Deputy Director of External Affairs
About The Position
The Deputy Director of External Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs is responsible for developing and executing the External Affairs department’s public affairs strategy. In this capacity, this individual provides advice, insight, analysis, coordination, and acts as a liaison between the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and various government and regional stakeholders. The Deputy Director is tasked with overseeing and managing the External Affairs department’s government affairs and external engagement strategies. As a leader on the External Affairs team, this person is responsible for serving as a liaison to many of the governmental agencies, partners, and service providers with which the Authority maintains relationships. Advises senior leadership on possible strategies for effectively managing governmental and interjurisdictional relationships for the benefit of the Authority's interests. Maintains constant vigilance on how the plans and activities of the Authority may interact with other stakeholder interests, and how external initiatives may impact the Authority. This position may also act as the department lead on various projects and programs that require coordination with cross-functional MBTA staff, consultants, and external organizations.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Communications or related field.
- Five (5) years of full-time experience working in a legislative office, government agency, and/or advocacy organization.
- Two (2) years of leadership and/or supervisory experience.
- Excellent written and oral communications skills, with ability to communicate effectively across departments and functions.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to support multiple assignments and stakeholders, prioritize workload for self, and coordinate with managers to meet deadlines.
- Ability to organize data and exercise effective problem solving.
- Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a diverse workforce.
- Have the maturity and confidence to interact with elected officials and staff.
- Ability to travel to locations throughout the MBTA’s service areas.
- Demonstrated interest in public transportation.
- Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years prior to the closing date of this posting, including overall employment, job performance, discipline and safety records (infractions and/ or offenses occurring after the closing of this posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree from an accredited institution in Public Administration, Business Administration, Communications, or related degree.
- Experience developing and delivering presentations to senior level executives.
- Experience working in a large, matrixed organization.
- Experience in local, state, or national politics/legislative affairs.
Responsibilities
- Directs the operations of the Authority’s government affairs strategy by developing and advancing the MBTA’s legislative agenda in conjunction with other department leaders.
- Works with department Leads and Senior Leadership in identifying and solving problems with governmental entities and/or introducing opportunities to promote the MBTA's reputation.
- Represents the MBTA's interests with various government agencies, and state and local elected officials.
- Acts as primary point of contact for state and local officials regarding issues related to any MBTA matter, including operations and capital projects.
- Works with the Director of Capital and Community Relations to advise on and set strategic external engagement objectives related to capital projects.
- Sets direction on capital project engagement related to government stakeholders.
- Facilitates external communications, organizes meetings and materials, and maintains internal records.
- Supports department management with drafting and submitting statutorily required legislative reports.
- Assists colleagues on the External Affairs team with constituent requests.
- Assists with the development and execution of outreach plans and external engagement strategies related to MBTA service, projects, and initiatives.
- Monitors state legislation, analyzes legislative proposals, and provides updates and recommendations for the Assistant General Manager for External Affairs.
- Maintain updated contact lists of regional stakeholders, elected officials, and staff.
- Support the management and delivery of effective, timely completion of departmental and functional key initiatives, programs, and policies.
- Works closely with the Office of Communications, Customer Experience, and other external-facing departments to ensure effective and proactive communication on a range of MBTA projects and events.
- Attends external events as directed.
- Handle all sensitive information in a strictly confidential manner.
- Will supervise Manager of Intergovernmental Affairs
Benefits
- accrued paid sick leave
- a monthly transportation pass
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
