Division Manager or Manager, External Engagement

Division Manager or Manager, External Engagement(Job )

Location:

Chicago

Post Date: 8/29/2026

Close Date: 10/30/2026

Category:
Executive Office

Employment Type:

EMPLOYEE

26-DMEE

The Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA), formerly the Regional Transportation Authority, was created by the Illinois General Assembly and Governor JB Pritzker to make transit across northeastern Illinois work for riders as one regional transit system. NITA is seeking to fill a critical role with the newly formed Division Manager or Manager, External Engagement position for the External Affairs department. This role oversees a unified external strategy for all NITA communications, government affairs, and constituent/stakeholder engagement.

The individual directs media relations, legislative priorities, and marketing campaigns.

The position aligns messaging with Service Boards (i.e., CTA/Metra/Pace) when applicable, and cultivates coalitions with peer agencies, advocacy groups, and civic organizations.

NITA sets regional fares, service standards, and schedules across the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace; plans and funds regional capital investment; and oversees the performance and finances of the three Service Boards serving riders across Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties.

As of September 1, 2026, NITA has expanded authority under Public Act 104-0457. People who join NITA now will help build the systems, policies, and partnerships that shape regional transit for years to come.

Accountabilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive external affairs strategy that integrates communications, government affairs, constituent engagement, and all external messaging for NITA. Ensuring there is a consistent and clear message across all areas of NITA.
• Partner with Service Board staff to align strategy and messaging on topics that impact all agencies.
• Serve as the primary advisor to the Chief Transition Officer, Executive Director, and NITA Board on all matters related to external affairs, ensuring alignment with NITA’s mission, strategic plan, and legislative priorities.

• Develop and implement proactive media relations strategies, including press releases and public statements.
• Oversee the development and execution of marketing campaigns and special events to raise awareness of NITA’s accomplishments and priorities.
• Coordinate internal communications and partner with Human Resources to ensure organizational alignment and consistent messaging.
• Develop, lead, and manage NITA’s federal, state, and local legislative strategy, including drafting legislation, policy analysis, and advocacy.
• Coordinate and direct the work of contract lobbyists and legislative consultants.
• Build and maintain coalitions with peer agencies, advocacy groups, and civic organizations to advance NITA’s legislative and policy agenda.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements, providing regular updates to senior leadership and the NITA board.

• Coordinate relationships and messaging with stakeholder groups and NITA advisory councils/boards, ensuring their input is reflected in NITA’s policies and communications.
• Develop and implement strategies to engage elected officials, community leaders, and the public throughout the NITA region and state.
• Foster a work culture that’s focused on achieving measurable objectives by coaching staff, strengthening interagency relationships, and supporting your team. Supports the Agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity policies, goals and objectives.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

The ideal candidate must have the following:

• T…