Career Center

The Deputy Executive Director External Affairs serves as an effective communicator, strategic advisor, and planner to the CEO. The Deputy Executive Director External Affairs oversees special projects and key initiatives based on direction from the CEO and charged with solving complex issues demanding executive leadership.  In addition, the Deputy Executive Director External Affairs is responsible for the agency’s Media, Marketing, Social Media, Printing, Customer Service, GPS, Community Relations, Government Affairs and Project Management Oversight.

Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director External Affairs, the Assistant DED External Affairs will function as a member of the executive leadership team overseeing multiple departments in the planning, coordination, implementation, administration, and operation of programs, services, and systems; assist with policy development and implementation; lead complex special projects; and fill in during the DED's absence.

This position is covered by the “Revolving Door” prohibition within the State Officials and Employees Act (5 ILCS 430/5-45), which prohibits certain Metra employees (or their spouse or immediate family member) from accepting employment or compensation from a non-Metra employer for one year from the date of separation, if the employee was personally and substantially involved in the award of a contract of $25,000 or more to that non-Metra employer or if the employee was personally and substantially involved in the fiscal administration of a contract of $25,000 or more to that non-Metra employer.

The primary duties include: Exercise management responsibilities directly or through the delegation of responsibilities to assigned management staff; and assist with the establishment of long-range goals, objectives, organizational structure, and overall direction of assigned departments.

Lead in prioritizing resources and projects to ensure programs, projects, and grants are managed efficiently, effectively, and meet guidelines to maintain continued funding; analyze complex data and comprehensive reports detailing status, costs, and quality assurance; and provide direction on the resolution of problems and correction of inefficiencies.

Prepare and present proposed, amended, and eliminated programs, policies, and services to the executive leadership team. Act as liaison between internal departments, stakeholders, government agencies, and the private sector to develop collaborative relations, identify concerns, and ensure an integrated approach to providing service and fulfilling agency goals.

Formulate, affect, interpret, and implement agency-wide policies, practices, procedures, and plans that govern operations and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements in relation to quality, safety, and productivity standards; and monitor legislative developments or changes to evaluate overall impact.

Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives. Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures. Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures.

Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and program of the organization ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations.

Candidates can expect salary offers that range from the minimum to the mid-point of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidate can consider their growth potential.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.