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Metra

Sr Legislative & Community Affairs Liaison

Metra, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290


Date Posted:9/24/2024

Posting End Date:10/31/2024

Location:98-Non-Contract

City:Chicago

State:IL

Country:United States of America

Category:Professionals

FLSA Status:Exempt

Salary Mid Point:$105,715.00

Salary Range:$84,572.00-$126,858.00

Description

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with eight (8) years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the mid-point of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency links communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.The Deputy Executive Director External Affairs serves as an effective communicator, strategic advisor, and planner to the CEO. The Deputy Executive Director External Affairs oversees special projects and key initiatives based on direction from the CEO and is charged with solving complex issues demanding executive leadership. In addition, the Deputy Executive Director External Affairs is responsible for the agency's Media, Marketing, Social Media, Printing, Customer Service, GPS, Community Relations, Government Affairs and Project Management Oversight.Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director External Affairs/Chief of Staff, the Senior Legislative and Community Affairs Liaison serves as a liaison to elected officials, public and private entities, and community groups on agency services, programs, and projects; develops and maintains relationships with external stakeholders in efforts to advance the agency's goals; compiles data for presentations and reports that reflect the agency's viewpoints and positions on transit and community issues; promotes legislative and programmatic initiatives and leads special projects, events, and municipal and legislative outreach programs.The Primary Duties include:Develop and maintain relationships and build coalitions with external stakeholders in support of the agency's programs, projects, goals, and legislation; and coordinate with municipal staff on submissions, reviews, permits, and approvals.Serve as liaison and government relations representative for legislative and executive level meetings and hearings, and meetings with officials from other governmental entities; and conduct briefings for elected officials and community organizations to present proposed capital projects.Advise senior management on sensitive issues impacting intergovernmental and stakeholder relations; and gather public comments to provide input on briefing materials, speeches and speaking points, and presentations delivered to leadership and the Board of Directors.Prepare presentations and reports that reflect the agency's views and positions on transit and community issues; coordinate outreach materials and activities; schedule and attend events; and participate in regional planning studies.Keep abreast of proposed and enacted legislation and regulations affecting urban mass transportation; and develop alternatives to measures that seem contrary to the interest of the agency.Incumbents work under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. Must be able to operate a vehicle.Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate.Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.Any submissions or applications for this position must be submitted directly by the candidate to the Human Resources Department. Metra prohibits and records any third-party inquiries, recommendations or submissions regarding specific candidates. Accordingly, only candidates who have applied for this position should contact the Human Resources Department. If you are not the actual candidate/applicant, please do not submit, call or email regarding this position.

Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, related field OR in lieu of a specified degree a combination of education and experience may be substituted that equals four years in legislative affairs, community relations, or municipal management.2. In addition to #1, must have five years of experience in community relations or governmental or public affairs.3. Experience with federal transportation regulations is preferred.4. Considerable knowledge of:government relations principles and practices.issues affecting urban transportation.5. Good knowledge of:transportation laws and regulations.railroad and public transportation operations.6. Some knowledge of the agency's services, routes, fares, and facilities.7. Strong:verbal and written communication skills.interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective working relations with agency staff, community groups, and governmental bodies.8. Good organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.9. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).10. Ability to:handle sensitive, confidential, and complex government and community relations issues.research and quickly synthesize information, present it creatively, and in a variety of formats and mediums to target audiences.embrace diversity, understand others' perspectives, and work effectively with various people groups.11. Must:possess and maintain a valid driver's license and be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.

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