Government and Community Affairs Officer

Government and Community Affairs Officer

SMCTD - SAN MATEO COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT

Millbrae, California United States

General
The Government and Community Affairs Officer reports to the Manager, Government and Community Affairs and is responsible for assisting in the strategic development and management of government and community relations with a primary focus on the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA). The role also supports additional work on San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) and the San Mateo County Express Lanes Joint Powers Authority (SMCEL-JPA), with a focus on local agency, stakeholder, and community engagement.

Essential Functions & Duties

Assist with planning and executing inclusive, broad-based communications and direct engagement with relevant San Mateo County communities for capital construction and strategic planning projects, working closely with technical staff and project consultants.

Help develop and implement public engagement and feedback efforts for planning and construction projects, integrating community engagement into the technical process.

Promote agency projects, gather community and stakeholder feedback, and present project information in public settings.

Assist with GCA communications support for strategic planning and capital construction projects for which SMCTA provides technical assistance.

Work with the GCA Manager to build support for projects, manage agency relationships, and lead engagement with residents and local stakeholders including elected officials, cities, businesses, and community groups.

Identify community concerns affecting SMCTA, SamTrans, and SMCEL-JPA, and coordinate cross-functional responses to support clear, timely communication on key policy, project, and planning issues.

Support internal staff on community, stakeholder, and government affairs matters by providing strategic counsel and coordinating with stakeholder groups to address emerging issues.

Create presentations, talking points, project support letters, and other materials.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

Assist the GCA Manager with the development and execution of public outreach plans for capital construction, strategic planning, and transportation tax revenue projects; lead cross‑functional teams of staff and consultants; track deliverables and deadlines.

Work with technical staff to write, review, and edit public‑facing materials such as PowerPoints, FAQs, website content, and fact sheets, ensuring accuracy, messaging consistency, political sensitivities, and clarity for the general public.

Give public presentations on agency projects to agency committees and external stakeholder groups, such as chambers of commerce, advocacy groups, and other public agency boards and committees.

Meet with stakeholders to identify questions and concerns; work with internal staff and consultants to develop appropriate responses and resolutions.

Collaborate on transportation funding revenue measure efforts, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, gathering community feedback, identifying key issues, and tracking consultant deliverables and deadlines.

Facilitate paid community‑oriented groups in the engagement process.

Perform all job duties in a safe manner to protect oneself, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Political Science, Planning, Public Policy, Communications, or another relevant field.

Three (3) years of full‑time experience in the area of communications, public engagement, community outreach, political campaigns, or another relevant field.

Preferred Qualifications

Direct experience creating communications for capital construction projects.

Organized and detail oriented with ability to track multiple projects simultaneously.

Possesses critical thinking and independent judgment with direct impact on community engagement, governmental partnerships, and strategic planning.

Ability to speak in front of and liaise with a variety of audiences and appropriately respond to difficult questions in a politically sensitive and technically correct way.

Must have effective oral and written communication skills.

Ability to work in the evenings and on weekends as needed.

Benefits Summary
Below is a summary of the comprehensive benefits provided to District full‑time employees:

Health and Welfare Benefits

Healthcare Benefits – District employees are offered a choice of healthcare providers under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program. The District will contribute ninety (90) percent towards monthly premiums for full‑time employees; fifty (50) percent for part‑time employees.

Free Dental and Vision Benefits – Employer covers premiums.

Free Employee Assistance Benefit – Employees may use five face‑to‑face sessions or telephonic/web‑video consultations per incident per calendar year.

Flexible Spending Accounts – Pre‑tax dollars to pay for qualified health or dependent‑care expenses.

Retirement Medical Benefits

Long‑Term Disability Insurance – After 90 days of total disability, administrative full‑time employees are eligible for 60% of monthly income covered by the District.

Health and Wellness – Gyms located at most work locations and discounted Weight‑Watcher membership option.

Holidays and Paid Time Off

Paid Time Off – Newly hired employees accrue 6.5 hours bi‑weekly when hired (if exempt, 8.25 hours). As service increases, the rate of PTO accrued also increases.

Paid Holidays – The District provides seven paid holidays throughout the year: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Floating Holidays – District employees can earn up to five (5) floating holidays.

Financial Planning Benefits

Pension Benefits through CalPERS – Employees must have a minimum of five years of service to be eligible.

CalPERS PEPRA vs. Classic – All employees hired on or after January1,2013 are considered PEPRA members and will contribute 8% of salary up to the maximum IRS cut‑off. All Classic members will contribute 6%.

Deferred Compensation Options – Employees may choose to contribute to one or both of the tax‑deferred compensation options.

Reliance Standard Life Insurance – 100% premium paid by the District; coverage equals one times annual salary up to $200,000.

Optional Life Insurance – Employees may purchase additional life insurance for themselves and eligible family members.

Growth and Education Benefits

Professional Development – Access to LinkedIn Learning and San Mateo County’s professional training. District tuition reimbursement program – a maximum of $5,250 per year for courses related to the employee’s job or career goals.

Computer Loan Program – Interest‑free two‑year loan with a maximum amount of $2,000.

Other Amazing Benefits

Credit Union – Employees and family members can join San Mateo Credit Union and Patelco Credit Union.

Employee Clean Commute (ECC) – Car/van poolers and public transit riders receive a monthly reimbursement.

Commuter Benefits – Free employee parking; free bus pass for employee, children, or spouse; Clipper Card/Go Pass program for central employees.

For union employees, all of the above benefits are subject to the employee’s collective bargaining agreement. Benefits listed are also subject to change with or without notice and are subject to contract/provider terms and conditions.

Closing Date/Time: 7/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

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