Media Liaison - LIRR & MNR_

Media Liaison - LIRR & MNRJob ID: 8603Business Unit: MTA HeadquartersLocation: New York, NY, United StatesRegular/Temporary: RegularDepartment:Date Posted: Aug 23, 2024DescriptionJOB TITLE : Media Liaison LIRR & MNRSALARY RANGE : $99,587 - $105,500HAY POINTS : 700DEPT/DIV : C ommunications\Press OfficeSUPERVISOR : First Deputy Communications Dir . or Deputy Communications Dir .LOCATION : 2 Broadway New York, NY 10004HOURS OF WORK : VariesDEADLINE : S eptember 4, 2024SUMMARY :Assists the Deputy Communications Directors in conducting media relations, informing the press and the public about MTA operations, maintaining a positive public image that supports public transportation and the specific goals of the MTA and its agencies.The incumbent will perform a variety of functions, including, but not limited to, answering media inquiries, writing press materials, creating media strategies, interfacing with other MTA agencies and departments in order to collect information, generating uniform responses to inquiries and developing the content of materials posted on the MTA digital platforms.RESPONSIBILITIES :+ Interfaces on a regular basis with Deputy Communications Directors and senior staff to assist in the formulation of media strategy.+ Acts as spokesperson for the MTA and its operating agencies, on a variety of issues affecting the Authority and the constituencies it serves. This would require the incumbent to periodically be on call 24 hours a day and respond to breaking news incidents as an on-site spokesperson.+ Writes and edits news releases; organizes media events and press conferences.+ Interfaces on a variety of levels with the print and broadcast media, podcast producers, bloggers, and others on a day-to-day basis, responding in writing and on-camera to inquiries, and generating information pertaining to the MTA and the operating agencies.+ May act in place of Deputy Communications Directors in their absence.+ Assembles and distributes packages of news reports on an as-needed basis.+ Writes talking points for agency heads.+ Performs general research, including daily summaries of incoming news media inquiries.+ Other duties as assigned.QUALIFICATIONS:+ Must be extremely disciplined with demonstrated ability to show excellent discretion in speaking on and off the record with the many media organizations that cover the operations of the MTA.+ Must be able to gather and evaluate complicated information from various people in the MTA family of agencies and synthesize it into a coherent message.+ Demonstrated ability to navigate a complex, high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively.+ Must have excellent writing and communication skills to effectively present accurate information and clear statements of MTA positions on various issues to the general public.+ Must have the ability to build strong interpersonal relationships and develop the trust of the professional and technical staff of the transit operating agencies to ensure the timely and complete sharing of information about operational activities and policy issues that affect the agencies and the Authority.+ Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.+ Will need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e. evenings and weekends) periodically and/or be on call 24 hours a day and respond to breaking news incidents as an on-site spokesperson.+ Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :REQUIRED:+ Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or related field from an accredited college or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.+ A minimum of five years of professional journalism experience at a daily newspaper, magazine, radio or TV station, or as public affairs representative, spokesperson, or equivalent relevant work experience.+ A background in journalism, media studies, political science, communications, writing or a related discipline is strongly preferred.PREFERRED:+ Functional knowledge of a language in addition to English is a plus.+ Prior experience working in a large, multi-faceted, fast-paced organization or governmental body.+ Familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures.OTHER INFORMATION:Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).Equal Employment OpportunityMTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.