Manager II, Public Relations

SUMMARY

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Manager II, Public Relations (official title: Manager II, Various) will lead public and media relations initiatives for Metrolink with the goals of driving awareness of the service, as well as building, enhancing and protecting the agency’s reputation in the community and public. Responsibilities include developing and executing strategic communications plans, assuming a leadership role within Metrolink’s on-call crisis response team, managing PR agency personnel, serving as an official spokesperson, and prepping other representatives for media and public-speaking appearances. This is a high-profile position reporting to the Director, Communications, within the Customer Experience division.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the senior level of the Manager (various) series. At this level, incumbents typically independently represent the organization; serve as a subject-matter expert who possesses highly specialized knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience; are responsible for a specialty program area that has a major impact on the organization.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

• Receives oversight from departmental management.
• First-line supervisory responsibility.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities.

• Plan, develop, and implement high-impact public relations campaigns and activations that advance agency priorities, integrate seamlessly with marketing efforts, and showcase Metrolink’s people and expertise.
• Lead proactive storytelling and earned media strategy through targeted pitching and placements that expand brand visibility, inform stakeholder perceptions, and position Metrolink leaders as trusted voices for the region.
• Cultivate and steward strong relationships with key local, regional, national, and industry media, as well as those who specialize in adjacent sectors, such as travel and leisure.
• Collaborate across departments, Metrolink member agencies, and industry partners to surface, shape, and package strategic, high-value storylines.
• Produce a wide range of top-quality content, including but not limited to presentations, communications plans, press releases and advisories, talking points, video scripts, newsletter articles, and all-staff communications.
• Maintain and continuously refine a comprehensive media database and targeted distribution lists to support situationally appropriate outreach, rapid response, and measurable results.
• Track media coverage and public sentiment, flagging risks and opportunities, providing rapid counsel, and adjusting messaging and outreach accordingly.
• Serve as a leader within Metrolink’s 24/7 public affairs on-call team, providing expert crisis communications support, acting as rotating lead (typically one week per month), and training new team members to ensure consistent, disciplined response during incidents.
• Represent Metrolink at special events, public meetings, and external engagements as needed, serving as a visible ambassador for the agency and its leadership.
• Direct and oversee the work of contractors supporting communications and public relations initiatives, establishing clear expectations, ensuring quality and compliance, and directing field activity.
• Champion a high-performing team culture by mentoring and developing teammates, supporting onboarding and training, and contributing to talent selection and successful integration of new employees.
• The responsibilities outlined above are representative of the role but not exhaustive. Additional duties may be assigned as needed, and reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
• A minimum of six years’ experience in communications, journalism, or public relations.
• A combination of training, with a minimum of an Associate Degree, and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered when determining minimum qualifications. Advanced relevant coursework may also substitute for a portion of the required experience.
• A valid Class “C” California driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record of no more than two moving violations and no DUIs within the last three years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in relevant field.
• Experience within a government environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of :

• Event management and coordination.
• Earned media strategies and tactics.
• Communications in government agencies.
• Political sensitivities.

Skilled In :

• Written and verbal communication.
• Proofreading.
• Coaching and mentoring team members.
• Use of Microsoft Office suite.
• Organization and time management.

Ability to :

• Translate Metrolink’s vision, mission, and strategic goals into clear, compelling messaging that educates, informs, and advances agency priorities across audiences and channels.
• Simultaneously balance multiple initiatives - and drive them to successful completion.
• Adapt quickly and thoughtfully to evolving conditions, keeping communications disciplined and responsive and maintaining composure as conditions shift.
• Distill media monitoring and stakeholder sentiment data into clear, actionable insight, identifying trends, surfacing risks and opportunities early, and informing strategic communications decisions.
• Exercise sound judgment, decisive leadership, and creative problem-solving in shaping and executing high-impact communications and public relations strategies across multiple priorities.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships.
• Work weekends and extended hours.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Transition between a stationary position at a desk or work location and move about Metrolink facilities or other work site locations.
• Operate tools to perform the duties of the position, such as computers, office equipment, and work-related machinery.
• Transport equipment or boxes up to 25 lbs.
• Exchange ideas by means of communication.
• Visual acuity to detect, identify, and observe employees or train movement and any barriers to movement when working on or near railroad tracks.
• Hear and perceive the nature of sounds when working on or near railroad tracks.
• Balance, ascend/descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch, or crawl within assigned working conditions and or locations.

