Engagement Specialist, Better Bus Project

Salary: $95,481.14 Annually
Location : 45 High Street, Boston
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-20882
Department: MBTA - Plans & Schedules
Area: 094-Transportation Strategic Planning
Opening Date: 03/14/2025
Closing Date: 3/28/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Licenses / Certifications: None Required
Union Affiliation: L453 Professional
Safety Sensitive: No; this is not a Safety Sensitive position.
On-Call or 24/7: No; this position is not classified as on-call or 24/7.
Essential Classification (Emergency Staff): No; this position is classified as non-essential (during declared States of Emergency).

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA's core values are built around safety, service, equity, and sustainability and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.
Job Summary
The Bus Transformation Office (BTO) oversees the Better Bus Project, a portfolio of activities at the MBTA aiming to make bus an easy first choice for more travelers. We implement the Bus Network Redesign and Transit Priority Vision, we "tell the story" of what's happening across the full spectrum of activities, we cast a vision for what a transformed bus network would look like, we measure and share progress against that vision, and we advocate for resources and drive progress across all projects-some of which we directly manage, some of which we don't. We are building a team culture of mutual respect and trust, centered on a passion for improving bus service at the MBTA. The Better Bus Project will involve changes and upgrades to hundreds of bus routes, bus stops, signs, communications, and capital projects - including many activities that deserve good communication strategies.

As the Engagement Specialist for the Better Bus Project, you will be dedicated to tracking and identifying changes and communications needs from the Better Bus team's portfolio, and then elevating and communicating about them to other MBTA Communications departments. You will build relationships within the Bus Transformation team to understand planned and ongoing activities, and then build relationships with local stakeholders such as municipal staff, advocacy groups, riders, neighborhood associations, and citizen groups. The Engagement Specialist will, listen, learn, identify, and highlight external and internal plans and concerns about the Better Bus Project that need robust communications. You will help the Bus Transformation team understand how information about changes needs to flow to bus operations, bus riders, and external groups, and prepare materials to help other MBTA Communications departments.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to help the MBTA's efforts to improve bus routes, bus stop amenities, bus stations and terminals, bus lanes, transit signal priority, signage, garage facilities, the fleet, and the rider experience.

The Specialist will be a member of the Bus Transformation Planning team, which is BTO's support and analysis shop. The team is responsible for generating internal and public-facing maps and communications materials, modeling operational and human impact of routing and service change alternatives, decision support analysis for executives, evaluating projects for Bus Network Redesign and Transit Priority, consolidating systemwide data on bus stop attributes and plans, and striving toward total alignment of bus data sources and standards.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Stay apprised of, lead planning for, and centrally coordinate communications for all Better Bus Project activities with external impacts to bus service, bus policy, and bus infrastructure at the local level, including coordinating with all internal MBTA departments.
• Evaluate planned changes to bus service and infrastructure to determine appropriate communications warranted for riders and bus operators, and mitigate risk of disruption to digital rider tools
• Identify gaps in communication plans for Better Bus Project milestones, and lead mitigation efforts to close or mitigate gaps
• Own and continuously improve the Better Bus Project Communications Playbook based on lessons learned through execution, including developing a Bus Transformation procedure for public outreach requirements
• Develop and implement strategies for increasing the quality, reach, and community participation of Bus Transformation's public events with constrained budgets and staffing
• Build and maintain personal relationships to Better Bus Project team members and stakeholders, and track and understand the customer and internal impacts of ongoing activities

• Foster an inclusive team culture that emphasizes mutual respect, trust, staff empowerment, centered on a passion for improving bus service at the MBTA.
• Represent the MBTA and the Bus Transformation Office through clear, concise, and timely communications, including in public forums such as Council meetings, public events, and presentations. Attend and participate in public meetings.
• Review, copy-edit, and proofread technical documents and language into materials more easily communicable to wider, less-technical audiences.
• Create and publish internal and external communications at regular intervals about all activities related to the Better Bus Project, including generating content for emails and website updates, that are easily communicable to MBTA teams.
• Assist in the execution of Outreach and Engagement plans, staffed by MBTA staff and/or contractor teams, for Better Bus Project initiatives such as: phases of Bus Network Redesign implementation, bus stop changes, roadway changes, and bus lane construction.
• Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
• Visit work sites and/or attend off-site meetings throughout the MBTA service area.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in, government, public administration, business, marketing, communications, or other related field
• Three (3) years full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience working in transportation planning, communications, public affairs, or related field.

• Demonstrated skills producing and laying out public-facing content such as newsletters, emails, annual reports, or other materials.
• Effective organizational, analytical, quantitative, qualitative analysis, interpersonal, and time management skills
• Proficiency with office productivity software such as Microsoft Office, Slack, and similar applications
• Effective organizational, analytical, confidentiality, quantitative, writing, multi-tasking and time management skills

Substitutions Include

• A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement.
• An associate degree from an accredited institution an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement.
• A master's degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.
• A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Experience working with municipal staff, advocates, community-based organizations related to transportation planning, equity, environmental justice, or inclusive planning processes.
• Ability to communicate in languages beyond English, particular Spanish, Haitian Kreyol, Chinese, and others.

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team (or supervise, if required)
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection)
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service

Disclaimers and Definitions:

General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.

Application Completion: It is each applicant's responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. Recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.

Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.

Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.

Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.

Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.

Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.

On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.

Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.

ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit

Employment Benefits at the MBTA

Full-Time Employees:

The MBTA offers comprehensive benefits packages to full-time employees. Types of benefits offered at the MBTA are subject to the union affiliation / Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) of the position to which you apply. Benefits that may apply to your position include the following:

• Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life (basic and supplemental), and Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation, Personal Days, Sick Leave, and Holidays
• Retirement: Pension or deferred compensation 401(a), plus MBTA contributions
• Complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system (bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail)
• Tuition Reimbursement (up to $10,000 per year)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for student loans
• Commuter Choice Parking Program: Pre-tax benefits for parking
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax benefits for healthcare-related expenses
• Discounted tickets for concerts, movies, travel / vacation, etc. via TicketsAtWork.com
• Shopping discounts via GovX.com
• Verizon and AT&T service discounts
• And more...

Internships:

Internship positions are not eligible for most MBTA Benefits. However, paid sick time may be incurred. Each intern also receives a complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system (bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail) to use throughout the duration of their internship. Please contact the assigned Recruiter directly or email internships@mbta.com for more information.

Disclaimer:

The above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the MBTA, which may or may not apply to a specific position. This summary is not a contract andis not meant to change the provisions of union contracts or Authority policies and does not establish a binding practice. Please contact the assigned Recruiter directly or email hrstaffing@mbta.com for more information.

The MBTA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
01

Which of the following options below best describes your education and experience?

• A High School Diploma or GED with ten (10) years of experience working in transportation planning, communications, public affairs, or related field.
• An Associates Degree with six (6) years of experience working in transportation planning, communications, public affairs, or related field.
• A Bachelor's degree with three (3) years of experience working in transportation planning, communications, public affairs, or related field.
• A Master's degree with one (1) year of experience working in transportation planning, communications, public affairs, or related field.
• None of the above

02

Please rate your current proficiency level using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• No experience
• Beginner
• Average
• Advanced
• Expert

03

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status)?

• Yes
• No

Required Question