Director of Community Initiatives and External Affairs

Position Overview
The Director of Community Initiatives and External Affairs leads MeVa’s community engagement and external communications efforts to promote the organization’s public transportation services. This position plays a crucial role in building relationships with community stakeholders, implementing outreach initiatives, and ensuring effective communication about MeVa’s services to increase ridership and respond to community transportation needs. This job reports to the Deputy Administrator.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
● Develop and implement comprehensive community engagement strategies that align with MeVa’s mission and objectives
● Lead and mentor the community outreach team, providing coaching and professional development support
● Synthesize community feedback to inform executive leadership about transportation needs and service improvements
● Identify and cultivate high-value community partnerships to expand MeVa’s reach and impact

Community Engagement & Event Management
● Plan, organize, and coordinate community engagement events from concept to execution, including programming, venue selection, participant recruitment, and evaluation
● Establish regular community office hours at strategic locations to provide information and support regarding MeVa services
● Represent MeVa at local fairs, festivals, workshops, and community meetings ● Serve as a liaison between MeVa and community stakeholders, building connections and fostering understanding
● Collect and analyze data from community events to inform service schedules and operational improvements

Program Development & Grant Management
● Lead the development of responsive programs based on grant requirements and community needs
● Establish evaluation metrics to demonstrate program effectiveness for future funding opportunities
● Develop and implement the “Train the Trainer” program to prepare community leaders as instructors
● Oversee the “Stuff a Bus” program providing comprehensive system navigation training for seniors and individuals with disabilities across all 16 communities in MeVa’s service area

External Communications
● Direct MeVa’s comprehensive communications strategy across multiple channels including social media, press, newsletters, and email correspondence
● Ensure all communications materials are accessible in multiple languages, with a focus on English/Spanish bilingual messaging
● Oversee the creation of promotional materials for digital and physical distribution
● Manage contact databases for targeted outreach to stakeholders including community-based organizations, schools, and councils on aging
● Direct the design of presentations and digital displays for community education

Transportation Services Knowledge
● Maintain comprehensive understanding of MeVa’s full transportation system (fixed routes and miniMeVa)
● Stay current on all service changes and ensure timely updates to route information
● Regularly review and update service information packages to reflect the latest schedules, routes, and changes

Qualifications
● Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Community Development, or related field; Master’s degree preferred. An earned associate’s degree related to the position and an additional 4 years of related experience can substitute for a bachelor’s degree, and 8 years of additional related experience can substitute for a bachelor’s degree
● 5+ years of experience in community engagement, external affairs, or public relations, preferably in public transportation or government sectors ●Demonstrated leadership abilities with experience managing and mentoring team members ● Strong project management skills and ability to handle multiple initiatives simultaneously
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills
● Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred
● Experience with grant management and program development
● Proven track record of building successful community partnerships
● Knowledge of public transportation systems and community mobility issues a plus

Compensation and Benefits:
● Salary: $65,000 – $105,000 per year, commensurate with experience
● Time Off: 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days, 3 weeks’ vacation, and 12 sick days annually
● Medical Insurance: 80% employer-paid premium (20% employee contribution)
● Dental Insurance: 100% employer-paid Delta Dental plan
● Retirement: Participation in the State Retirement Plan with both employer and employee contributions
● MeVa participates in the State Unemployment Insurance program

Working Conditions
● Regular travel throughout MeVa’s 16-community service area
● Flexible schedule required for evening and weekend community events
● Combination of office and field-based work
● Hybrid work schedule combining remote and in-office work, as appropriate

MeVa is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Bilingual/ bi-cultural encouraged to apply.

Applicants should send letter of interest and resume electronically to nmendez@mevatransit.com or call 978-469-6878 x116 for more information.

Applications should be submitted by Close of Business, Friday, March 28, 2005 to be considered.

Application Due Date: March 28, 2025