Policy & Public Affairs Associate
Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York, NY, United States
Department/Division
Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC)
Job Title Policy & Public Affairs Associate
Supervisor Planning and Advocacy Manager
Work Location 2 Broadway, New York, NY 10004
Hours of Work 9:00 am - 5:30 pm (7.5 hours/day) or as required
Full/Part-Time FULL
Salary Range $72,077 - $90,097
Deadline Until filled
Position Objective The Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC) was created by the New York State Legislature to advise the MTA on behalf of its riders. PCAC is the independent umbrella organization of the NYC Transit Riders Council (NYCTRC), the Long Island Rail Road Commuter Council (LIRRCC), and the Metro-North Railroad Commuter Council (MNRCC). Our work primarily focuses on advocating on behalf of riders and advising the MTA on operational performance and capital projects through our reports and policy recommendations. Our work also includes support for adequate funding and improving transparency so all have a better understanding of the MTA.
The Policy & Public Affairs Associate is responsible for developing and maintaining PCAC's contacts and relationships within the New York State Legislature, New York City Council and other governmental entities. This position will primarily involve working with PCAC leadership and members to conduct research on issues impacting MTA riders and identifying and drafting legislation that advances rider Councils’ goals, and advocating for this legislation through collaboration with elected officials and their staffs; research and public-facing material development; written and oral testimony; development of op-eds, press releases and social media posts; and partnerships with other advocacy and good government organizations. The position requires independent and external work, combined with close internal teamwork and cooperation.
Responsibilities
Under supervision of the Planning and Advocacy Manager, the Policy & Public Affairs Associate will act independently and collaboratively to further the mandate of PCAC staff, our MTA Board Members and Councils, and represent the organization in meetings and in public forums.
Conduct research on public transportation-related topics selected by PCAC and riders’ Councils and support report and white paper development through writing and editing.
Identify and recommend data-driven policies and campaigns to improve public transportation around the MTA region.
Build strategic partnerships with elected officials and advocates, draft legislation, and coordinate and execute legislative days in Albany and across the MTA region.
Draft and distribute testimony, op-eds, memos of support, press releases, and social media campaigns in support of PCAC-supported legislation and associated initiatives.
Represent PCAC in meetings and public forums, including drafting and delivering testimony at monthly MTA Committee and Board meetings.
Monitor and manage social media presence and research and recommend public outreach channels.
Assist PCAC and Councils in initiating and maintaining outreach and advocacy programs for transit improvements to benefit riders and commuters across the MTA system.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to synthesize ideas clearly and concisely.
Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Ability to draft New York State and City legislation in tandem with the bill sponsor's staff.
High level of competency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as Mailchimp and WordPress and/or similar.
Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization.
Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies.
Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Transportation, Journalism, Public Policy, or a related field.
Minimum 4 years related experience, including legislative, government affairs, public policy, communications, or related experience; writing public-facing content and materials, writing and updating website content, and creating reports and presentations, including visualization techniques.
Experience in public transportation issues and public outreach.
Experience working with Advocacy communities.
Experience with mass transit travel.
Preferred Qualifications
A master’s or advanced degree.
Familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures.
Familiarity with New York State and City government, as well as knowledge of transit systems, their operations, and capital improvement processes.
Experience managing social media campaigns.
Experience working with public and civic organizations and/or interactions with local governments and officials.
Experience facilitating meetings with diverse participants.
Involvement in community organizing efforts.
Other Information May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends). Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.
According 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”).
Equal Employment Opportunity MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.
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Job Title Policy & Public Affairs Associate
Supervisor Planning and Advocacy Manager
Work Location 2 Broadway, New York, NY 10004
Hours of Work 9:00 am - 5:30 pm (7.5 hours/day) or as required
Full/Part-Time FULL
Salary Range $72,077 - $90,097
Deadline Until filled
Position Objective The Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC) was created by the New York State Legislature to advise the MTA on behalf of its riders. PCAC is the independent umbrella organization of the NYC Transit Riders Council (NYCTRC), the Long Island Rail Road Commuter Council (LIRRCC), and the Metro-North Railroad Commuter Council (MNRCC). Our work primarily focuses on advocating on behalf of riders and advising the MTA on operational performance and capital projects through our reports and policy recommendations. Our work also includes support for adequate funding and improving transparency so all have a better understanding of the MTA.
The Policy & Public Affairs Associate is responsible for developing and maintaining PCAC's contacts and relationships within the New York State Legislature, New York City Council and other governmental entities. This position will primarily involve working with PCAC leadership and members to conduct research on issues impacting MTA riders and identifying and drafting legislation that advances rider Councils’ goals, and advocating for this legislation through collaboration with elected officials and their staffs; research and public-facing material development; written and oral testimony; development of op-eds, press releases and social media posts; and partnerships with other advocacy and good government organizations. The position requires independent and external work, combined with close internal teamwork and cooperation.
Responsibilities
Under supervision of the Planning and Advocacy Manager, the Policy & Public Affairs Associate will act independently and collaboratively to further the mandate of PCAC staff, our MTA Board Members and Councils, and represent the organization in meetings and in public forums.
Conduct research on public transportation-related topics selected by PCAC and riders’ Councils and support report and white paper development through writing and editing.
Identify and recommend data-driven policies and campaigns to improve public transportation around the MTA region.
Build strategic partnerships with elected officials and advocates, draft legislation, and coordinate and execute legislative days in Albany and across the MTA region.
Draft and distribute testimony, op-eds, memos of support, press releases, and social media campaigns in support of PCAC-supported legislation and associated initiatives.
Represent PCAC in meetings and public forums, including drafting and delivering testimony at monthly MTA Committee and Board meetings.
Monitor and manage social media presence and research and recommend public outreach channels.
Assist PCAC and Councils in initiating and maintaining outreach and advocacy programs for transit improvements to benefit riders and commuters across the MTA system.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to synthesize ideas clearly and concisely.
Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Ability to draft New York State and City legislation in tandem with the bill sponsor's staff.
High level of competency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as Mailchimp and WordPress and/or similar.
Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization.
Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies.
Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Transportation, Journalism, Public Policy, or a related field.
Minimum 4 years related experience, including legislative, government affairs, public policy, communications, or related experience; writing public-facing content and materials, writing and updating website content, and creating reports and presentations, including visualization techniques.
Experience in public transportation issues and public outreach.
Experience working with Advocacy communities.
Experience with mass transit travel.
Preferred Qualifications
A master’s or advanced degree.
Familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures.
Familiarity with New York State and City government, as well as knowledge of transit systems, their operations, and capital improvement processes.
Experience managing social media campaigns.
Experience working with public and civic organizations and/or interactions with local governments and officials.
Experience facilitating meetings with diverse participants.
Involvement in community organizing efforts.
Other Information May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends). Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.
According 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”).
Equal Employment Opportunity MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr