methods of effective public communications, public relations, news media communications, and community outreach; Principles and techniques of preparing advertising copy, layout, and production; Public information media customs and practices; Techniques of interviewing; Standard English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Ability to: Compile and analyze data to draft news releases; Communicate ideas through creative writing and presentations to groups; Draft, edit, and proofread materials for publication; Conceptualize print and broadcast advertising; Plan and organize outreach and promotional activities; Complete multiple assignments efficiently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced team environment; Understand and communicate technical data to the media and the public; Assist in developing responses to community concerns related to VTA projects; Operate a personal computer with common software applications and learn unit-specific software; Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships. General Application Instructions
Please read this job announcement in full before applying. We recommend printing or saving a copy for future reference. To be considered, applications must be submitted online through the Human Resources department by the posted deadline. If the job posting is listed as continuous, apply as soon as possible as the posting may close without prior notice. You will receive an immediate email confirmation once your application is submitted. Important: Only online applications will be accepted. We do not accept paper applications, resumes, or incomplete submissions in place of a fully completed online application. Communication & Contact Information
All updates regarding your application—including notices for testing and interviews—will be sent via email. Maintain a valid email address and ensure your profile has current phone numbers and mailing addresses. Applicants are responsible for keeping these updated. For technical support, contact NEOGOV at (855) 524-5627, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (PST), excluding holidays. Application Review & Processing
All current and prior relevant work experience must be detailed in the Work Experience section of your application. Entries such as “see resume” are not acceptable. Incomplete applications may be rejected. The education and experience requirements in the online application will be used to determine minimum qualifications. Submitting a resume does not substitute for completing the online application. Applications are reviewed throughout the recruitment process to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualifications. Meeting minimums or advancing does not guarantee selection. Misrepresentation or falsification of qualifications may result in disqualification or exclusion from future opportunities. This classification is represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Wages, hours, and terms are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement between VTA and the union. Tentative Oral Panels : Thursday, October 30, 2025. Conditions of Employment
Final candidates must successfully complete a Livescan background check, reference checks, verification of education or certifications, and a criminal history review before appointment. Eligibility List
The eligible list from this recruitment will be used to fill current and future vacancies and typically remains in effect for six (6) months. The list may be extended for up to two years. Eligible lists may be used for multiple recruitments. Acknowledgments
Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations: VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, contact the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email Personnel@vta.org at least five business days before the test. Equal Employment Opportunity: VTA is an equal opportunity employer. VTA does not tolerate discrimination based on age, ancestry, color, marital status, disability, genetic information, national origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.
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The Public Communications Specialist will serve as a proactive collaborative team member on VTA’s BART Silicon Valley Phase II Project, engaging with the community as part of the BSVII External Affairs team. The ideal candidate will blend communication skills, strategic thinking, and community engagement experience, with a proven track record in crafting written content, managing communication projects across channels, and fostering partnerships with external stakeholders. The BSVII Project is anticipated to start revenue service in 2037. BART Division
VTA’s BART Silicon Valley involves a program of transportation improvements that generally extend from the southern boundary of Alameda County in Fremont through Milpitas, San Jose, and Santa Clara in Santa Clara County. These improvements include a planned 16-mile, six-station extension of the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) system into Silicon Valley, along with related projects to prepare the rail corridor for BART, such as relocation of UPRR tracks and utilities, drainage improvements, and grade separation projects. VTA’s BART Silicon Valley is managed by VTA in cooperation with BART and is constructed in phases. Phase I ( Berryessa Extension ) opened in 2020. Phase II will include a 5-mile subway tunnel through downtown San Jose and extend BART from the Phase I terminus for about six miles to the City of Santa Clara, with four proposed stations: 28th Street/Little Portugal, Downtown San Jose, Diridon, and Santa Clara. What you will be doing
Under supervision, the Public Communications Specialist I performs or assists in a variety of activities in support of VTA’s public and news media relations, community outreach, employee communications, and marketing promotional efforts, including writing and editing material for publication, conceptualizing and developing programs, and preparing and making presentations. Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the first working level of the Public Communication Specialist series. Incumbents work under supervision on routine and limited-scope projects with limited discretion. They may receive general supervision on routine assignments or assist on more complex tasks under closer supervision. The Public Communications Specialist I is distinguished from the Public Communications Specialist II, who performs the full range of duties independently and may lead or train staff. Typical Tasks
