Community ombudsperson

Job ID: MPR2010032901

Department: External Affairs, Marketing & Communications

Location: Oakland Terminal

*This location works primarily with Oakland County communities.

Starting Salary: $ 59,259 – 65,853

Start Date: Immediately

General Summary:

Under the general supervision, the Community Ombusdperson is responsible for developing and implementing a mulit-faceted community relations program designed to create and expand public awareness and support for SMART in Southeast Michigan.  The Ombudsperson initiates and maintains a positive relationship between SMART and the business community, local governments, service providers, human service agencies, community and civic organizations,.  As the main local contact, in concert with other departments, the Ombudspersoin ensures that SMART and local providers coordinate service to achieve maximum ridership at minimal cost.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establishes and maintains contact with business and business groups, service providers, local units of government, human service and civic agencies, cultural leaders and groups to keep them informed of and promote SMART’s plans and programs.
• Administers the Municipal Credit, Specialized Service, Community Credit programs as well as Purchase of Service and special agency contracts.
• Plans, develops, coordinates, and conducts meetings, programs and activities for business, local, political, cultural, volunteer, and civic groups designed to encourage their active support for transportation in Southeast Michigan.
• Responsible for the creation and maintenance of partnerships with local businesses and the business community for the organization and management of activities supporting regional transportation.
• Recommends, analyzes and coordinates local marketing and communication initiatives, written reports and presentations based on the needs of the community and awareness of the Authority public transportation.
• Coordinates with all departments in identifying the need for and preparation of literature and visual aids for dissemination at meetings with business, political, cultural and civic groups.
• Acts as a local spokesperson for the Authority.  Assists the community in resolving potential conflicts relating to SMART transportation services and participates with the coordination of community transit activities between SMART and other service providers.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Planning, Communications or related field.
• Minimum three (3) years experience working with businesses, service agencies, business leaders or government entities within Oakland County.
• Experience with contract administration.
• Demonstrated group presentation experience.
• Knowledge of economic development and/or public transit preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient in the use of Windows-based word processing, spreadsheet and PowerPoint applications.
• Ability to identify and develop solutions to complex issues.

Benefits:

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers a very competitive benefits program. The program provides a variety of benefits for an employee and the employee’s family. Click here for a general list of benefits