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 Senior 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 AffairsOfficer,this position creates and executes public affairs communication programs, including C&D corporate brand building, media relations, digital communications, and the management of public stakeholder content for capital projects and initiatives. The Senior Director works in concert with Business Unit Leaders and Project Teams to advocate for and manage stakeholder engagement. 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 Senior 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. 

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 for and 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 twelve (12) years of related experience in communications, government, or government affairs. 

Must have a minimum of eight (8) years in a leadership and/or managerial role in a large, multi-faceted, fast-paced organization or governmental body preferred.  

Master's degree preferred.  

Proven track record, knowledge, and/or ability to manage communications and government/public affairs in a complex, high-profile, high-pressure environment.  

Possess exceptional leadership, presentation, and communications skills, including the ability to motivate, coach, and direct a communications team.  

Possess the ability to build strong partnerships with staff and stakeholders.  

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

Comfortable working and communicating with professionals at all levels. Experience presenting and interacting directly with senior executives, government officials, and board members, as well as external partners.  

Proven ability to exercise judgment and discretion, correct course assignments, and manage shifting priorities and challenges. 

Excellent presentation, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated ability to persuade others and achieve beneficial outcomes. 

Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact 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. 

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal stakeholders, including the MTA C&D 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. 

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

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 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 thosewith 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.