Job Title

Manager II, Public Relations Print ( Apply ufeff Manager II, Public Relations Salary $102,793.00 - $159,329.00 Annually Location California 90017, CA Job Type At Will Full Time Remote Employment Flexible/Hybrid Job Number 23-2400208 Department Customer Experience Opening Date 02/13/2026 Closing Date 3/6/2026 5:00 PM Pacific + Description + Benefits + Questions 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 agencyu2019s reputation in the community and public. Responsibilities include developing and executing strategic communications plans, assuming a leadership role within Metrolinku2019s 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 Metrolinku2019s 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 Metrolinku2019s 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 + Bacheloru2019s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field. + A minimum of six yearsu2019 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 u201cCu201d California driveru2019s license with a satisfactory driving record of no more than two moving violations and no DUIs within the last three years. Preferred Qualifications + Masteru2019s 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 Metrolinku2019s vision, mission, and strategic goals into clear, compelling messaging that educates, informs, and advances agency priorities across audiences and channels. + Simultaneously balance multiple initiatives u2013 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: u2022 Health FSA: $3,400 per year u2022 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 u2022 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 (u201cG.T.L.u201d) 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 u201cOther Benefits and Informationu201d 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: u2022 Group Accident Insurance helps pay for out-of-pocket costs that arise from covered accidents, such as fractures, dislocations, and lacerations. u2022 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. u2022 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. u2022 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 CEOu2019s 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, Presidentu2019s 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 yearsu2019 service 7.69 hours 25 (8 hr. days) 5-6 yearsu2019 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 yearsu2019 service 10.77 hours 35 15-19 yearsu2019 service 11.70 hours 38 20 or more yearsu2019 service 12.93 hours 42 At the CEOu2019s discretion, prior service at a public transportation or public agency, or rail transportation company may be counted towards an employeeu2019s total service years to increase the employeeu2019s 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 (u201cfinal compensationu201d). 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 u2013 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 wonu2019t 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