Working Conditions

Position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Work may also be conducted in outdoor environments, at construction sites, Railroad Track and Right-of-Way environments, and warehouse environments, with possible exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate, moving mechanical parts, and loud noises (85+ decibels, such as heavy trucks, construction, etc.)

Southern California Regional Rail Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Authority will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

MEDICAL:

SCRRA offers a choice of health plan options provided through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You may choose from Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. Some health plans are only available in certain counties and/or zip codes.
SCRRA will contribute 87.50 percent and you will contribute 12.50 percent of the premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents.
You may waive coverage if you are covered under another group health plan; you must provide proof. Once you waive coverage, you will only be allowed to enroll during Open Enrollment or within 60 days from the date on which your other coverage is no longer available (proof is required). If you elect to waive coverage, you will receive $300.00 per month taxable earnings, paid in two installments of $150 each on the first two paychecks of the month. A retiree or an employee who is a spouse, child, or any other eligible dependent of another SCRRA employee is not eligible for the opt out/cash in lieu credit if he/she is covered under a SCRRA health plan.
Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.

DENTAL:

SCRRA offers two dental options provided by Delta Dental. Under the DeltaCare (HMO) program, you must select a contract dentist within their network to perform your dental services. If you require treatment from a specialist, your contract dentist will handle the referral. Many services are covered at no cost to you. A co-payment applies for other services.
The Delta Dental PPO plan allows you to visit a dentist of your choice, change dentists at any time, go to a dental specialist of your choice, receive dental care any-where in the world, and save on out-of-pocket expenses when you visit a PPO net-work dental office.
SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents un-der both plans.
Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.

VISION:

SCRRA offers two (2) vision plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP), providing coverage for eye examinations, prescription eyewear and contact lenses through network providers. You have the option of seeing out-of-network providers, but full reimbursement is not guaranteed.
VSP has contracted with many laser surgery facilities and doctors, offering you a discount on PRK and LASIK surgeries.
If you enroll in the VSP Basic Plan, SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents. If you enroll in the VSP Buy-up Plan, which offers enhanced vision benefits, you pay the difference between the cost of the Basic Plan and the Buy-up Plan.
Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS:

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow for the deferral of pre-tax dollars to be used for reimbursement of eligible medical, dependent care, and commuter parking expenses related to commuting to/from work.
Below are the 2026 contribution limits:
• Health FSA: $3,400 per year
• Dependent Care FSA: $7,500 per household per year for single filers or married couples filing jointly, and $3,750 per year for married couples filing separately
• Commuter Parking Benefit: $340/month
Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or a qualifying event.

GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE:

SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, to a maximum of $350,000. Your life insurance benefit will re-duce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70.
IRS regulations require that the portion of Group Term Life (“G.T.L.”) insurance benefits provided to you by SCRRA, which exceeds $50,000, be added to your Federal, State, and Medicare taxable earnings for W-2 reporting. This amount is reflected on your pay statements each pay period in the “Other Benefits and Information” sec-tion.
In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000 without evidence of insurability (initial enrollment period only) and up to 5 times your salary to a maximum of $500,000 with evidence of insurability. Dependent life options are also available. The voluntary plan is portable; you may retain it if you leave SCRRA and pay the premium.
Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.

ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT:

SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, up to a maximum of $350,000. Your AD&D insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70. In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000, subject to a maxi-mum of the lesser of 5 times your annual salary or $500,000. Dependent AD&D options are also available.
Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.

SHORT TERM DISABILITY:

You are covered under the California State Disability Insurance (SDI) Program. Your maximum benefit amount is 52 times your weekly benefit amount or the total wages subject to SDI tax paid in your base period, whichever is less. Employees pay a mandatory contribution, through payroll deductions, for coverage under the SDI pro-gram. The contribution rate for 2026 is 1.3 percent of earnings (no wage cap).

LONG TERM DISABILITY:

SCRRA provides for income replacement of 60 percent of monthly earnings subject to a maximum benefit of $10,000 per month up to age 65. To qualify, you must be on disability for 90 days. (Note: there is a pre-existing condition clause in this program.)
Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.
INDIVIDUAL DISABILITY INSURANCE (IDI):

SCRRA provides Individual Disability Insurance (IDI) for employees earning more than $200,000 per year. IDI supplements the LTD benefits to ensure that higher earners receive 60 percent of their monthly earnings should they experience a covered disability and are off work. The policy is fully portable, which means that if you leave Metrolink you can retain the policy at your own cost. No medical examinations required.

