Assistant Director Government and Community Relations

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

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.

Position Objective:

With a proven record in the field of Government & Community Relations the candidate for this position will advocate for the millions of people that ride the MTA transportation system, design outreach strategies gather community input and gain community consensus, and work collaboratively with colleagues, local governments, community boards, state agencies and other civic organizations to gather information and make the best decisions for MTA ridership and communities.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee, manage activities and outreach to present solutions to problems for the regions that New York City Transit serves.
• Promote public understanding in support of MTA-wide transportation issues, policies, and projects.
• Communicate independently with elected officials and their staff, community boards, local municipalities, and constituents.
• Investigate, track, and respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests on behalf of constituents & municipalities.
• Safeguard the strategic intent and reputation of the agency throughout the process. 
• Formulate strategies to effectively address community concerns related to service changes and construction projects.
• Coordinate and assist with the preparation of the monthly New York City Transit agenda.

Qualifications:

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Expert community/political consensus building and decision-making skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to synthesize technical information into understandable PowerPoint presentations as required.
• Ability to coordinate timely and effective responses to correspondence.
• Understanding of local, state, and federal legislative and political processes.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to research and analyze quantitative and qualitative data.
• Strong staff management capabilities

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited college. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Background in one or more of the following areas: Government Relations, Legislative Affairs, External Communications, Internal Communications, Political Communications, Government agency, and Community based outreach and public relations.
• Minimum 5-7 years of related experience.

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”).

Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MNR drivers, or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.

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.