Chief External Affairs & Partnerships

TriMet; Oregon (WI); On-site; USD 233,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

TriMet, a regional transportation authority, seeks a Chief External Affairs Officer to lead government relations, communications, and community engagement. The role shapes agency strategy, policies, budgets, and two-way communication with employees, partners, the public, and media.

The incumbent will ensure a safe, dependable customer experience, oversee budgeting and forecasting, and steer community outreach to expand ridership and partnerships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; preferred in Public Admin, Political Science, Economics, or Communications.
• Minimum 12 years total credited experience.
• 10 years in public relations, governmental relations, communications and policy development.
• 7 years in multi-modal public transportation or similar complex organization.
• 5 years of management experience.
• Or any equivalent combination of training or experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the government's relations function and oversee federal, state, and local legislative programs.
• Advance regional influence, economic development initiatives, and external partnerships with government and business entities.
• Identify funding and revenue opportunities; monitor federal and state legislative updates related to funding.
• Lead partnerships to build coalitions and educate partners on issues and opportunities facing TriMet.
• Guide community outreach programs to support services, promote ridership, and ensure coordination with stakeholders.
• Direct communications, marketing and customer experience to foster positive, timely interactions with employees, media, and community.

Skills

Leadership

Government relations

Budgeting

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Communications

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Public Administration / Political Science / Economics / Communications

Job description

TriMet, a regional transportation authority, seeks a Chief External Affairs Officer to lead government relations, communications, and community engagement. The role shapes agency strategy, policies, budgets, and two-way communication with employees, partners, the public, and media.

The incumbent will ensure a safe, dependable customer experience, oversee budgeting and forecasting, and steer community outreach to expand ridership and partnerships.