Assistant Director Strategic Public Affairs

Description

MTA Construction & Development reserves the right to remove this posting before the application deadline.

Agency Mission

MTA Construction & Development (C&D) is responsible for the planning, development, and execution of all capital construction projects across the MTA region. Through centralized oversight and management of the MTA’s $68.4 billion Capital Program, C&D ensures the efficient delivery of critical infrastructure projects that support the region’s vast transportation network. As part of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the largest transportation network in North America, C&D plays a key role in modernizing and expanding services that support 15.3 million residents across New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. C&D is committed to delivering safe, innovative, and cost-effective capital projects that enhance customer experience and strengthen the reliability and resilience of the MTA system.

Summary

The Assistant Director, Strategic Public Affairs (Capital Project Outreach),manages governmentand public stakeholder relationships for a wide variety of capital projects and initiatives. Under the supervision of theSenior Director, Strategic Public Affairs, this position coordinates and manages public affairs for capital projects for MTA Construction & Development (C&D) and other MTA agencies. The Outreach Director works in concert with C&D Business Unit Leaders and Project Teams to manage stakeholder engagement and facilitate execution of coordinated strategic public affairs. This position will work on projects in all phases of development and of all sizes, including projects like the Interborough Express, Second Avenue Subway Phase 2, accessibility upgrades, and state of good repair upgrades. The Outreach Director works in collaboration with senior leadership and staff within MTA HQ – External Affairs to ensure close coordination and strategic alignmentacross all external communications with governmental/public affairs stakeholderson capital projects and initiatives.

Responsibilities

Manage the public affairs portfolio of capital projects at C&D in collaboration with the Senior Director, Strategic Public Affairs, the Office of the President, and MTA HQ Government and Community Relations.

Work with Project Teams and C&D Executive Leadership to develop messaging to keep the public informed, build support, and mitigate challenges related to a wide variety of Capital Projects. This includes but is not limited to maintaining and managing relationships with Elected Agency and external stakeholder partners. Capital projects will range from early proposals to design to construction and will range in size from small repair projects (e.g., the replacement of a staircase at a subway station) to large megaprojects (e.g., Interborough Express)

Serve as a point of contact for elected officials and their staff, community boards, business leaders and advocates, and other community stakeholders, and manage proactive outreach to those stakeholders to cultivate support and understanding of MTA capital projects.

Oversee timely responses to inquiries from external stakeholders and the public. Communicate with local stakeholders to accurately gauge concerns, collect important feedback, and share relevant information. Provide a balanced approach to managing stakeholders’ priorities and needs

Work with Project Teams and other MTA agency partners to develop targeted briefing materials and outreach materials for members of the public and for government partners.

Coordinate with contractors, project management teams, and other contracted parties to ensure that outreach and stakeholder engagement is properly managed.

Be able to represent the MTA at public meetings with elected officials, community stakeholders, and members of the public.

Devise strategies and work with project teams to effectively address community concerns from external stakeholders around capital projects, service changes, and other transportation-relatedpolicies.

Collaborate with MTA HQ Communications Teams and MTA Press to create events and other media campaigns that provide opportunities to build relationships with public stakeholders, and ensure effective, high-quality content development for MTA Capital Projects.

Collaborate with the Executive Management Team to provide strategic communication to build brand visibility and shape the communications strategy and digital platform for the capital program.

Will need to work outside of regular work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends), including attending community engagement events and community board meetings.

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or external sites, including community events, site tours, and filming and photography of construction.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Communications, English, Business Administration, Public Policy, Public Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience. 

Must have a minimum of eight (8)years of related experience in communications, government, or government affairs

Must have at least four (4) years in a leadership and/or managerial role in a large, multi-faceted, fast- paced organization, or governmental body preferred.

Competencies:

Knowledge and record of managing corporate communications or public affairs for large, complex organizations.

Knowledge of the MTA regional network and its operating context is desirable.

Understanding of local, state, and federal legislative and political processes is desirable.

Excellent presentation, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills, including synthesizing technical information for public understanding into layperson's terms.

Possess a high level of political acumen gained through experience working in public administration, transportation, communications, and government/public environments.

Ability to exercise judgment, discretion, course-correct, and manage shifting priorities, challenges, and deadlines.

Ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively.

Ability to interface and communicate well with external agencies that may include the New York State Governor's Office, New York City government, elected and other public officials, and federal and state authorities.

Comfortable working and communicating with professionals at all levels within the organization, such as senior leadership, MTA Press Office, Communications, Agencies, and MTA Board.

Strong managerial skills to effectively direct a staff of professionals in implementing the short- and long-term goals and direction for the area of responsibility.

Detail-oriented with strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and planning skills. Must be a self-starter who can identify needs, strategies, and resources to meet those needs.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Graphic Design Skills preferred.

Comprehensive Benefits & Total Rewards Package:

Transportation & Financial Benefits

Commuting Made Easy – Enjoy a complimentary MTA transportation pass, plus access to tax-advantaged commuter benefits to maximize your savings.

Premium Health Coverage at Low Cost – Access high-quality individual, family, and domestic partner healthcare, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.

Secure Your Future – Build long-term financial security through pension plans and retirement savings accounts designed for eligible employees.

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

Generous Time Away – Recharge with substantial paid time off and comprehensive holiday schedules that support your personal and family commitments.

Holistic Support Services – Access our dedicated Work Life Services team and Office of the Chaplains unit for personal guidance and support when you need it most.

Professional Growth & Development

Learning & Development Program – Advance your career through structured professional development opportunities, skills training, and leadership programs tailored to support your growth within the organization.

Educational Investment – Pursue your career goals with in-house training and professional development, tuition reimbursement support, and partnerships with educational institutions.

Employee Experience & Community

Employee Assistance Programs – Comprehensive support services to help you navigate life's challenges with confidence and resources.

Discounts & Perks – Take advantage of MTA employee discount programs offering savings on products and services.

Connect & Belong – Join our vibrant Employee Resource Groups to build meaningful connections, share experiences, and contribute to an inclusive workplace culture.

How to Apply

For Internal Applicants: Log in to the My MTA Portal, click on the My Job Search tile, select the Careers link, search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the on-screen instructions.

For External Applicants: Visit www.mta.info, click the “Careers” link located in the footer under the "The MTA" section, then click on “See All Open MTA Positions”. Search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the instructions.

Additional Information:

Final salary is determined by experience, skill set, and alignment with compensation practices. The posted range reflects expected compensation and may be updated as market or business needs evolve.

To be eligible for consideration for a new role, current MTA employees must complete at least one year of service in their current role prior to applying. Additionally, eligibility to interview is contingent upon maintaining a satisfactory record of job performance, attendance, and disciplinary conduct.

Pursuant 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 with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

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