Community Affairs Specialist

BASIC PURPOSE

Are you passionate about shaping the future of public transit and eager to be the voice that connects communities with innovative transportation solutions? PSTA’s Community Affairs Specialist will play a key role in developing and communicating strategies that shape the future of transit in Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay region.

The ideal candidate is confident, motivated, and committed to being a transit advocate.

They should excel in building relationships, be highly organized, tech-savvy, and detail-oriented.

This position requires a growth mindset and leadership development aptitude.

The specialist will represent the organization in meetings with local, state, and federal stakeholders, including elected officials and business leaders, and will promote public transit initiatives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Public Affairs Strategy


* Contribute to developing and executing community affairs strategies supporting PSTA transit plans and projects.


* Lead initiatives to secure transit funding and supportive policies.


* Build partnerships to advance public transit services in the region.
 

Community Affairs


* Engage elected officials and key influencers to foster partnerships that advance PSTA’s mission.


* Represent PSTA in coalitions, committees, and working groups.


* Identify opportunities to enhance public transit initiatives through strategic stakeholder engagement.

Policy Development


* Monitor legislation and regulatory issues and advise PSTA on policy challenges.


* Develop whitepapers, presentations, and reports on local, state, and federal policy matters.


* Help establish PSTA as a leader in transportation, sustainability, and workforce development.

Influence & Thought Leadership


* Identify opportunities for PSTA thought leadership, from board initiatives to department-level projects.


* Build relationships with external policymakers and influential stakeholders.


* Collaborate across departments to align community affairs with organizational priorities. 

Agency Coordination and Public Engagement


* Assist in planning presentations and public events.


* Track and respond to public comments and Board of Directors’ policy updates.


* Represent PSTA at various public meetings, including evening, weekend, and out of town events as needed.


* Develop responses to requests for information and support performance tracking.

 

Other Duties


* Perform other professional duties as assigned.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS


* Education: Bachelor’s degree in Community Affairs, Public Policy, Planning, Public Administration, or a related field required.

Master’s degree preferred. 



* Experience: 2+ years of experience in local or legislative processes (1+ years with a Master’s).

Experience in transit or transportation policy (internships or leadership roles in advocacy organizations preferred). 



* License Requirement: Must po...