





At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.
Job Summary
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.
Duties & Responsibilities
- 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.
Minimum Requirements & Qualifications
- 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.
Substitutions Include
- 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.
Job Conditions:
- Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
- Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
- Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
- Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
- Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).
- Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
- Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
- Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
- Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
- Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
- Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting their positions and throughout the duration of their program.
Disclaimers and Definitions:
- General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
- Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. Recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
- Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
- Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
- Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA, but a valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number are required prior to starting work. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
- Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
- Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
- On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
- Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
- ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.
- Intern / Co-Op / Fellow Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship, co-op, or fellowship at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on city from which the employee commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns, co-ops, or fellows.