Public Information & Media Relations Lead (On‑Call)

San Mateo County Transit District; Millbrae (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The Public Information Officer at San Mateo County Transit District oversees media relations for SamTrans, Caltrain, SMCTA and the San Mateo 101 Express Lanes. The role serves as District spokesperson, pitches stories, and coordinates press conferences while developing media strategy with the Manager of Communications.

Responsibilities include crafting press materials, handling inquiries, attending board meetings, and supporting executives with talks and interviews, plus tracking media coverage

Qualifications

• Excellent and effective oral, written communication and proofreading skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of media strategy.
• Experience working in a newsroom and writing in AP style.
• Proficiency in using emerging technologies, including AI tools.
• Experience working for a public agency.
• Fluent in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Answers media inquiries and maintains media contact lists.
• Represents the Strategic Communications Department on cross-functional teams to support agency projects.
• Crafts, edits and refines copy for web and printed material.
• Attends monthly board and internal meetings.
• Provides writing and editing support for the District, where needed.
• Tracks and collects data on District news and social coverage through Meltwater, sends summary of news to all District staff.
• Serves as a member of the District’s Emergency Operations Team, will help with the preparation plan for the dissemination of information to employees, outside support systems and the community.
• Writes and creates content for District podcast.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Supervisory duties, as assigned.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Proofreading

Media strategy

AP style

Public agency experience

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communication, Public Relations or related field

Tools

AI tools

Job description

The Public Information Officer at San Mateo County Transit District oversees media relations for SamTrans, Caltrain, SMCTA and the San Mateo 101 Express Lanes. The role serves as District spokesperson, pitches stories, and coordinates press conferences while developing media strategy with the Manager of Communications.

Responsibilities include crafting press materials, handling inquiries, attending board meetings, and supporting executives with talks and interviews, plus tracking media coverage