Director of Government Affairs & Community Engagement

Start Date: March 27, 2025 | End Date: April 27, 2025
County: Cumberland County
Job Type: Manager, Other

Greater Portland Metro is seeking an influential and strategic leader to champion advocacy, foster partnerships, and expand public transit access in the region. As GP Metro’s Director of Government Affairs and Community Engagement, this role also serves as the Public Information Officer. You will work closely with elected officials, municipal leaders, and community stakeholders to shape policies that improve mobility and connectivity. If you are passionate about public transit and making a meaningful impact in the Greater Portland region, we encourage you to apply. 

This is an exempt salaried position 

$91,980.00 - $106,630 Annual 

Click to Apply

PURPOSE-DISTINGUISHING FEATURES
To actively support and uphold the Greater Portland Transit District’s (Metro) stated values and mission while striving to achieve the agency’s goals and objectives. The Director of Government Affairs serves as the lead staff person for all external facing activities for Metro including the role of Public Information Officer.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience:
Demonstrated background in public administration, political science, communications, or a related field. At least seven (7) years of relevant professional experience and demonstrated expertise in advocacy, public affairs, municipal government, or community engagement. Experience working with elected officials, municipal managers, or public sector leaders. Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with a focus on collaboration and consensus-building. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Knowledge of state and federal legislative processes, with the ability to translate policy priorities into actionable advocacy strategies. Strategic thinker with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Education:
Will hold at least a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in communications, public policy, public administration or field related to the core functions of this position. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be substituted for degree. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

•     Serve as a liaison between Metro, member municipalities, regional and statewide planning and operating agencies, the Maine State Legislature, regional transportation agencies, and Maine’s Federal Congressional delegation. Maintain professional, effective and positive working relationships with the Federal delegation; Maine State Legislators; federal, state, and local governmental agencies and their staffs; and all other parties involved.
•   Proactively identify and advise the Executive Director on legislative proposals that may impact agency policies, programs, services, operations, budget or other emerging, long-range issue areas. Recommend strategies for advocacy of Metro’s position on priority issues.
•     Research and prepare fact sheets and necessary communications to advocate and educate elected officials, municipal staffers and other stakeholders about public transit.
•    Represent Metro on the Maine Transit Association and actively participate with the Maine Municipal Association and the American Public Transportation Association.
•    Coordinate agency messaging that increases brand awareness and reputation among passengers, the community, businesses, regional and municipal partners.
•     Oversee the planning, development and implementation of public involvement activities in compliance with federal requirements; design processes to solicit, track and report on broad and representative public opinion on Metro’s projects, initiatives, service and fare changes; oversee Metro’s participation in community events.
•     Oversee the agency’s media relations strategy and serve as the agency’s Public Information Officer; develop crisis communications plans.
•    Supervise employees to include: prioritizing and assigning work, conducting performance evaluations and staff development.
•     Develop, administer, maintain, and oversee the department’s annual budget.
•     Serve on the Agency’s Senior Management Team and help develop strategic direction for the agency.
•    Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with customer base, representatives of key community and business organizations, board members and third-party consultants;
•    Develop tools and materials for use with the public, including news releases, fact sheets, talking points, websites, executive speeches, etc.
•    Ensure effective processes for monitoring and evaluating communications initiatives;
•     Serve as the primary staff member responsible for support, scheduling and coordination of the Metro Advocacy Committee.
•     Perform related duties as assigned.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Aptitudes:

•     Very strong writing, editing and verbal abilities.
•     Exceptional interpersonal skills, public speaking and presentation design and development.
•    Excellent problem-solving skills and decision-making skills.
•     Ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects simultaneously, strong self-motivation, and the ability to work independently with limited supervision.
•     Ability to develop information and raw data into meaningful conclusions.
•     Ability to organize and mobilize members of the community.
•     Demonstrated success in educating and engaging the public on important community issues.
•     Ability to function as a partner on public transportation issues in collaboration with regional partners, elected and appointed local, state and federal officials, stakeholders, collective bargaining organizations, business leaders, employees and the public.
•     Ability to professionally represent the agency in diverse settings.
•     Computer Skills: Strong computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
•     Other Requirements: Must have or be able to acquire a valid driver’s license.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

•    Work is performed in a general office environment with moderate noise and occasional interruptions;
•    Operate variety of standard office equipment: e.g., computer, phone, calculator, copy machine;
•    Continuous and repetitive arm, hand and eye movement;
•     May work in a stationary position for considerable periods of time;
•     May lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds;
•     May require extensive reading and close vision work;
•     May require working extended hours;
•     May travel to/from meetings and various locations.