Communications Representative - RLE

Position Summary

Under direction from the Director, Communications - RLE, this position is responsible for a wide range of external and internal communications duties, including: creating social media accounts content and monitoring social media activity related to the Red Line Extension project; proactive and reactive media relations; talking points and speeches; collateral materials; marketing materials; and various other communications activities.

Qualifications

• PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Conducts research and gathers information concerning RLE projects, services, and initiatives from various Project Team or Authority staff or external contacts.
• Uses findings to develop draft responses for the Director’s consideration to RLE-related media or public inquiries and to prepare RLE-related press event materials and background information.
• Creates social media content including videos; monitors RLE Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts; coordinates with CTA social media staff.
• Creates draft written content and videos for CTA’s RLE project web site transitchicago.com/RLE with new information and graphics.
• Drafts RLE press documents, RLE press event materials, and RLE background information according to Authority standard and guidelines.
• Captures RLE-related community meetings, events and activities.
• Gathers content for RLE presentations and works with team to prepare presentations for external and internal audiences.
• MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
• Reporting to this position are the following jobs: Job Title None

Education/Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Communications, or a related field, plus two (2) years of professional experience in radio, TV, or print media, a public relations agency, or government communications office in a major news market, or a combination of education and experience relating to this position.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended periods of time, standing, visual acumen, manual dexterity, and fingering for working with computer keyboards.
• May be required to traverse any part of the CTA system, such as along tracks, catwalks, and emergency stairs from subway or through shop work areas while adhering to safety rules.
• Will attend community events in the RLE project area as a representative of CTA and RLE; may include event setup, staffing and teardown.

Service Area Requirement

Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of communications representation.
• Working knowledge of public relations techniques.
• Working knowledge of the preparation and use of all types of informational media, including digital/social media, newspaper, television, radio and video publicity programs.
• Working knowledge of proper English usage, spelling, and grammar including Associated Press writing style.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook skills.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Strong editing skills.
• Good public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to gather data, produce written copies, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to produce simple videos that promote the Authority.
• Ability to prepare and distribute such media devices as news releases, photographs, and fact sheets.
• Ability to make presentations and speak before groups regarding department programs.
• Ability to plan and conduct public relations programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Ability to maintain favorable public relations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• General office environment.
• Required to travel to various CTA transit property locations and various locations within the Chicagoland area.
• Must be able to work extra hours in emergency situations or for special events, such as public hearings or employee events, as well as normal office hours.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED

• Standard office equipment.
• Personal computer and related software.