Community Outreach Manager Job at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority in

Overview Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is seeking a dynamic and strategic Community Outreach Manager to lead and elevate our agency-wide public engagement efforts. This leadership role oversees all community outreach initiatives supporting VTA’s transit operations, capital improvement programs, and long-range planning efforts. The Community Outreach Manager will direct and manage outreach staff and consultants, build strong partnerships with community stakeholders, and ensure that engagement strategies align with VTA’s strategic goals and capital project delivery timelines. Serving as a key liaison between VTA and the communities we serve, this position plays a critical role in guiding public engagement from project planning through construction and project delivery. If you are ready to lead complex, high-impact outreach programs that shape the future of public transit in Silicon Valley, we encourage you to apply. About Community Engagement The VTA Community Engagement Team is committed to sharing up-to-date planning and construction project information with residents, businesses, stakeholders, and the general public. As an integral part of Government & Public Affairs, we engage with the public and welcome participation and feedback on critical transportation initiatives impacting their neighborhoods and their lives. Our core professional team values: Inform and engage our communities including providing information in the language of the community Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders Apply best and innovative communication and outreach practices Definition Under general direction, the Community Outreach Manager plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates community outreach initiatives and public engagement programs. Distinguishing Characteristics This managerial classification is responsible for the direction and management of community outreach, public engagement, and transit and capital program outreach and education. The incumbent directs community outreach programs representing all of VTA’s projects and program efforts and ensures that all outreach and education activities support VTA’s strategic goals. This classification is distinguished from Community Outreach Supervisor in that the former has overall managerial responsibility for all VTA community outreach and education programs, whereas the latter is assigned specific community outreach projects and programs and reports to the former. The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is a strategic, politically savvy community engagement leader with extensive experience directing complex public outreach programs in a public agency environment. They bring progressive leadership in community outreach, public engagement, or marketing management, including direct supervision of professional staff in a union or collective bargaining setting. They possess strong organizational and managerial skills and the ability to direct complex and long-term community projects. They have a strong track record supporting large-scale capital or infrastructure projects from planning through construction and delivery, aligning engagement strategies with project milestones and organizational priorities. They understand the dynamics of working effectively with stakeholders, including, but not limited to, elected officials, regulatory agencies, community organizations, advocacy groups, and business leaders, and have the ability to confidently engage with community groups and elected officials. This leader is experienced in managing outreach consultants, contracts, and budgets, and is well-versed in public meeting requirements, transparency laws, and accessibility standards. They design inclusive engagement strategies that reach diverse and historically underserved communities and communicate with clarity and confidence in high-visibility public settings. They are also comfortable leveraging tools such as social media, analytics, and community events to enhance outreach and engagement. Experience in a large public or private transportation agency is highly desirable. They take a creative approach to their work, bringing innovative or “blue ocean” thinking (unconstrained) to developing engagement strategies and solving complex community challenges. Above all, they are a composed, solutions-oriented leader with strong management skills who build trust through sound judgment, collaboration, and accountability. About VTA The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County’s authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all. Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region. VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services, as well as participates as a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express. As the county’s congestion management agency , VTA is responsible for countywide transportation planning, including congestion management, design and construction of specific highway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvement projects, as well as promotion of transit oriented development. VTA provides these services throughout the county, including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa Clara County. As we continue to implement our VTA Forward Plan, we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services. For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit: https://www.vta.org/VTAForward Typical Tasks Plans, organizes, directs, coordinates, and manages all VTA community outreach and public engagement programs; Selects, supervises, trains, motivates, assigns, evaluates, counsels, and disciplines staff; Coordinates with planning, engineering, and construction teams to identify and ensure adequate budget and staffing for outreach to support capital project delivery; Builds support and advocacy by managing interactions between the public and planning, design staff, consultants, and construction contractors during project development and construction phases; Oversees and manages community outreach activities involving projects in the initial planning stages through construction and completion/opening phases, as well as targeted outreach programs for the existing transportation network; Coordinates and oversees community outreach consultant projects and programs; Plans, writes, and edits material for advertisements, news releases, internal communications, promotional events, and other public information; Develops, implements, and maintains community outreach and liaison programs with various community and transit-user groups; Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships and partnerships with a variety of stakeholders and community members including business, civic, and educational organizations, homeowner/community associations, and area boards and commissions; Represents VTA before various public and private sector organizations; Ensures compliance with VTA policies and procedures regarding equal employment opportunity, discrimination, and harassment prevention; Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the annual budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary; May