Director, Public Engagement

METRO; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 115,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

METRO in Houston seeks a seasoned Public Engagement Manager to lead outreach to diverse communities, promote public transit initiatives, and elevate the agency’s visibility. You will oversee staff, develop strategies, and coordinate with Marketing, Planning, and Government Affairs to ensure inclusive, effective dialogue.

The role requires eight years of stakeholder coordination and at least five years in supervision; a bachelor's in Public Administration, Communications, Urban Planning, or

Qualifications

• Eight years of professional experience in stakeholder coordination and public outreach.
• Five or more years of supervisory/management experience.
• Experience in public sector or transportation industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide managerial direction and oversee staff performance.
• Develop and execute outreach strategies to engage diverse communities.
• Coordinate with Marketing, Government Affairs and Planning for multi-channel outreach.
• Organize public meetings and listening sessions, in-person and virtual.
• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations and METRO policies.

Skills

Stakeholder coordination

Community outreach

Public speaking

Staff supervision

Strategic planning

Interpersonal skills

Digital engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree (Public Administration/Communications/Urban Planning)

Tools

Digital engagement platforms

Job description

Basic Function

Responsible for METRO’s Public Engagement program to lead efforts to connect with the diverse communities it serves. Develops and executes comprehensive outreach strategies that promote public transit initiatives, encourage community involvement and enhances the agency’s visibility. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• - Provides primary managerial direction and performs personnel administrative functions of direct report staff (e.g., training, supervising, work assignments, timesheets, performance evaluations, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining necessary staffing, enhancing productivity of staff, and ensuring necessary department outcomes are achieved.
• - Develops a strategic plan to for METRO’s engagement with the public to ensure dialogue is established within various communities.
• - Initiates and responds to forums for the exchange of information between METRO and external parties such as chambers of commerce, civic and community organizations, opinion leaders and the business sector.
• - Oversees outreach programs that educate the public about METRO’s services, including discounted fare options for students and seniors and promotes current initiatives.
• - Organizes and facilitates public meetings, open houses, town halls and listening sessions, both in-person and virtually.
• - Coordinates with other departments to ensure consistent messaging and inclusive public participation in capital projects, service changes and planning efforts.
• - Analyzes public feedback and community input to guide agency decisions and report findings to leadership and the Board of Directors.
• - Collaborates with Marketing, Press Office, Government Affairs and Planning departments to support multi-channel public information efforts.
• - Monitors trends in public opinion, transit issues and engagement best practices to continually improve strategies.
• - Ensures all public engagement activities comply with relevant laws, regulations and METRO policies.
• - Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• - Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• - Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• - Performs other job-related duties as assigned. Pay Range: $115,400 - $157,200

Education Requirement

Bachelors degree in Public Administration, Communications Urban Planning or a related degree is required.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum eight (8) years’ professional level experience stakeholder coordination, community outreach and public speaking is required; to include a minimum five (5) years’ supervisory/management experience. Experience in the public sector or transportation industry is preferred.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Excellent communications (written/verbal) and strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with diverse stakeholders. Advanced knowledge of public outreach techniques and tools, including digital engagement platforms. Ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative data to develop engagement strategies. Must be well organized with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines. Knowledge of public transportation systems and urban planning principles is preferred.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.