Assistant Director - State and Local Legislative Affairs

This position is eligible for telework, which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.

Opening:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Job Summary:

The Assistant Director supports the development, review, and analysis of legislation and regulatory proposals affecting the MTA. This role is designed for an experienced candidate with direct experience working in the New York State legislature—such as bill drafting, committee counsel work, or legislative research—who can provide precise legal analysis and high-quality legislative language while collaborating with internal stakeholders. This position centers on technical statutory work, legal interpretation, and policy analysis.

Responsibilities:

• Draft, analyze, and interpret bills, amendments, and regulatory proposals to ensure clarity, legal sufficiency, and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Conduct in-depth research on statutes, proposed legislation, and regulatory frameworks.
• Prepare memos, bill summaries, statutory comparisons, policy briefs, and other internal analytical materials.
• Track state and local legislative activity, identifying developments that affect the organization and briefing senior staff accordingly.
• Coordinate with the Senior Director, State & Local Legislative Affairs on identifying and pursuing legislative priorities.
• Provide technical assistance to internal teams by explaining legislative intent, procedural rules, statutory interactions, and implementation challenges.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Experience collaborating with policy, operations, or government affairs staff.
• Attention to detail and ability to synthesize technical information into executive leadership briefing materials.
• Understanding of local and state legislative and political processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications.
• Proficiency with state legislative tracking systems, including LRS.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively.
• Must possess political savvy and highly refined communication skills.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in public policy, public administration, liberal arts, political science, or studies in law
• Minimum 5 years of experience within the New York State Legislature (e.g., committee counsel, legislative attorney, policy counsel) or similar experience outside the legislature (e.g., Chamber, state agency, etc.).

The Following is/are preferred:

• Master’s degree in Arts/Sciences (MA/MS) in public policy, public administration, liberal arts, political science, studies in law
• JD
• Experience with public authorities, transportation, vehicle and traffic, and/or labor law.
• Familiarity with MTA's projects, policies, and territory.
• Familiarity with local, NYC, and NYS political environment within MTA territory.

Other Information

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

According to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.