Deputy Director, Community Affairs

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 Deputy Director 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 Deputy Director will support Chief roles to promote public transit initiatives, and represent PSTA in meetings with local, state, and federal stakeholders, including city and county officials and business leaders.

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 local officials and key influencers to foster partnerships that advance PSTA’s mission.

·         Support PSTA’s Transit Riders Advisory Committee (TRAC). 

·         Maintain ongoing communications with City Managers and other staff from the various member cities.

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

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

·         Develop and maintain effective relationships with businesses, business groups and community groups through one-on-one and group presentations to promote and sell PSTA services and products.

·         Establish and maintain proactive and continuing contact with internal and external transportation committees, and other special interest groups including Forward Pinellas, HART, GoPasco, the Florida Department of Transportation and other agencies.

·         Seek out and cultivate relationships with choice riders for the purpose of future testimonials, etc.

Policy Development

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

·         Develop white papers, presentations, and reports on local, state, and federal policy matters.

·         Help establish PSTA as a leader in transportation, sustainability, and  innovative mobility solutions.

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 t...