External Engagement Director - Transit

Regional Transportation Authority Chicago; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Pension plan or 401(k) salary match

Transit benefits

Twelve paid holidays and one floating

Parental leave

Flexible Spending Account

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) seeks a Division Manager or Manager, External Engagement to lead external affairs across communications, government affairs, and stakeholder engagement in the Chicago region.

The role directs media relations, legislative priorities, and marketing campaigns, aligns messaging with CTA/Metra/Pace, and builds coalitions with peer agencies and civic organizations to advance regional transit policy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in a related field.
• 4–6 years of experience for Managers; 7–10 years for Division Managers in public relations/government/community engagement.
• Experience with government affairs and lobbying preferred.
• Transit operations experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive external affairs strategy across communications, government affairs, and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead media relations, including press releases and public statements.
• Coordinate legislative strategy and engage with federal, state, and local bodies.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Interpersonal

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Public Relations, Law, Communications, Political Science, or related field

Job description

Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) seeks a Division Manager or Manager, External Engagement to lead external affairs across communications, government affairs, and stakeholder engagement in the Chicago region.

The role directs media relations, legislative priorities, and marketing campaigns, aligns messaging with CTA/Metra/Pace, and builds coalitions with peer agencies and civic organizations to advance regional transit policy.