Regional Plan Association is seeking a public engagement specialist to generate awareness and advocate for RPA’s Fourth Regional Plan with a wide range of constituents in the civic, community-based, business and government sectors.

In 2017, RPA will release a regional plan for the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut metropolitan area – the fourth in the region’s history. The plan will be a blueprint for the region’s growth, sustainability, good governance and economic opportunity for the next 25 years. An ambitious public engagement effort is required to shape the plan’s recommendations and build the network of constituents who will help carry out the plan over 25 years. The director of public engagement will report to the vice president for strategy and be responsible for designing and carrying out this engagement effort, with the support of RPA staff.

Applicants should be dynamic, creative and strategic thinkers, and have five years or more of work experience in public engagement and advocacy. We are looking for someone who shares our passion for fostering thriving, healthy cities and communities. The position requires initiative and the ability to balance multiple priorities. Excellent communication, interpersonal and writing skills are essential. Knowledge of research, advocacy and community organizations in the tri-state area is preferred.

Responsibilities will include:

• Strengthening relationships with partner organizations and other influential leaders;
• Developing and implementing an advocacy strategy by meeting with decision makers in legislative and executive branches throughout the region; position might include lobbying;
• Leading a comprehensive effort to work with community and grassroots organizations in communities that are typically underrepresented in the planning process, and incorporating their opinions and priorities into the plan;
• Developing and implementing a strategy that effectively engages business, environmental, labor, civic and other constituencies in the development and implementation of the plan;
• Managing the Committee on the Fourth Regional Plan, a group of approximately 55 influential leaders from the civic and business sectors that meets several times a year;
• Working with senior RPA staff to coordinate working groups around particular topic areas; and
• Developing a public engagement practice across RPA’s program areas beyond the fourth plan.

To apply, please fill out this application. At the same time, please send your resume, cover letter, and any supporting materials to resumes@rpa.org as PDF attachments with your name and “Public Engagement Director” in the subject line. Applications without all attachments won’t be considered. We kindly request no phone calls regarding this position.