Assists in the concept, development, coordination, conduct, and evaluation of marketing, outreach, public awareness, public and news media relations, and other promotional efforts; Develops, writes, and edits materials for advertisements, news releases, brochures, pamphlets, promotional events, campaigns, internal communications, and other public information projects; Assists with the development of professional partnerships with public and private sector organizations; Responds to daily information requests from the public in person, by telephone and Internet, and in writing; Prepares and presents information regarding VTA projects to the public and VTA employees; Plans and coordinates events and promotions for VTA employees and the public; may provide event photography; Interviews VTA officials, employees, representatives from various groups, and the public to verify information; Coordinates internal and external project activities, including public meetings; Assists in scheduling, negotiating costs, and purchasing media space and time; Prepares reports requiring data collection and analysis from various sources; May assist with developing and maintaining website content; May participate in meetings and promotions on weekends and evenings; Performs related work as required. Employment Standards
Sufficient training, education, and experience to demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Development of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is typically obtained through training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in marketing, journalism, communications, or a related field. Experience in journalism, advertising, marketing, or public relations may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis. Possession of a California driver’s license is required at the time of appointment. Knowledge of: Principles, techniques, and methods of effective public communications, public relations, news media communications, and community outreach; Principles and techniques of preparing advertising copy, layout, and production; Public information media customs and practices; Techniques of interviewing; Standard English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Ability to: Compile and analyze data to draft news releases; Communicate ideas through creative writing and presentations to groups; Draft, edit, and proofread materials for publication; Conceptualize print and broadcast advertising; Plan and organize outreach and promotional activities; Complete multiple assignments efficiently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced team environment; Understand and communicate technical data to the media and the public; Assist in developing responses to community concerns related to VTA projects; Operate a personal computer with common software applications and learn unit-specific software; Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships. General Application Instructions
Please read this job announcement in full before applying. We recommend printing or saving a copy for future reference. To be considered, applications must be submitted online through the Human Resources department by the posted deadline. If the job posting is listed as continuous, apply as soon as possible as the posting may close without prior notice. You will receive an immediate email confirmation once your application is submitted. Important: Only online applications will be accepted. We do not accept paper applications, resumes, or incomplete submissions in place of a fully completed online application. Communication & Contact Information
All updates regarding your application—including notices for testing and interviews—will be sent via email. Maintain a valid email address and ensure your profile has current phone numbers and mailing addresses. Applicants are responsible for keeping these updated. For technical support, contact NEOGOV at (855) 524-5627, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (PST), excluding holidays. Application Review & Processing
All current and prior relevant work experience must be detailed in the Work Experience section of your application. Entries such as “see resume” are not acceptable. Incomplete applications may be rejected. The education and experience requirements in the online application will be used to determine minimum qualifications. Submitting a resume does not substitute for completing the online application. Applications are reviewed throughout the recruitment process to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualifications. Meeting minimums or advancing does not guarantee selection. Misrepresentation or falsification of qualifications may result in disqualification or exclusion from future opportunities. This classification is represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Wages, hours, and terms are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement between VTA and the union. Tentative Oral Panels : Thursday, October 30, 2025. Conditions of Employment
Final candidates must successfully complete a Livescan background check, reference checks, verification of education or certifications, and a criminal history review before appointment. Eligibility List
The eligible list from this recruitment will be used to fill current and future vacancies and typically remains in effect for six (6) months. The list may be extended for up to two years. Eligible lists may be used for multiple recruitments. Acknowledgments
Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations: VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, contact the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email Personnel@vta.org at least five business days before the test. Equal Employment Opportunity: VTA is an equal opportunity employer. VTA does not tolerate discrimination based on age, ancestry, color, marital status, disability, genetic information, national origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.
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