Job Description

Position at MTA Headquarters

JOB TITLE: Director, Government and Community Relations - LIRR

SALARY RANGE: $116,000 - $120,355

HAY POINTS: 775

DEPT/DIV: Policy & External Relations, HQ

SUPERVISOR: Interim Deputy Chief State & Local Government and Community Affairs

LOCATION: 93-02 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11435

HOURS OF WORK: 9:00am - 5:00pm

DEADLINE: September 9, 2024

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

Please note this position is only open to MTA employees

SUMMARY:

The Director of Government and Community Relations will direct, manage, and lead outreach to elected officials and/or staff, municipal officials & community stakeholders in LIRR territory and supervise the activity of LIRR's Government Relations staff. The Director will also have the lead in managing communications team.

The Director will work under the direction of the Interim Deputy Chief of State and Local Government and Community Affairs to manage all division workflow, delegate assignments, and review deliverables on critical, high-profile priority projects and coordinate such efforts with LIRR's executive team.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

* The Director works under the direction of the Deputy Chief Government and Community Relations to manage MTA's LIRR government relations staff for all division workflow, delegate assignments, and review deliverables on critical, high-profile priority projects and the delivery of LIRR service.

* Serves as LIRR's point of contact for elected officials/staff, municipal officials, community boards, business leaders and advocates, and manages proactive outreach to these stakeholders to cultivate support/understanding for LIRR's capital projects, concerns/issues, and priorities. Tracks and directs capital program outreach in conjunction with Construction and Development's Team and assists in negotiating terms of project agreements with municipalities and public agencies tied to capital projects on LIRR property.

* Oversee investigating, tracking & responding to inquiries, complaints & requests on behalf of constituents & municipalities and coordinate meetings between LIRR operations, C&D staff, and municipalities on locally led projects & issues/concerns

* Formulates strategic policy recommendations based upon knowledge of community interests; reviews LIRR's plans to incorporate public concerns; participates in LIRR executive team discussions. Advise and counsel LIRR's President and executive team of the political and public environment surrounding local matters relating to the railroad

* Represents LIRR's Government Relations team and MTA Executives at community meetings, public hearings & meetings, and press events. Regular distribution of LIRR news, information, and services to external stakeholders, including changes in LIRR service including during weather events and major service disruptions/emergencies.

* Ensures effective collaboration of government affairs staff across agency lines in accordance with the MTA Transformation plan. Work closely with the MTA, its sister agencies, and outside agencies when appropriate to ensure that there is a common vision, message and strategy that adequately incorporates and represents LIRR Railroad's goals and objectives. Closely coordinate with MTA press office to ensure LIRR projects and initiatives are promoted.

* Select, develop, and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline and/or 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.

* Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

* Solid community/political consensus building and decision-making skills.

* Attention to detail and ability 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 Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

* Excellent management and administrative skills necessary for interacting with senior MTA & LIRR management, MTA Board Members, elected officials, municipal officials, governmental relations staff, and all levels of external government staff.

* Must have prior experience supervising staff with ability to produce information and research to build support of MTA state and local legislative objectives.

* Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization, including senior management.

* Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies. External agencies may include the Governor's Office for New York State, New York City, County & Local government, elected and other public officials, as well as any staff located at other federal or state agencies or authorities.

* Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively.

* Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.

* Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.

* Excellent attention to details with ability to adhere to deadlines and ability to manage multiple tasks with conflicting priorities.

* Must be well acquainted with the LIRR's region; be experienced in a wide variety of community relations activities.

* A high degree of political sensitivity.

* Excellent ability to operate effectively in high pressure situations; must be flexible and adapt to change.

* Demonstrated ability to handle project management including bringing projects to timely and successful conclusions.

* Must possess political savvy, resourcefulness, analytical ability, and communications skills to execute the MTA's LIRR performance and modernization goals.

* Must be a strong cross-divisional team leader, who expects excellence motivates and develops others while maintaining a collaborative and team orientated work environment.

* Must be skilled at making and defending tough decisions, while demonstrating care and concern for the opinions of others, both inside and outside the organization.

* 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.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

REQUIRED:

* Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field from an accredited college. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. A Master's degree in a directly related field may substitute for two years of experience.

* Minimum 7-10 years of related experience in one or more of the following areas: External Communications, Internal Communications, Political Communications, Government Affairs, Urban Planning, and Community based outreach and public relations, including at least three years in a managerial/supervisory role.

PREFERRED:

* Familiarity with Local, NYS and NYC political environment within LIRR's territory.

* Familiarity with the LIRR's operations.

* Familiarity with the MTA's projects, policies, and procedures.

OTHER INFORMATION:

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 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.

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