Deputy Director of External Affairs

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s core values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, culture, and accessibility, and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

The Deputy Director of External Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs is responsible for developing and executing the External Affairs department’s public affairs strategy. In this capacity, this individual provides advice, insight, analysis, coordination, and acts as a liaison between the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and various government and regional stakeholders. The Deputy Director is tasked with overseeing and managing the External Affairs department’s government affairs and external engagement strategies.

As a leader on the External Affairs team, this person is responsible for serving as a liaison to many of the governmental agencies, partners, and service providers with which the Authority maintains relationships. Advises senior leadership on possible strategies for effectively managing governmental and interjurisdictional relationships for the benefit of the Authority's interests. Maintains constant vigilance on how the plans and activities of the Authority may interact with other stakeholder interests, and how external initiatives may impact the Authority.

This position may also act as the department lead on various projects and programs that require coordination with cross-functional MBTA staff, consultants, and external organizations.

• Directs the operations of the Authority’s government affairs strategy by developing and advancing the MBTA’s legislative agenda in conjunction with other department leaders.
• Works with department Leads and Senior Leadership in identifying and solving problems with governmental entities and/or introducing opportunities to promote the MBTA's reputation.
• Represents the MBTA's interests with various government agencies, and state and local elected officials.
• Acts as primary point of contact for state and local officials regarding issues related to any MBTA matter, including operations and capital projects.
• Works with the Director of Capital and Community Relations to advise on and set strategic external engagement objectives related to capital projects.
• Sets direction on capital project engagement related to government stakeholders.
• Facilitates external communications, organizes meetings and materials, and maintains internal records.
• Supports department management with drafting and submitting statutorily required legislative reports.
• Assists colleagues on the External Affairs team with constituent requests.
• Assists with the development and execution of outreach plans and external engagement strategies related to MBTA service, projects, and initiatives.
• Monitors state legislation, analyzes legislative proposals, and provides updates and recommendations for the Assistant General Manager for External Affairs.
• Maintain updated contact lists of regional stakeholders, elected officials, and staff.
• Support the management and delivery of effective, timely completion of departmental and functional key initiatives, programs, and policies.
• Works closely with the Office of Communications, Customer Experience, and other external-facing departments to ensure effective and proactive communication on a range of MBTA projects and events.
• Attends external events as directed.
• Handle all sensitive information in a strictly confidential manner.

• Will supervise Manager of Intergovernmental Affairs

* This job posting will close once it reaches 50 applications or after 2 weeks, whichever comes first.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Communications or related field.
• Five (5) years of full-time experience working in a…