Job Overview: Community Relations Officer (Community Engagement)

Los Angeles Metro is seeking a highly skilled and politically astute Community Relations Officer to join the Customer Experience Office. This role serves as a vital link between Metro and the millions of people who live and work in Los Angeles County. You will be the “face of Metro,” translating complex transportation projects into clear community benefits and managing the sensitive impacts of construction on local neighborhoods.

As a Community Relations Officer, you are a strategist, a mediator, and a storyteller. You will empower advisory committees to provide meaningful input, navigate the interests of elected officials, and ensure that marginalized communities have a seat at the table during the development of LA’s world-class transportation system.

Key Responsibilities & Strategic Engagement

Public Liaison & Advocacy

Relationship Management: Act as the primary point of contact for the public, private entities, and government officials regarding Metro projects and programs.
Committee Facilitation: Support and empower Metro advisory committees, preparing agendas and translating their strategic input into actionable steps for Metro leadership.
Problem Resolution: Research community complaints and concerns, interfacing with internal management to resolve issues and provide professional verbal or written responses.

Outreach & Construction Mitigation

Impact Communication: Keep the community and elected officials informed of construction impacts and implement safety education programs for rail projects.
Event Coordination: Plan and facilitate community meetings, press conferences, and special media events to hit project milestones and promote Metro initiatives.
Marketing Collaboration: Coordinate field efforts for marketing campaigns designed to mitigate the local business and residential impacts of construction.

Digital & Administrative Support

Content Management: Update project webpages and digital assets, analyze web metrics, and maintain accurate records and project reports.
Logistics: Coordinate hotlines, project emails, and meeting logistics, including site reservation and the preparation of support materials for executive leadership.

Requirements & Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Business, or a related field.
Experience: At least one year of relevant experience performing community relations work.
License: A valid California Class C Driver License (or the ability to use an alternative method of transportation for essential functions).

Preferred Qualifications (PQs)

Stakeholder Engagement: Experience building relationships with public officials, local leaders, and marginalized communities (including communities of color, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+).
Conflict Resolution: Proven ability to collaborate with coalitions to resolve divergent opinions and find mutually acceptable solutions.
Political Acumen: Experience leading projects that require high-level strategic thinking and an understanding of the local political landscape.
Compliance: Knowledge of Brown Act compliance is a significant plus.

Compensation & Comprehensive Benefits

Salary Range: $70,512.00 – $105,788.80 Annually (Exempt/Non-Contract).
Retirement: Participation in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) with a 5-year vesting period.
Health: Choice of 3 medical and 3 dental plans, plus vision and employer-paid life insurance.
Time Off: 12 paid holidays and a generous “Time Off with Pay” (TOWP) accrual starting at 20 days per year.
Perks: Free transportation passes for employees and eligible dependents, tuition reimbursement, and flexible work schedules.

The Community Engagement Cycle

In public transit, the “Engagement Loop” ensures that projects are not just built for the city, but with the city.

By focusing on the “Empowerment” phase through advisory committees, you ensure that Metro’s strategic goals are aligned with the actual needs of the diverse communities in Los Angeles County.

Important Timeline & Application Notes

Closing Date: June 17, 2025, at 5:00 PM Pacific.
Interview Window: Projected for the week of June 23, 2025.
Application Tip: Metro will not review resumes to determine qualifications. You must provide detailed, specific answers in the supplemental questionnaire and the “Work Experience” section of the online application to be considered.

The Organization & Culture The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is one of the largest and most complex multi-modal transportation agencies in the United States. In 2026, the organizational culture is defined by “Operation Shifting Gears,” a massive strategic pivot toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The environment is mission-driven, focusing on “Transit Equity” and “World-Class Reliability.” Internally, Metro is transitioning from a traditional government bureaucracy into a tech-forward mobility provider, emphasizing rider safety, cleaner energy, and the rapid expansion of the rail network.

The Network: A County-Wide Transformation Metro oversees a massive footprint that includes bus, light rail, heavy rail, and micro-transit services:
- The “Olympic Pipeline”: By early 2026, several “Vision 2028” projects have reached critical milestones, including the near-completion of the D Line (Purple Line) Extension toward Westwood and the LAX Automated People Mover integration.
- Regional Connector: The unified underground heart of the system now allows seamless one-seat rides from Azusa to Long Beach and East LA to Santa Monica, fundamentally changing commuting patterns in the San Gabriel Valley.
- Metro Micro: This on-demand, short-trip service has expanded to 10 zones in 2026, providing “last-mile” solutions in areas like North Hollywood and Northwest San Fernando Valley.

To apply for this job please visit www.metro.net.