Division Manager or Manager, External Engagement

26-DMEE

The Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) formerly the Regional Transportation Authority was created by the Illinois General Assembly and Governor JB Pritzker to make transit across northeastern Illinois work for riders as one regional transit system. NITA is seeking to fill a critical role with the newly formed **Division Manager or Manager External Engagement position for the External Affairs department. This role oversees a unified external strategy for all NITA communications government affairs and constituent/stakeholder engagement. The individual directs media relations legislative priorities and marketing campaigns.

The position aligns messaging with Service Boards (i.e. CTA/Metra/Pace) when applicable and cultivates coalitions with peer agencies advocacy groups and civic organizations.

NITA sets regional fares service standards and schedules across the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Metra and Pace; plans and funds regional capital investment; and oversees the performance and finances of the three Service Boards serving riders across Cook DuPage Kane Lake McHenry and Will counties.

As of September 1 2026 NITA has expanded authority under Public Act 104-0457. People who join NITA now will help build the systems policies and partnerships that shape regional transit for years to come.

Accountabilities include but are not limited to:

Strategic Leadership & Oversight

• Develop and execute a comprehensive external affairs strategy that integrates communications government affairs constituent engagement and all external messaging for NITA. Ensuring there is a consistent and clear message across all areas of NITA.
• Partner with Service Board staff to align strategy and messaging on topics that impact all agencies.
• Serve as the primary advisor to the Chief Transition Officer Executive Director and NITA Board on all matters related to external affairs ensuring alignment with NITAs mission strategic plan and legislative priorities.

Communications & Messaging

• Develop and implement proactive media relations strategies including press releases and public statements.
• Oversee the development and execution of marketing campaigns and special events to raise awareness of NITAs accomplishments and priorities.
• Coordinate internal communications and partner with Human Resources to ensure organizational alignment and consistent messaging.

Government Affairs & Policy Advocacy

• Develop lead and manage NITAs federal state and local legislative strategy including drafting legislation policy analysis and advocacy.
• Coordinate and direct the work of contract lobbyists and legislative consultants.
• Build and maintain coalitions with peer agencies advocacy groups and civic organizations to advance NITAs legislative and policy agenda.
  
• Monitor and ensure compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements providing regular updates to senior leadership and the NITA board.

Constituent & Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate relationships and messaging with stakeholder groups and NITA advisory councils/boards ensuring their input is reflected in NITAs policies and communications.
• Develop and implement strategies to engage elected officials community leaders and the public throughout the NITA region and state.
• Foster a work culture thats focused on achieving measurable objectives by coaching staff strengthening interagency relationships and supporting your team. Supports the Agencys Equal Employment Opportunity policies goals and objectives.
  
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

The ideal candidate must have the following:

• The knowledge skills and abilities equivalent to a Bachelors Degree in Public Administration Public Relations Law Communications Political Science or a related field required.
• Division Managers must have seven to ten (7 - 10) years experience in public relations government and/or community engagement and Managers must have four to six (4 - 6) years of experience.
• Division Managers must have a minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated supervisory/management experience and Managers must have a minimum of one (1) year of experience.
• Experience with government affairs and lobbying preferred.
• Experience in transit operations is a plus.

Skills

• Strategic leadership: Capable of setting clear vision and direction motivating teams and guiding complex initiatives to achieve organizational goals.
• Interpersonal: Ability to build trust navigate differing perspectives and develop productive working relationships across diverse internal governmental and community stakeholders.
• Communication: Ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing to diverse internal and external audiences.

NITA offers a highly competitive benefits package:

• Pension plan or 401(k) salary match provided by NITA at no cost to you
• 401(k) and/or 457 plan options
• Hybrid work environment and flexible work schedules
• Transit benefits to support your commute
• Twelve paid holidays and one floating holiday
• Competitive personal leave package
• Parental leave
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/AD&D Insurance/Pet Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Tuition reimbursement
• Gym membership discount
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Employee Assistance Program

A Division Manager role typically offers salaries ranging from $123000 to $153750 and shall consider a Manager tier for candidates who fit the Manager role typically at salaries ranging from $99825 to $119790 for highly qualified candidates. (The final scale of the classification for this position will be based upon the selected candidates demonstrated experience and qualifications.)

For more information about NITA visit our website at apply online: Select Sign-In and enter your username and password for your account or create an account by selecting Register and completing the New Account Registration information.

For assistance during your application process (e.g. password login errors attaching documents) please contact us at:

An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

**Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result the employee should be aware that if offered non-NITA employment while employed at NITA or within one year immediately after ending NITA employment the employee may be required to notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.**