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 Manager, Content and Digital Strategist manages governmental/public affairs and stakeholder relationships for a wide variety of capital projects and initiatives. Under the supervision of the Senior Director, Strategic Public Affairs Officer, this position coordinates and manages the public affairs for capital projects for MTA Construction & Development (C&D). The Manager works in concert with C&D Business Unit Leaders and Project Teams to manage stakeholder engagement and facilitate execution of coordinated strategic public affairs. This position will work on projects in all phases of development and of all sizes, including projects like the Interborough Express, Second Avenue Subway Phase 2, accessibility upgrades, and state-of-good-repair upgrades. The Manager, Content & Digital Strategist 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.

Manage the public affairs portfolio of capital projects at C&D in collaboration with the Senior Director, Strategic Public Affairs, the Office of the President, and MTA HQ Government and Community Relations.

Work with Project Teams and C&D Executive Leadership to develop messaging to keep the public informed, build support, and mitigate challenges related to a wide variety of Capital Projects. Including, but not limited to, maintaining and managing relationships with Elected, Agency, and external stakeholder partners. Such Capital projects will range from early proposals to design to construction and will range in size from small repair projects (e.g., the replacement of a staircase at a subway station) to large megaprojects (e.g., the Interborough Express)

Coordinate with contractors, project management teams, and other contracted parties to ensure that outreach and stakeholder engagement are properly managed.

Be able to represent the MTA at public meetings with elected officials, community stakeholders, and members of the public.

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.

Assist in the publication of the This Week In Construction newsletter, coordinating with other stakeholders within MTA C&D and MTA HQ.

Help execute partnerships 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.

Collaborate 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.

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 six (6)years of related experience in communications, government, or government affairs.

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.