Division Manager or Manager, External Engagement

Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA); Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension / 401(k)

401(k) / 457 options

Hybrid work

Transit benefits

Paid holidays

Personal leave

FSAs

PSLF

EAP

Job summary

Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) seeks a Division Manager or Manager, External Engagement in the External Affairs department. This role oversees a unified external strategy for all communications, government affairs, and stakeholder engagement, directing media relations and legislative priorities.

The ideal candidate will coordinate with CTA/Metra/Pace, build coalitions with agencies and civic groups, and lead strategic engagement across the NITA region while supporting workforce and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Public Relations, Law, Communications, Political Science, or related field.
• 7–10 years in public relations/government or 4–6 years for Managers, with supervisory experience.
• Experience with government affairs and advocacy is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an external affairs strategy integrating communications, government affairs, and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead media relations, legislative strategy, and marketing campaigns to raise awareness of NITA priorities.
• Coordinate messaging with Service Boards and coalitions with peer agencies and civic organizations.
• Direct contract lobbyists and ensure regulatory compliance; guide senior leadership on external affairs.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Media relations

Public policy

Team management

Education

Bachelors degree

Job description

The Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA), formerly the Regional Transportation Authority, was created by the Illinois General Assembly and Governor JB Pritzker to make transit across northeastern Illinois work for riders as one regional transit system. NITA is seeking to fill a critical role with the newly formed Division Manager or Manager, External Engagement position for the External Affairs department. This role oversees a unified external strategy for all NITA communications, government affairs, and constituent/stakeholder engagement. The individual directs media relations, legislative priorities, and marketing campaigns.

The position aligns messaging with Service Boards (i.e., CTA/Metra/Pace) when applicable, and cultivates coalitions with peer agencies, advocacy groups, and civic organizations.

NITA sets regional fares, service standards, and schedules across the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace; plans and funds regional capital investment; and oversees the performance and finances of the three Service Boards serving riders across Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties.

As of September 1, 2026, NITA has expanded authority under Public Act 104-0457. People who join NITA now will help build the systems, policies, and partnerships that shape regional transit for years to come.

The ideal candidate must have the following:

• The knowledge, skills, and abilities equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Public Relations, Law, Communications, Political Science, or a related field required.
• Division Managers must have seven to ten (7 - 10) years’ experience in public relations, government, and/or community engagement and Managers must have four to six (4 - 6) years of experience.
• Division Managers must have a minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated supervisory/management experience and Managers must have a minimum of one (1) year of experience.
• Experience with government affairs and lobbying preferred.
• Experience in transit operations is a plus.

Strategic Leadership & Oversight

• Develop and execute a comprehensive external affairs strategy that integrates communications, government affairs, constituent engagement, and all external messaging for NITA. Ensuring there is a consistent and clear message across all areas of NITA.
• Partner with Service Board staff to align strategy and messaging on topics that impact all agencies.
• Serve as the primary advisor to the Chief Transition Officer, Executive Director, and NITA Board on all matters related to external affairs, ensuring alignment with NITA’s mission, strategic plan, and legislative priorities.

Communications & Messaging

• Develop and implement proactive media relations strategies, including press releases and public statements.
• Oversee the development and execution of marketing campaigns and special events to raise awareness of NITA’s accomplishments and priorities.
• Coordinate internal communications and partner with Human Resources to ensure organizational alignment and consistent messaging.
• Develop, lead, and manage NITA’s federal, state, and local legislative strategy, including drafting legislation, policy analysis, and advocacy.
• Coordinate and direct the work of contract lobbyists and legislative consultants.
• Build and maintain coalitions with peer agencies, advocacy groups, and civic organizations to advance NITA’s legislative and policy agenda.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements, providing regular updates to senior leadership and the NITA board.

Constituent & Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate relationships and messaging with stakeholder groups and NITA advisory councils/boards, ensuring their input is reflected in NITA’s policies and communications.
• Develop and implement strategies to engage elected officials, community leaders, and the public throughout the NITA region and state.
• Foster a work culture that’s focused on achieving measurable objectives by coaching staff, strengthening interagency relationships, and supporting your team. Supports the Agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity policies, goals and objectives.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

Skills

• Strategic leadership: Capable of setting clear vision and direction, motivating teams, and guiding complex initiatives to achieve organizational goals.
• Interpersonal: Ability to build trust, navigate differing perspectives, and develop productive working relationships across diverse internal, governmental, and community stakeholders.
• Communication: Ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to diverse internal and external audiences.

NITA offers a highly competitive benefits package:

• Pension plan or 401(k) salary match provided by NITA at no cost to you
• 401(k) and/or 457 plan options
• Hybrid work environment and flexible work schedules
• Transit benefits to support your commute
• Twelve paid holidays and one floating holiday
• Competitive personal leave package
• Parental leave
• Flexible Spending Account
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Employee Assistance Program

A Division Manager role typically offers salaries near $123,000 and shall consider a Manager tier for candidates who fit the manager role typically at salaries near $99,825. NITA offers competitive salaries with the possibility of a higher offer for highly qualified candidates. (The final scale of the classification for this position will be based upon the selected candidates demonstrated experience and qualifications.)

For more information about NITA, visit our website at https://nita.illinois.gov/.

**Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-NITA employment while employed at NITA, or within one year immediately after ending NITA employment, the employee may be required to notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor ("OEIG") or may be subject to a fine.**