Metropolitan Transportation Authority Careers

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.

Summary

The Assistant Director of Strategic Public Affairs manages internal corporate communications, governmental/public affairs, and stakeholder relationships for a wide variety of capital projects and initiatives. Under the supervision of the Assistant Vice President, Strategic Public Affairs Officer, this position creates and executes public affairs communication programs for MTA Construction & Development (C&D). This includes C&D corporate brand building, media relations, and digital communications, including initiatives like the This Week In Construction newsletter. The Assistant Director works in concert with C&D Business Unit Leaders and Project Teams to manage stakeholder engagement and ensures that communications and strategies are adapted based on leadership internal and public stakeholder feedback and meet style-guidance standards to create and deliver content consistency of C&D communications across the Agency. The Assistant Director also works in collaboration with senior leadership and staff within MTA HQ to ensure close coordination and strategic alignment on all matters of external, governmental/public affairs communication.

Responsibilities

Communication strategy and approach are made in consultation with the Assistant Vice President, Strategic Public Affairs Officer, Office of the President, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief of Staff, and C&D Executive Management.

Develop and execute integrated corporate communications, messaging, and newly defined business development for C&D Capital Projects by initiating and implementing digital and non-digital campaigns, creative concepts, and proposals, as well as marketing the capital program to industry partners and private and public organizations.

Coordinate the publication of the This Week In Construction newsletter, including selecting topics, coordinating photo coverage, drafting copy, and editing the final product in collaboration with other stakeholders within MTA C&D and MTA HQ.

Partner with and optimize business relationships with MTA HQ Communications Teams and MTA Press in order to foster integrated collaboration across the Agency and ensure effective, high-quality content development for MTA Capital Projects.

Collaborates with the Executive Management Team to provide strategic communication to build brand visibility and shape the communications strategy and digital platform for the capital program.

Manage the production of web-based and other digital communications; adapt, design, and create content to highlight the capital program and to ensure a dynamic, real-time positive messaging to internal and external Industry Partners.

Liaison with MTA HQ Communications Teams and MTA IT to ensure consistency in messaging on the intranet website, including managing all updates related to text, links, photos, PDFs, and page layout issues.

Liaison with MTA HQ Communications Teams in order to facilitate and manage the relationship with industry press, social channels, and outlets for events on behalf of MTA Construction and Development.

Responsible for MTA Construction and Development video production design, branding, and marketing capital projects from initiation of design to writing, editing, and photo layouts, in collaboration with the Executive Team, Project Managers, and Business Units.

May need to work outside of regular work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends), including attending community engagement events.

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or external sites, including community events, site tours, and filming and photographing of construction.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Communications, English, Business Administration, Public Policy, Public Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience. 

Must have a minimum of eight (8) years of related experience in communications, government, or government affairs.

Must have a minimum of at least four (4) years in a leadership or managerial role in a large, multi-faceted, fast-paced organization or governmental body preferred.

Master's degree preferred.

Knowledge and record of managing corporate communications or public affairs for large, complex organizations.

Knowledge of the MTA regional network and its operating context is desirable.

Familiarity with the New York transit media and social media environment.

Excellent presentation, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills, including synthesizing technical information for public understanding into layperson's terms.

Possess a high level of political acumen gained through experience working in public administration, transportation, communications, and government/public environments.

Ability to exercise judgment, discretion, course correct, and manage shifting priorities, challenges, and deadlines.

Ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively.

Ability to interface and communicate well with external agencies that may include the New York State Governor's Office, New York City government, elected and other public officials, and federal and state authorities.

Comfortable working and communicating with professionals at all levels within the organization, such as senior leadership, MTA Press Office, Communications, Agencies, and MTA Board.

Strong managerial skills to effectively direct a staff of professionals in implementing the short- and long-term goals and direction for the area of responsibility.

Detail-oriented with strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and planning skills. Must be a self-starter who can identify needs, strategies, and resources to meet those needs.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Graphic Design Skills preferred.

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").

Selection Criteria

Based on the evaluation of education, skills, experience, and interview.

How to Apply

MTA employees must apply via My MTA Portal. You can submit an online application by logging into My MTA Portal, clicking the My Job Search ribbon, and selecting the "Careers" link. Logging in through My MTA Portal will link your BSC ID number to your job application to identify you as an internal applicant.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are equal opportunity employers, including those 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.