OVERALL DESCRIPTION

The Manager of Public Engagement and Advocacy is SEPTA’s primary liaison to advisory, youth and advocacy groups, integrating public feedback to help SEPTA put riders first, provide an intuitive experience, and develop a seamless transit network. The position bridges external entities and internal departments to align SEPTA initiatives with community needs and advocacy goals.

The Manager serves as the liaison between SEPTA and the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC), established through SEPTA’s enabling legislation to speak on behalf of present and future riders, and the Youth Advisory Council (YAC), created by SEPTA in 2009 to speak on behalf of young riders ages 14 to 22. The Manager also maintains relationships with city and county government staff who are engaged in transportation matters that impact the rider experience, and with external advocacy groups, transit organizations, regional Transportation Management Associations (TMAs) and others that advance mutual transit advocacy issues.  The role reports to the Deputy Chief Communications Officer.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct, administer and support SEPTA’s Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) and the Youth Advisory Council (YAC), and ensures that both groups adhere to their duties and responsibilities as outlined in their enabling legislation and bylaws.
• Work closely with the city and county officials responsible for CAC appointments to maintain an engaged membership, including monitoring attendance and terms, and coordinating periodic membership campaigns. Work to ensure CAC appointments are filled.
• Use project management tools to track membership data, demographics, terms, meeting dates, topics and speakers, concerns and resolutions. 
• Develop, edit and distribute stakeholder updates, key messages, presentation materials and briefings; maintain alignment between stakeholder messaging and broader SEPTA communications. 
• Prepare briefings and presentations to share with management; stays informed on relevant transit policy issues, develops an understanding of stakeholder relations and engagement, conducts research to inform strategies. 
• Collaborate with internal teams including Planning, Operations, Finance, Government Affairs and Communications to ensure stakeholder engagement aligns with business goals and strategic priorities; work closely with the various departments that plan and implement programs that impact riders, including but not limited to: Planning & Strategy, Fare Payment Technology, Vehicle Engineering, and Bridges & Buildings to integrate the perspective of stakeholders including the CAC.
• Serve as the official SEPTA liaison (including scheduling meetings and sharing information regularly) to transit advocacy groups including the Clean Air Council, Delaware Valley Association of Rail Passengers (DVARP), 5th Square, Transit Forward Philly, regional TMAs and special service districts (i.e.: Center City District, University City District). 
• Plan and facilitate stakeholder meetings, tours and ongoing engagement.
• Complies with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures as well as all applicable job safety responsibilities.  Reports any safety concerns, compromises or hazards affecting operations, the public, self and/or other employees. Responsible for personal safety and is encouraged to promote the safety of others.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree required. Preferred areas of study include public relations, public policy, city and regional planning, political science, program development, and communications.  
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in stakeholder engagement, community and public relations, management, program development, communications or a similar field.  
• Proven track record in building relationships with various levels of stakeholders at internal and external organizations, civic groups, elected officials or others.
• Excellent written, public speaking, and presentation skills; and ability to distill complex topics for diverse audiences, including members of the public who have limited exposure to traditional public engagement.
• Strong project management skills (tracking, scheduling) and proficiency with collaboration tools/ CRMs.
• Self-directed; ability to navigate complex organizations without direct authority, to influence and coordinate across divisions.
• Knowledge of regional transit policy, local government and funding mechanisms is highly desirable.
• Computer proficiency including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint required.