Director of Capital and Community Relations at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority – Boston, Massachusetts

The Director of Capital and Community Relations will support efforts to coordinate capital projects and community objectives for MBTA's External Affairs Department. The Director of Capital and Community Relations will manage communications as an intermediary between Capital Delivery, Community Engagement, and External Affairs. The Director will coordinate the development of outreach programs alongside the External Affairs team, including additional internal and external stakeholders to work collaboratively to meet the strategic goals and objectives of the MBTA. The Director of Capital and Community Relations will be responsible for managing and monitoring all outreach and communications with stakeholders for the entire Capital Delivery and Community Engagement project portfolio. The successful candidate must demonstrate background in community engagement, business administration, and project management.

• Direct and collaborate closely with the Deputy Director of Community Engagement to produce public meetings, vignettes, and additional public outreach materials to communicate project goals and outcomes, including partnering with Service planning, Capital Programs, Policy, System-Wide Accessibility, and the General Manager’s office, among others to ensure project needs are met.
• Directly manage the Deputy Director of Community Engagement and the Manager of Capital Engagement (e.g., review deliverables, manage workloads and portfolios).
• Set vision and objectives for the MBTA for the Capital and Community Relations team, partnering with Capital programs to inform the public on capital project goals and outcomes.
• Manage several consultant contracts performing outreach activities on capital projects.
• Working in coordination with MBTA Customer Experience, manage stakeholder communications for the lifecycle of all Capital Delivery projects, including but not limited to communications on project scope, impacts, and outcomes.
• Advise senior management of issues and/or risks to stakeholder relationships as soon as they arise so risks can be managed effectively.
• Provide briefings and support for public engagement on construction and community activities.
• Manage the public meeting calendar
• Develop and implement strategies for continually improving stakeholder satisfaction with outreach and communication efforts.
• Develop project-specific outreach plans in coordination with project managers in Service Planning, External Affairs, Capital Programs, Policy, and other departments.
• Represent the MBTA in public settings (e.g., public meetings, street teams, focus groups, etc.).
• Consult with project teams on scoping for upcoming engagement processes (budget, tasks, tactics, etc.).
• Manage and coordinate external outreach consultants (e.g., review proposals, deliverables, etc.).
• Represent the Authority in public presentations, to the media, and to elected officials as needed.
• Have the ability to work any and all shifts and/or locations assigned or directed.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Supervision

• Direct supervision of Deputy Director of Community Engagement and Manager of Capital Engagement.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Political Science, Urban Studies, Public Policy, Sociology, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Public Health, or related field.
• Seven (7) years of experience in Community outreach and relationship building experience.
• Five (5) years of experience in supervision, management, and/or leadership.
• Five (5) years of event planning and facilitation of public meetings large and small.
• Demonstrated experience working successfully across departments or on cross-functional teams in a complex organization.
• Demonstrated ability and influencing skills to facilitate stakeholders to make decisions in a multifaceted and complicated environment.
• Demonstrated ability to think analytically and work in a team environment.
• Effective written communication, interpersonal, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• The ability to work effectively with a diverse workforce.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and resolve conflicts in dynamic settings among diverse audiences with strong opinions in a courteous and professional manner.

• A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• An associate’s degree from an accredited institution and an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• A master’s degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.
• A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Master's degree from an accredited institution in Public Administration, Business Administration, Communications, or related degree.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement/management in complex political environment.