Climate Initiative Public Information Officer

Regional Government Services and Local Government Services are governmental agencies established in 2001 to provide administrative, support and staffing services to other California public agencies.

Position Overview: 

Working for Local Government Services and assigned to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, in Oakland, California, the incumbent will be a seasoned writer for a project-based staff position.  The individual will help develop materials for and assist with activities related to 2 initiatives.  Both initiatives aim to reduce the Bay Area's greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light trucks:  

• Climate Initiatives Public Outreach Program.
• Public involvement efforts associated with the development of a region-wide Sustainable Communities Strategy.

Responsibilities: 

The person in this project-based position will assist in the general activities of MTC's climate and public participation programs, including writing assignments, and coordination and implementation of outreachand marketing tasks. Specific tasks may include, but are not limited to:

• Writing and editing print and web pieces on various topics, including MTC's climate programs, land use and housing. Translating complicated transportation, land use and housing policies into easy-to-understand text for use in articles, promotional materials (e.g., brochures, marketing materials, etc.).  Writing press releases and op ed pieces. Researching issues.  Conceiving and writing appropriate materials for meetings with different audiences. Overseeing production of meeting materials. Writing memorandums. Writing talking points and speeches.
• Assisting with the design of public meetings and press events; coordinating as needed, with elected officials; providing meeting day-of logistical support; taking minutes.
• Day-to-day management of MTC web sites, updating copy and keeping abreast of appropriate content for the sites.
• Coordinating marketing-related activities, including implementation of marketing plan activities, review of marketing messages and creative, coordination of contractor activities, marketing research and evaluation tasks, and other tasks as needed.
• Perform other general public outreach duties for the Legislation and Public Affairs Section as assigned.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (Master's degree preferred), in an appropriate discipline such as: journalism, English, communications, marketing, political science, public policy, public administration or a related discipline. 

Completion of a minimum of 2 years' demonstrated, verifiable professional work experience in an appropriate field related to the position, including: writing and editing in the journalistic style; designing and implementing public outreach and/or marketing programs for a governmental or other entity. Additional professional work experience is preferred.

Compensation: $30.00 to 40.00 per hour (DOQ)

Apply by: Wednesday, September 8,  2010

To Apply:

If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, by Wednesday, September 8, 2010 submit an application via the web along with 2 writing samples.  Look for the position under "member agencies" Local Government Services.  Then apply online attaching the 2 writing samples. 

Important! To include resume, cover letter and 2 writing samples:  Copy and paste your resume and cover letter into the space provided on Step 5.  Then, attach one file that includes both of your 2 writing samples during Step 8 - Additional Questions.  As the Calopps system will only accept one attachment, both writing samples should be included in the file that you attach on Step 8 (such as one Word document or PDF file).

Applications without writing samples will not be considered.

Following the closing date, applications will be screened according to the qualifications outlined in this brochure. The most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview. A select group of candidates will be asked to provide references once itis anticipated that they may be finalists. A background check to verify information supplied in the application materials will be conducted following candidate notification.  Writing samples as well as a writing and/or editing test will be required throughout the interviewing process.