VOLUNTARY BENEFITS:

SCRRA offers the following employee-paid voluntary benefits, provided by Aflac:
• Group Accident Insurance helps pay for out-of-pocket costs that arise from covered accidents, such as fractures, dislocations, and lacerations.
• Group Critical Illness Insurance helps pay for the expected and unexpected expenses that arise from diagnosis of a covered critical illness, such as cancer (internal or invasive), heart attack, stroke, end-stage renal failure or a major organ transplant.
• Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance helps pay for the out-of-pocket costs as-sociated with a hospital stay, including benefits for hospital confinement, hospital admission, hospital intensive care and intermediate intensive care step-down unit.
• Group Short-Term Disability Insurance pays a monthly benefit directly to an employee who is off work due to an injury or illness for up to three (3) months after a seven (7) day waiting period.
Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.
9/80 ALTERNATIVE WORK SCHEDULE:

SCRRA offers a 9/80 Alternative Work Schedule (AWS). During a 10-day work period, you work eight 9-hour days, one 8-hour day and have one day off. Your day off can be Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Approval from your supervisor, chief and HR is required to participate in the 9/80 AWS program.

TELECOMMUTING SCHEDULE:

SCRRA offers employees the option to telecommute up to two (2) days per week. At the CEO’s discretion, the maximum number of days per week may be increased due to a natural disaster, pandemic, civil unrest, federal/state/local stay-at-home order, or other special circumstances. Approval from your supervisor, chief and HR is required to participate in the telecommuting program. Employees on a 9/80 schedule cannot telecommute.

HOLIDAYS:

SCRRA observes twelve (12) holidays a year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

PAID TIME OFF (PTO):

SCRRA provides employees with Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacations, illnesses, injuries, medical/dental appointments, religious holidays, personal business, and emergencies as follows:
Biweekly Approx. Annual

Years of Service Accrual Rate Equivalent

Through 4 years’ service 7.69 hours 25 (8 hr. days)

5-6 years’ service 9.23 hours 30

7th year service 9.85 hours 32

8th year service 10.16 hours 33

9th year service 10.47 hours 34

10-14 years’ service 10.77 hours 35

15-19 years’ service 11.70 hours 38

20 or more years’ service 12.93 hours 42

At the CEO’s discretion, prior service at a public transportation or public agency, or rail transportation company may be counted towards an employee’s total service years to increase the employee’s PTO accrual rate. To be considered, Human Resources requires that a written request along with verification and confirmation of the years of service be provided prior to the start of employment with SCRRA. Human Resources will provide the final determination on behalf of the CEO.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP):

SCRRA offers you and your immediate and dependent family members confidential counseling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for family, personal, work-related and substance abuse issues through the EAP. You are entitled to a telephone session(s) with a trained EAP professional to assess the nature of the problem and provide a referral for additional assistance, if needed. Services also include three (3) face-to-face counseling sessions per family member per six (6) month period.

HEALTH ADVOCACY SERVICES:

SCRRA offers you and your eligible dependents free health advocacy services through Health Advocate. You are entitled to unlimited calls with trained professionals who can help you navigate the healthcare and insurance systems.

RETIREMENT PLAN:

The SCRRA contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You pay an 8.00 percent employee contribution* and SCRRA pays an employer contribution, which varies each year. To be eligible for a service retirement, you must be at least age 52 and have a minimum of five (5) years of CalPERS-credited service. Upon retirement you are entitled to a monthly retirement benefit based on your years of credited service, age, and average compensation during your last three (3) years of service (“final compensation”). The retirement formula for New Members is 2%@62, which means at age 62, you receive 2 percent of your final compensation for every year of service.
Upon separation from employment with less than 5 years of credited service, you may request a refund of your employee contributions only, including interest, and end your membership with CalPERS, or leave it in your account and retain your service credit should you decide to work for another CalPERS-covered agency. If you are vested upon separation but do not retire, you may leave your contributions in your account until retirement or elect a refund.
*Subject to increase or decrease based on CalPERS annual actuarial valuation.

SOCIAL SECURITY:

You do not participate in Social Security except for Medicare. You will contribute 1.45 percent of your pay to cover the hospital insurance portion of Medicare.
Additional Medicare Hospital Insurance Tax: As of January 1, 2013, employees are required to pay an additional 0.9 percent Medicare tax on earnings above $200,000 (for those who file an individual return) or $250,000 (for those who file a joint re-turn). This additional hospital insurance tax is not reflected in the rate above.

