Manager of Media Relations and Public Affairs

At Keolis Commuter Services (KCS), we give every team member—and their ideas—a seat for the journey. We are a diverse team made up of different backgrounds, stories, and perspectives, which is our strength. If you’re looking for a career with a company that invests in your future, KCS is the place for you. We Imagine. We Care. We Commit!

Since 2014, Keolis Commuter Services has been entrusted with operating and maintaining the Commuter Rail network on behalf of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). During this time, we have worked to deliver a safe and reliable service, thanks to the knowledge and dedication of our team, and our experience operating transit networks around the world. Today, we’re proud of the progress we have made together to deliver a best-in-class service for the Greater Boston community.

We believe our people are what make us great. That is why we demonstrate a commitment to a safe, healthy, and inclusive culture that welcomes ideas, encourages innovation, and values belonging. Your future starts here.

Benefits Package Highlights:

• Generous Medical & Rx plan
• Dental & Vision Plan
• Railroad Retirement Benefits – a federal program that administers retirement, survivor, unemployment, and sickness benefits to U.S. railroad workers and their families.
• Fidelity 401K Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Transit and Parking Reimbursement Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company Sponsored Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefits
• Education Assistance
• Short- & Long-term Disability Benefits
• Voluntary Benefits Plan options including
  • Supplemental health plans for accidents, critical illness, hospital stays
  • Pet, Home, Auto insurance

Minimum Knowledge and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required in relevant field with a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience including media relations and government affairs.
• Proven ability to establish and foster effective working relationships specifically with local media.
• Demonstrated experience to be effective, motivated, and driven professional to manage multiple high priority activities simultaneously.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local government organization, activities, and operations.
• Transportation sector experience a plus
• Crisis management experience preferred

Skills:

• Excellent written, verbal, communication, interpersonal, and presentational skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work under deadlines.
• Demonstrated capability to work both independently and with a team.
• Key personal traits: forward thinking, proactive, resilient, sound judgement, innovative where required, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, with a high degree of personal and professional integrity.

Key Accountabilities (Essential Job Duties):

Public Relations and Government Affairs:

• Demonstrates understanding and adheres to the KCS principles of Employee Engagement, Operational Excellence, Safety & Security, and Economic Performance
• Support strong, mature, two-way relationships with Local, State and Federal elected officials and influential local third parties, including key stakeholder, business, and community groups.
• Support strategic planning and manage activities of public/government affairs partners and
• Support company officers on media relations and public affairs, including preparations for public speaking opportunities.
• Facilitate planning and implementation of events and other activities to support the company’s public relations goals.
• Develop/support the creation of presentations and related materials in support of KCS’ strategic agendas.

Corporate Spokesperson and Media Liaison:

• Quickly, thoughtfully, and effectively manage media and stakeholder responses in connection with operational and/or reputational issues and risks to KCS’ profile as they arise, at times outside of regular business hours, and in close coordination with client media relations and external engagement teams as required.
• Act as liaison to media on behalf of KCS and serve as lead spokesperson with media outlets.
• Develop media planning calendar and work in collaboration with client and internal teams to develop communication plans, draft materials, schedule, and coordinate sending of press releases, and support media events.
• Seek out opportunities to pitch positive press pieces covering notable aspects of operations, draft articles, and manage placement process.

Public Affairs:

• Quickly, thoughtfully and effectively manage stakeholder and media responses in connection with operational and/or reputational issues and risks to KCS’ profile as they arise, frequently outside of traditional business hours.
• Support strong, mature, two-way relationships with Local, State and Federal elected officials and influential local third parties, including key stakeholder, business, and community groups.

Special Projects:

• Develop/support the creation of presentations and related materials in support of KCS’ strategic agendas.
• Support KCS Emergency Operations Center during inclement weather or unusual incident or events
• Assist with, and liaise with, Keolis Group and Keolis North America Public Relations and Government Affairs initiatives.
• Special projects: as assigned.

Additional Statements:

• Drug and alcohol screening: Employment contingent upon passing pre-employment drug and alcohol screen. Also, contingent upon receiving a favorable background check. Must pass a physical examination.
• Safety commitment: Safety is a way of life at Keolis. By placing safety first, we ensure the wellbeing of our employees, customers, and communities. Together we can become the most successful transportation company in the world.
• Environmental commitment: Keolis is committed to protecting the environment by minimizing the impact of operations to our people and the communities in which we operate.
• EEO statement: Our policy is to afford Equal Employment Opportunity to qualified individuals regardless of their race, color, sex, religion, age, creed, marital status, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or gender identification. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.
• Disclaimer and closing statement: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees assigned to this job, and Keolis retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position. Employees must be able to perform the essential job duties of this position satisfactorily. If requested, reasonable accommodation will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. Keolis is committed to offering our employees competitive compensation and benefits, opportunities for development and growth throughout an exciting and rewarding career, and the safest work environment possible.

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