Description

Public Affairs Strategy 

        Contribute to developing and executing community affairs strategies supporting PSTA transit plans and projects. 

        Lead initiatives to secure transit funding and supportive policies. 

        Build partnerships to advance public transit services in the region. 

Community Affairs 

        Engage local officials and key influencers to foster partnerships that advance PSTA’s mission.

        Support PSTA’s Transit Riders Advisory Committee (TRAC).  

        Maintain ongoing communications with City Managers and other staff from the various member cities.

        Represent PSTA in coalitions, committees, and working groups. 

        Identify opportunities to enhance public transit initiatives through strategic stakeholder engagement. 

        Develop and maintain effective relationships with businesses, business groups and community groups through one-on-one and group presentations to promote and sell PSTA services and products. 

        Establish and maintain proactive and continuing contact with internal and external transportation committees, and other special interest groups including Forward Pinellas, HART, GoPasco, the Florida Department of Transportation and other agencies. 

        Seek out and cultivate relationships with choice riders for the purpose of future testimonials, etc. 

Policy Development 

        Monitor legislation and regulatory issues and advise PSTA on policy challenges. 

        Develop white papers, presentations, and reports on local, state, and federal policy matters. 

        Help establish PSTA as a leader in transportation, sustainability, and  innovative mobility solutions. 

Influence & Thought Leadership 

        Identify opportunities for PSTA thought leadership, from board initiatives to department-level projects. 

        Build relationships with external policymakers and influential stakeholders. 

        Collaborate across departments to align community affairs with organizational priorities. 

        Support community-based transit advocacy efforts by providing helpful information, studies, fact sheets, and industry knowledge. 

Agency Coordination and Public Engagement 

        Assist in planning presentations and public events. 

        Track and respond to public comments and Board of Directors’ policy updates. 

        Represent PSTA at various public meetings, including evening, weekend, and out of town events as needed. 

        Develop responses to requests for information and support performance tracking.  

        Compose one-pagers, speeches, talking points, and background/briefing materials for Board Members, CEO, and other Directors in the organization. 

        Collect feedback and communicate to appropriate PSTA management team. 

        Develop pro-public transit messages that can be used in press releases and ongoing communications. 

        Develop outlines for PowerPoints and video presentations and instruct graphics staff on building these products. 

        Perform other professional duties as assigned. 

Requirements

        Education: Bachelor’s degree in Community Affairs, Public Policy, Planning, Public Administration, or a related field required.

        Experience: 5+ years of experience in local or legislative/governmental roles. Experience in transit or transportation policy (internships or leadership roles in advocacy organizations preferred).

        License Requirement: Must possess or obtain a valid Florida driver’s license.