Why OCTA:

Discover work that moves you in a dynamic and innovative setting. Be part of a team delivering Orange County’s transportation network of today and creating a vision for the future.

OCTA is the county’s transportation planning commission and public transit operator. With a focus on safety and accountability, we plan, fund, and implement countywide projects that include bus and rail transit, freeways and express lanes, rideshare, microtransit, paratransit, active transportation, and environmental programs.

We’re passionate about creating a balanced, equitable and sustainable transportation system that reflects the diverse travel needs of the county’s 34 cities and 3.2 million residents.

Our employees rated OCTA as a top workplace in Orange County. Come join us on our mission of keeping Orange County moving.

Overview:

Under direct supervision, assists with the design and implementation of community relations programs to maximize engagement with community members, civic leaders, business leaders and other key stakeholders from diverse communities and organizations. The position is responsible for ensuring that the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) maintains the highest levels of inclusion and advances diversity by providing outreach to diverse communities to advance the projects, programs, and services of the Authority.

This position is not eligible for employee benefits. The work schedule will consist of approximately 20 hours a week, not to exceed 1,000 hours within a continuous 12-month period.

This position is non-exempt in Salary Grade L: Min $27.63 – Mid $33.21 – Max $38.78 per hour. The starting salary will be within this range based on qualifications.

The application deadline for this position is May 22, 2023.

This list is intended to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and is not designed to be interpreted as an exhaustive listing of all tasks required of employees assigned to this job.

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  Assists in implementing public awareness and community and business outreach programs for diversity outreach, ensuring the agency's mission and strategic goals are accomplished.
• Assists in maintaining working relationships with internal departments and external audiences such as community, business, social, education and faith-based organizations that represent diversity in order to assist in planning services and programs to reflect the needs of Orange County’s diverse communities.
• Assists with consultants in planning and implementing outreach programs and public participation activities for diversity and inclusion.
• Assists with planning and coordinating all logistical requirements, i.e., agenda packets, committee notes, invitation process, etc., for Diversity Community Leaders group meetings and activities as well as provide logistical support for diverse business, social and faith-based activities and/or events.
• Assists with developing public participation programs for diversity to reflect the needs of the diverse communities utilizing public engagement tools.
• Drafts collateral materials for diversity and coordinates production/distribution to members of diverse communities.
• Assists in planning and implementing public forums, workshops, conferences, and special events for diverse community members.
• Assists in the development of strategies for diversity and inclusion that support the agency’s implementation of a balanced transportation network.
• Assists in the preparation and tracking of various communication metrics and internal reports/databases.
• Monitors the web and social media, including non-English language content for accuracy and relevance.
• Attends project development team meetings for assigned projects and monitors activities requiring diversity outreach assistance.
• Attends professional development workshops/courses to continually enhance skills and industry knowledge.

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism or related field. Related experience preferred. Knowledge of Orange County demographics and transportation issues is desirable. The ability to read, write, and speak Spanish with professional proficiency is required.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and techniques of public information and participation programs.
• Principles and techniques of communication, including written, visual, and public speaking.
• Operations, principles, and resources of government and other public organizations.
• Basic production techniques/processes including photography, illustration, layout, type, printing, and direct mail fulfillment.
• Electronic communications’ best practices for social media, e-newsletters, etc.
• Media and public relations principles and concepts.
• Public relations and business writing techniques.
• Principles and techniques of project management, special events, and issues management.
• Computer software skills including word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications such as MS Office programs including Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.
• Professional, diplomatic, and tactful communication.

Ability to:

• Assist with the development of communication plans, materials, and presentations for diversity.
• Research key diverse stakeholder audiences and potential project-related impacts.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing in Spanish with professional proficiency.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff along with diverse community members and other organizations representing diversity.
• Organize, analyze, interpret, and clearly explain operational/technical policy information in simple terms utilizing Spanish.
• Assist in the design, copywriting, and production of public information materials.
• Compose, edit, and proofread copy using Associated Press style.
• Track monthly communication activities for diversity.
• Mentor and guide diversity outreach intern.

Working Conditions/Physical Activities:

(The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. OCTA provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions).

Positions in this class typically require:

• Work may be performed in a stressful, fast-paced office environment, depending upon assignment.
• Requires ability to understand verbal communication and to respond effectively.
• Positions in this class typically require: Reaching, Finger Dexterity, Grasping, Feeling, Talking, Hearing, Seeing, and Repetitive Motions in computer use.

OCTA is an equal employment opportunity employer that recruits, hires, and promotes qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, or other legally protected status.