Metropolitan Transportation Authority Careers

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:

The PCAC (Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA) was created by the NY State Legislature to advise the MTA on behalf of its riders. PCAC is the independent, umbrella organization of the NYC Transit Riders Council (NYCTRC), the Long Island Rail Road Commuter Council (LIRRCC), and the Metro-North Railroad Commuter Council (MNRCC). Our work primarily focuses on advocating on behalf of riders and advising the MTA on operational performance and capital projects through our reports and policy recommendations. Our work also includes support for adequate funding and improving transparency for all to have a better understanding of the MTA.

The Policy & Public Affairs Associate is responsible for developing and maintaining PCAC’s contacts and relationships within the New York State Legislature, New York City Council and other governmental entities. This position will primarily involve working with PCAC leadership and members to conduct research on issues impacting MTA riders and identifying and drafting legislation that advances rider Councils’ goals, and advocating for this legislation through collaboration with elected officials and their staffs; research and public-facing material development; written and oral testimony; development of op-eds, press releases and social media posts; and partnerships with other advocacy and good government organizations. The position requires independent and external work, combined with close internal teamwork and cooperation.

Responsibilities:

• Under supervision of the Planning and Advocacy Manager, the Policy & Public Affairs Associate will act independently and collaboratively to further the mandate of PCAC staff, our MTA Board Members and Councils, and represent the organization in meetings and in public forums.
• Conducting research on public transportation-related topics selected by PCAC and riders’ Councils and supporting report and white paper development through writing and editing.
• Identifying and recommending data-driven policies and campaigns to improve public transportation around the MTA region.
• Building strategic partnerships with elected officials and advocates, drafting legislation, and coordinating and executing legislative days in Albany and across the MTA region.
• Drafting and distributing testimony, op-eds, memos of support, press releases, and social media campaigns in support of PCAC-supported legislation and associated initiatives.
• Representing PCAC in meetings and public forums, including drafting and delivering testimony at monthly MTA Committee and Board meetings.
• Monitoring and managing social media presence and researching and recommending public outreach channels.
• Assisting PCAC and Councils in initiating and maintaining outreach and advocacy programs for transit improvements to benefit riders and commuters across the MTA system.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to synthesize ideas clearly and concisely.
• Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to draft New York State and City legislation in tandem with the bill sponsor's staff.
• High level of competency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as Mailchimp and WordPress and/or similar.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies.
• 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.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Transportation, Journalism, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Minimum 4 years related experience, including legislative, government affairs, public policy, communications, or related experience; writing public-facing content and materials, writing and updating website content, and creating reports and presentations, including visualization techniques.
• Experience in public transportation issues and public outreach.
• Experience working with Advocacy communities.
• Experience with mass transit travel.

The Following is/are preferred:

• A master’s or advanced degree.
• Familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with New York State and City government, as well as knowledge of transit systems, their operations, and capital improvement processes.
• Experience managing social media campaigns
• Experience working with public and civic organizations and/or interactions with local governments and officials.
• Experience facilitating meetings with diverse participants.
• Involvement in community organizing efforts.

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”).

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.