RETIREE MEDICAL:

Unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18*: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other. SCRRA pays the same amount for retirees as it does for active employees, which is currently 87.50 percent, and you pay 12.50 percent of the applicable premium.

Unrepresented employees hired on or after 11/1/18: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other and you have a minimum of 10 years of credited CalPERS service, five of which must be performed at SCRRA. SCRRA pays a percentage of the state annuitant contribution rate** in accordance with the vesting schedule below:

Credited Years of CalPERS Service

Percentage of Contribution

10

50%

11 - 19

50%, plus 5% for each additional year of service

20+

100%

*Once each year the employer may allow unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18 the opportunity to individually elect to be subject to the vesting schedule.

**The state annuitant contribution rates for 2026 are: $1,084 (Retiree Only); $2,057 (Retiree + 1 De-pendent); $2,638 (Retiree + Family).

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN- 457(b):

A percentage of your pay or a specified dollar amount can be contributed to the 457(b) Plan on a pre-tax basis, or an after-tax basis as a Roth contribution. Pre-tax contributions reduce current taxable income, with taxes paid only on withdrawals later. Roth contributions won’t reduce your taxable income and can be withdrawn tax-free if the requirements for a qualified distribution are met.
The 2026 contribution limits for the 457 Plan are below. The contribution limits apply to the combination of pre-tax and Roth contributions.

Normal Limit - $24,500
"Age 50" Catch-up Limit- $8,000 ($32,500 Total)
"Super" Catch-up Limit (Age 60-63)- $11,250 ($35,750 Total)
"Pre- Retirement" Catch- up Limit- $24,500 ($49,000 Total)

TRANSPORTATION PASSES:

You may use your employee badge for unlimited free access to all Metrolink lines and trains. Your badge cannot be used on connecting public transportation. How-ever, if you commute to/from work on Metrolink on a regular basis and need to connect to other public transportation (e.g., Metro Red or Purple Line) you can be issued a Metrolink pass with the appropriate station pair or a TAP card, which will give you access to connecting transportation. Employees who have a business need to ride Metrolink system-wide, including but not limited to the Executive Leadership Team (XLT), will be issued a system-wide Metrolink pass, which can be used on all Metrolink trains and connecting transportation.
You are also eligible to receive a free transit pass to ride any greater Los Angeles area transit system other than Metrolink (such as Metro, Foothill Transit, LADOT, and LOSSAN) for commuting purposes. The commuter transit pass has a value up to the monthly maximum tax-free transit pass amount established by the Internal Revenue Service ($340 in 2026). You are responsible for any transit fares above the IRS monthly maximum. To receive this benefit, the SCRRA requires each employee to use public transportation to commute to and from work three (3) or more days per week.
Employees may purchase a monthly Metrolink pass for their eligible dependents at a fifty percent (50%) discount. The employee’s share of the fare will be deducted from the employee’s paycheck each pay period.
Eligible retirees who retire from Metrolink within one-hundred twenty (120) days of their separation date and have at least five (5) years of Metrolink service will receive a system-wide Metrolink pass for themselves and their eligible dependents as part of their retiree benefits. These system-wide Metrolink passes cannot be used to connect to other public transportation.

OTHER BENEFITS:

Educational Assistance - SCRRA will reimburse an employee up to $1,000 per fiscal year for tuition, books and mandatory student fees for courses that are relevant to employment. No reimbursement is allowed for parking.

Professional Memberships - SCRRA pays up to $300 per year for professional memberships.

Credit Union Membership - SCRRA offers credit union services for employees and their family members, provided by Northrup Grumman Federal Credit Union.

Jury Duty - SCRRA will continue an employee's salary during any non-voluntary jury service up to a maximum of ten (10) working days.

Pregnancy Disability and Family and Medical Leaves - A leave of absence may be paid or unpaid and shall be granted in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, and SCRRA policy. Refer to the Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual for more detailed information.

Bereavement Leave -In the event of a death of an employee’s family member (spouse, domestic partner, child, stepchild, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sib-ling, parent-in-law), SCRRA grants up to three (3) working days, with pay, plus up to an additional two (2) days without pay. An employee may use PTO or accrued and available sick leave to provide compensation during the two (2) unpaid days of bereavement leave.
When an employee needs to travel outside the perimeter of the five member agencies’ jurisdictional areas due to the death of an immediate family member, the SCRRA grants a total of up to five (5) working days, with pay.

Military Leave - Employees will be paid for the annually required active period. At the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer, and with Board notification, paid military leave may be granted beyond what is provided by the applicable state law

Closing Date/Time: 3/6/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

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