Overview 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 general guidance, develops, implements and supervises the capital projects outreach program and team. Acts as strategic and technical adviser, ensuring high quality community relations and public participation programs to support the delivery of Measure M and other capital improvements. This is an exempt position in Salary Grade 220: Min $110,178.00 – Mid $132,214.00 – Max $154,250.00 annually. The starting salary will be within this range based on qualifications. The application deadline for this position is Monday, December 2, 2024. Responsibilities 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. Displays High Integrity & Honesty: Takes personal responsibility, acts with honesty and consistency. Has Technical and Professional Expertise: Has the technical skills, product knowledge and professional skills to do the job. Leads, supervises, and coordinates the development, implementation, and evaluation of public awareness and public participation programs with internal resources and/or consultant teams that support all phases of capital project development. Creates authentic, comprehensive and inclusive community engagement programs to reach diverse and underrepresented communities. Supports OCTA’s diversity outreach efforts to ensure equity in capital project development public outreach. Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work of section staff; assigns activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates products, methods, and processes. Develops processes and management controls needed to ensure consistent work quality and section efficiency. Directly supervises and provides mentoring to staff. Provides and seeks opportunities for professional development. Ensures senior staff are providing clear direction and mentoring to junior staff. Reviews and approves consultant invoices. Verifies rates, direct costs, burn rates, allowable monthly billed tasks and contract compliance. Develops and tracks the section’s annual budget; participates in the forecasting of funds needed for section staffing, equipment, services, and supplies; monitors expenditures and makes any necessary adjustments. Develops and maintains staffing plan and resource allocation plan for current and planned outreach efforts. Ensures monthly metrics are captured and cataloged for each project and program. Oversees the development of Requests for Proposals, oversees awarded contracts, and develops operational and management contract policies for section staff. Leads analysis of consultant procurements. Oversees the development and coordination of information to support community outreach and public participation functions, including newsletters, fact sheets, updates, presentations, digital communications, social media, charts and other tools to inform the public on transportation activities and issues. Establishes and meets deadlines. Delivers presentations to the Board of Directors and the community on issues and activities related to projects. Builds Relationships: Is trusted by others, is aware and supportive of needs of individuals and balances results with individual needs. Collaborates with counterparts in Marketing & Customer Engagement Department, as well as departments in all other OCTA divisions. Encourages collaboration among public outreach project managers, and between public outreach project managers and their counterparts in Marketing & Customer Engagement, as well as departments in all other OCTA divisions. Creates and maintains working relationships with residents, business owners, civic groups, elected officials and other stakeholders to ensure accurate information and public engagement on major projects. Develops Strategic Perspective: Knows how immediate work relates to organizational strategy, translates into actionable steps. Maintains a general awareness of OCTA projects, programs, and services, as well transportation trends, policies, and key issues relevant to OCTA and its Board of Directors. Leverages and maximizes consultant resources to effectively and efficiently manage projects during all phases of project development. Solves Problems & Analyzes Issues: Has and applies problem analysis and problem-solving skills on a technical and interpersonal level. Forecasts and anticipates future procurement needs. Amends consultant contracts as necessary based on staffing, scope, schedule and other changes to ensure compliance. Monitors and analyzes the effectiveness of digital and traditional public information program strategies and tactics. Recommends adjustments to programs accordingly. Qualifications Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field with a minimum of five years’ experience in public participation/community engagement programs or equivalent, three of which are at a senior level in community or public relations. Three years of previous management experience preferred. 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. Compensation and Benefits: OCTA offers an attractive compensation and benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision health insurance programs, flex time (may be available), paid sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement, deferred compensation plan, educational reimbursement, excellent in-house training programs, free transportation passes for the employee and dependents, wellness and ergonomic programs, and much more. OCTA has a hybrid remote work program. Eligibility is dependent on manager’s approval. 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.