Associate Director PCAC

JOB TITLE:                     Associate Director, PCAC

SALARY RANGE:          $105,000 - $117,500

HAY POINTS:                 677

DEPT/DIV:                    PCAC

SUPERVISOR:                Executive Director

LOCATION:                    2 Broadway New York, NY 10004

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

DEADLINE:Open until filled

***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 Associate Director PCAC is a senior management position with primary responsibility of directing and supervising staff activities to ensure that the legislatively-mandated mission and goals of the PCAC and Commuter Councils are properly executed. The position involves strategy, management, advocacy, media, public and inter-governmental relations, communications, project management and presentations skills, planning and policy research, financial and budgetary knowledge, and an understanding of MTA/public transit operations and infrastructure needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In consultation with Executive Director and PCAC Executive Committee and in collaboration with staff and members, develops PCAC Strategic Plan, including outlining short- and long-term initiatives, research projects, priorities and goals for PCAC to support its mission. Responsible for overseeing Strategic Plan execution.
• Serving as point person, maintains good relationships and has regular interaction with elected and appointed officials and staff across MTA region, including relating to legislative and budgetary issues affecting the MTA and its riders. Maintains and cultivates outside relationships with multiple stakeholders, including other advocacy organizations, good-government groups, and MTA/agency personnel, to help advance PCAC projects and initiatives.
• In conjunction with Executive Director, key staff and PCAC Executive Committee, develops and maintains relationships with relevant media outlets and represents PCAC and Council positions as appropriate. Provides writing and editorial support regarding correspondence, testimony, op-eds, and press releases. Supervises the development of advocacy campaigns and materials, including websites, social media toolkits, supporting blogs, and other materials.
• Supervises staff in the development and timely execution of planning and policy research and communications projects that reflect the needs of MTA riders, PCAC and the three Councils. Accountable for the successful management and completion of planning, research and special projects.
• Assists in development of the PCAC annual budget and financial plan.
• Supervises operation of PCAC office and staff and 4-6 interns to ensure deadlines are met and projects are completed in a timely and effective manner, expressing clear performance expectations. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• On behalf of PCAC, participates in technical and public advisory committee activities for MTA and MTA-related planning studies and capital projects.
• Coordinates both the procurement and non-procurement aspects of contracts between PCAC and contractors, consultants and/or vendors (known as contractors for this purpose) with which it does business. For example, the Associate Director observes and documents the work performed, signs off on invoices that are accurate and complete, addresses concerns with the contractor when possible, and in consultation with the Executive Director, escalates issues to other parties if needed. The Associate Director may recommend withholding payment for substandard work results. The Associate Director should also inform the contractor when any change in operating conditions might necessitate a contract modification or change order.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong supervisory and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of the NY region's political environment, legislative and budgetary processes and transportation policies, with background and experience in advocacy relating to transit, funding, policies and initiatives.
• Strong writing skills and experience writing research papers; white papers; press releases; social media content; op-eds; and other public-facing materials.
• The ability to manage a large number of time-sensitive products and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong time and task-management skills and the ability to maximize the output of a small staff are also necessary.
• Consensus building skills and sensitivity to organizational needs.
• Familiarity of MTA and PCAC policies, goals and objectives.
• Strong understanding of the NY media landscape and experience writing originally, quickly and effectively for various media outlets, including providing quotes and statements to the press.
• Strong sensitivity to MTA rider needs including regularly riding MTA transit. Experience in similar planning and policy settings is an asset.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational, analysis and problem-solving skills.
• A high level of maturity and decorum are expected.
• Proficiency in Microsoft office applications, WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite, Mailchimp, Tableau, YouTube, social media platforms, GIS, and/or comparable applications.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's Degree in Urban Affairs, Urban Planning, Communications, Public Policy, Public Administration or a related field or the equivalent or progressively responsible experience is required; and
• A minimum of 10 years' experience in transportation- or public policy-related activities with progressive responsibilities, including at least 4 years in a managerial and/or leadership role in a large, multi-faceted, fast-paced organization or governmental body preferred.
• Experience in public transportation issues, NYS budget/legislative process and public outreach.

PREFERRED:

• A Master's Degree in Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Communications, Public Administration or a related field is preferred
• Previous public sector experience is preferred.
• Strategic plan development and execution is preferred.
• Familiarity with PCAC’s and the MTA’s policies and procedures.

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”).

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with 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.