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Senior Director, Government and Community Relations

Job ID: 11809

Business Unit: MTA Headquarters

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Department: Arts & Design

Date Posted: May 21, 2025

Description

POSTING NO.

11809

JOB TITLE:

Senior Director, Government and Community Relations

DEPT/DIV:

External Relations

WORK LOCATION:

2 Broadway

FULL/PART-TIME

FUL L

SALARY RANGE:

$175,800 - $199,600

DEADLINE:

Until filled

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.

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:

The Senior Director of Government and Community Relations is responsible for developing and implementing in-the-field strategies to improve MTA presence in the communities we serve. This entails expanding and deepening the network of local leaders engaged in MTA issues and building support for key policy priorities and projects.

The Senior Director directly advises the Chief of Policy & External Relations and senior leadership across the MTA and is responsible for leading and directing the Government and Community Relations staff .

Responsibilities:

+ Direct, develop and oversee the implementation of multifaceted public engagement campaigns to build on-the-ground support for MTA priorities, including the Capital Program and major policy changes (e.g. fare and toll changes).

+ Serve as an advocate with elected officials, policy entities, community-based organizations, religious leaders, and other community members.

+ Act as a point of escalation with city and state agencies, as well as utilities.

+ Oversee comprehensive communications and outreach efforts to keep local leaders informed of any planned service changes, in partnership with the operating agencies.

+ Oversee community outreach activities for capital project work, in partnership with Construction & Development.

+ Lead and direct the Government and Community Relations team. Ensures the team maintains and enhances relationships with local leaders, policy makers, community and civic organizations and city and state agencies, meeting with them on a regular basis to create lasting relationships that establish trust. Make sure the team serves an open resource for local leaders wanting to share their questions or concerns with the MTA. Prioritize open dialogue and personal connection between GCR team members and the community.

+ Stay informed of all major MTA issues, and train GCR staff to be effective communicators outside the agency. Work with the Senior Director of State & Legislative Affairs to keep current on other regulatory, legislative or political matters that may affect MTA ability to effectuate its own agenda.

+ Develop and oversee the implementation of strategies to influence state and local regulatory policy and legislation, the actions of community and civic organizations. Take advantage of opportunities that will enhance the image and reputation of the MTA among key policy makers and opinion leaders as well as non-governmental stakeholders.

+ Serve as a senior advisor to the Chief of Policy and External Relations, the Chair, Agency Presidents and other executive staff, on state and local matters that affect MTA policy objectives.

+ Is held accountable for overseeing and evaluating contractor performance, where applicable:

+ Observing the work performed by the contractor;

+ Reviewing invoices and approving them if the work has contractual standards;

+ Addressing performance issues with the contractor when possible; and

+ Escalating issues to other parties as needed.

+ Select, develop and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review performance of staff. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.

+ Perform other assignments as requested by Senior Management.

Qualifications:

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

+ Thorough knowledge of state and local government legislative structure, committees, procedures and policies. Expertise in navigating community and civic organizations in the MTA service territory.

+ Experience in building policy campaigns and coalitions of business, civic and public sector leaders.

+ Must possess executive written and verbal communication skills coupled with outstanding interpersonal skills.

+ Must have political sensitivity, and ability to develop cogent strategies to deal with the specific state and local regulatory and legislative issues that face the MTA and its operating agencies.

+ Must have prior experience supervising a diverse staff with ability to produce information and research in order to build support of MTA state and local legislative objectives.

+ Must be capable of building a strong and successful network, developing new relationships and influencing decision makers.

+ Excellent management and administrative skills necessary for interacting with senior MTA management, elected officials, governmental relations staff and all levels of external government staff.

Education and Experience:

+ Bachelor’s Degree required. Graduate degree in Public Administration, Legislative Affairs or its equivalent is strongly preferred.

+ A minimum of ten years of experience in state and local legislative process and/or governmental relations or public affairs in a large, multi-faceted, fast-paced organization or legislative body.

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.