Description

Shape the future of public transit, and be a voice to connect communities with innovative transit solutions.
Description:
This position works on-site at PSTA's campus in St. Petersburg, FL, with frequent local meetings around Pinellas County.

BASIC PURPOSE

Are you passionate about shaping the future of public transit and eager to be the voice that connects communities with innovative transportation solutions? PSTA’s Community Affairs Deputy Director will play a key role in developing and communicating strategies that shape the future of transit in Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay region. The ideal candidate is confident, motivated, and committed to being a transit advocate. They should excel in building relationships, be highly organized, tech-savvy, and detail-oriented. This position requires a growth mindset and leadership development aptitude. The Deputy Director will support Chief roles to promote public transit initiatives, and represent PSTA in meetings with local, state, and federal stakeholders, including city and county officials and business leaders.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead, coach, and develop the public engagement team, and oversee contractors as applicable, to engage with the community at local events.

       Actively support implementation of PSTA’s EEO Program and equitably administer all Authority policies and procedures.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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, or public-facing roles in non-governmental organizations (NGOs). 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

        Knowledge of transit planning and best practices.

        Strong communication, writing, and research skills.

        Ability to plan, direct, and supervise the work of subordinate employees.

        Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

        Ability to communicate complex ideas simply and effectively.

        Passion for transit and team collaboration.

        Organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.

        Bilingual in Spanish/English is a plus.

        Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of stakeholders.