Research and Communication Associate

Description

JOB TITLE:                           Research and Communication Associate (PCAC)

SALARY RANGE:               $59,505 - $78,101

HAY POINTS:                       323

DEPT/DIV:                            Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA

SUPERVISOR:                     Executive Director

LOCATION:                         2 Broadway New York, NY 10004

HOURS OF WORK:            9:00 am - 5:30 pm (7 1/2 hours/day)

***COVER LETTER MUST BE INCLUDED WITH RESUME IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION. ***

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 PCAC (Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA) was created by the NY State Legislature to advise the MTA on behalf of its riders. PCAC is the umbrella organization of the NYC Transit Riders Council (NYCTRC), the Long Island Railroad 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 for all to have a better understanding of the MTA.

The Research and Communication Associate is responsible for assisting with various activities and projects related to PCAC’s advocacy work on behalf of MTA riders through primary support to PCAC and additional support to all three Councils; researching and supporting report development and production; researching and writing testimony, op-eds, letters to the editor, and press releases and statements under tight deadlines; managing PCAC and Council website and social media; and supplementing PCAC staff outreach activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under supervision of the Planning and Advocacy Manager, the Research and Communications Associate will act independently and support PCAC staff, our MTA Board Members and Councils, and represent the organization in meetings and in public forums.
• Writing Quarterly Chair reports for PCAC, and monthly Chair reports for LIRRCC, MNRCC, and NYCTRC.
• Attending meetings and public hearings as needed.
• Researching issues and drafting and delivering testimony for MTA Committee and Board meetings.
• Conducting research on public transportation-related topics selected by PCAC and riders’ Councils and supporting report and white paper development through writing and editing (i.e. Freedom Ticket, Getting Riders Back On-Board, 100 Days/100 Nights, Keeping NY on Track and PCAC’s Annual Report).
• Developing public information and outreach items including reports, brochures, op-eds, media advisories and releases, articles, and blog posts.
• Reviewing, writing, and updating PCAC website content, including articles, press appearances, blog posts, calendar, and Council meeting agendas.
• Monitoring and managing social media presence and researching and recommending public outreach channels
• Assisting PCAC and Councils in initiating and maintaining outreach and advocacy programs for transit improvements to benefit riders and commuters on the MTA system.
• Other tasks as necessary.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES        

• Familiarity with MTA policies and procedures is preferred.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours and attend various functions often at off-site locations.
• Experience with mass transit travel.
• Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization.
• High level of competency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as Mailchimp and WordPress and/or similar.
• Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to synthesize ideas clearly and concisely.
• Strong written and oral communications skills.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required:      

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Transportation, Journalism, Public Policy or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience from an accredited college may be considered in lieu of a degree. Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Minimum 3-5 years related experience, including writing public facing content and materials, writing and updating website content and creating reports and presentations, including visualization techniques.
• Experience with website management and content development.
• Experience in public transportation issues and public outreach.
• Experience working with Advocacy communities.

Preferred:

• 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

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 Commisssion on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission").