Manager II, Public Relations

Summary

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 agency’s reputation in the community and public. Responsibilities include developing and executing strategic communications plans, assuming a leadership role within Metrolink’s 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.

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 agency’s reputation in the community and public. Responsibilities include developing and executing strategic communications plans, assuming a leadership role within Metrolink’s 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.

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.

• Receives oversight from departmental management.
• First‑line supervisory responsibility.

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 Metrolink’s 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 Metrolink’s 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…