Deputy Director of External Affairs

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s core values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, culture, and accessibility, and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed. Job Summary 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. Duties & 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. Supervision Will supervise Manager of Intergovernmental Affairs *This job posting will close once it reaches 50 applications or after 2 weeks, whichever comes first. Minimum Requirements & Qualifications 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 excerise 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). Substitutions A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement. An associate’s degree from an accredited institution and an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement. A master’s degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience. A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience. Preferred Experience & Skills 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. Job Conditions Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English. Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program. Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role. Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences. Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required). Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers. Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies. Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection). Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings. Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service. Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting pre-employment screenings / pre-boarding, working in their positions, and throughout the duration of their program. Disclaimers And Definitions General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position. Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history. Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established. Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements. Work Eligibility: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S. Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email. Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing. On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority. Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management. ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io . Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer . For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions . Intern / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops. #J-18808-Ljbffr MBTA