Division Manager or Manager, External Engagement

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.

• The knowledge, skills, and abilities equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Public Relations, Law, Communications, Political Science, or a related field required.
• Division Managers must have seven to ten (7 - 10) years’ experience in public relations, government, and/or community engagement and Managers must have four to six (4
  - 6) years of experience.
• Division Managers must have a minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated supervisory/management experience and Managers must have a minimum of one (1) year of experience.
• Experience with government affairs and lobbying preferred.
• Experience in transit operations is a plus.

• 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…