serve as a member of the management team in meetings/negotiations with labor unions; Assists in news media contacts as needed; Prepares reports and correspondence; Performs related job duties as required. Employment Standards Sufficient training, education, and experience that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Development of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is typically obtained through a combination of training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a four-year degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field, and extensive, increasingly responsible experience in marketing management with an emphasis on community outreach/public engagement. Experience in a supervisory capacity over professional level staff is required. Attainment of experience in a large public transportation organization is preferred. Knowledge Principles and contemporary practices of multi-faceted community outreach and public engagement programs; Target market community outreach techniques including program development, implementation, and maintenance; Principles and practices organization, administration, supervision, budgeting, and personnel management; Principles of supervision, training, employee development and motivation, and effective discipline; Development of public and private sectors working relationships and partnerships; Principles and techniques of strategic communications and public education campaigns; Current technologies employed in public engagement; Applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and standards for the management and disclosure of public information. Ability Plan, organize, direct, coordinate and manage community outreach activities for public transit and highway projects from initial planning through construction and completion/opening phases; and for elements of the existing transportation network; Select, supervise, train, motivate, assign, evaluate, counsel and discipline staff in a collective bargaining environment; Effectively plan, organize, direct, manage, and evaluate community outreach activities for the work unit; Analyze and evaluate complex situations; recommend and implement effective solutions; Develop effective programs to reach diverse target markets; Develop, implement, and maintain community outreach and liaison programs with various community and transit-user groups; Coordinate and oversee community outreach consultant projects and programs; Strategize and respond to community needs, in coordination with other staff, both proactively and as needed; Communicate extremely well, both orally and in writing; Plan, write, and edit material for advertisements, news releases, internal communications, promotional events, and other public information; Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with employees and the general public; Effectively represent VTA in a variety of public and private sector activities; Take initiative, reason logically, be creative in developing and introducing new ideas; Prepare reports and correspondence; Participate as a member of management in meetings with labor unions; Prepare and control a budget; Use initiative and good judgment in execution of duties. General Application Instructions Please read this job announcement in its entirety before applying. We recommend printing or saving a copy for future reference. To be considered, applications must be submitted online through the Human Resources department by the posted deadline. If the job posting is listed as “continuous,” we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as the posting may close without prior notice. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an immediate email confirmation. Personalized responses to Supplemental Questions that connect your past experiences to this specific role are the most effective. AI-generated content may lack the specificity required to address the key criteria outlined in the job description. While we encourage the use of AI as a tool to enhance your work, we want to evaluate your non-AI-assisted communication skills. You may use AI to generate ideas, but please ensure your final responses are in your own voice and reflect your unique experience. Overreliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish your chances of success. Important: Only online applications will be accepted for this recruitment. We do not accept paper applications, resumes, Job Interest Notification Cards, or incomplete/unsubmitted applications in place of a fully completed application. Communication & Contact Information All updates regarding your application—including notices for testing and interviews—will be sent via email. Be sure to select email as your preferred method of communication and maintain a valid, up-to-date email address. Applicants are also responsible for keeping their phone numbers and mailing addresses current in their online profiles. Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual updates. Please check your application status through your online account. For technical support, contact NEOGOV at (855) 524-5627, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (PST), excluding holidays. Application Review & Processing All current and prior relevant work experience—including experience with VTA—must be fully detailed in the Work Experience section of your application. Entries such as “see resume” are not acceptable. Incomplete or improperly completed applications may be rejected, even if you meet the minimum qualifications. While you are welcome to upload a resume, it does not substitute for completing the online application in full. Be sure that your application accurately reflects the education and experience necessary for the position. Applications are reviewed throughout the recruitment process to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications. Meeting these minimums or advancing through any stage does not guarantee further consideration. Any misrepresentation or falsification of qualifications, experience, education, or training may result in disqualification and/or exclusion from future employment opportunities with VTA. This classification is non-represented. Tentative Examinations: Oral Panel: Tentatively expected to be scheduled around the third week in April. Conditions of Employment Final candidates must successfully complete a Livescan background check, reference checks, verification of education or certifications, and a criminal history review before appointment. For sensitive positions, VTA requires all safety-sensitive positions to have a 6-month DOT physical clearance. Obtained at the time of preboarding from a VTA-contracted Concentra Location. Eligibility List The established Eligible List from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and additional vacancies that may occur. Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment. Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the recruitment and examination process. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email Personnel@vta.org at least five business days before the test. Equal Employment Opportunity VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc. #J-18808-Ljbffr