DIRECTOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS - ILLINOIS & METRA

DIRECTOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS - ILLINOIS & METRA

Work Location: Chicago, IL

Closing Date: March 17, 2012

Basic Purpose of Job:

The Director Public Affairs - Illinois and Metra develops and implements Union Pacific (UP) strategy and policy for state government affairs, community relations, and public partnerships in the State of Illinois and City of Chicago under the direction of the Assistant Vice President Government Affairs - Chicago. This position is the key driver for organizing the interface between Union Pacific, Metra, and other state and local governmental entities. The Director ensures that Union Pacific services and activities meet or exceed responsibilities to the suburban commuter service area communities and the City of Chicago as specified under the Purchase of Service Agreement (PSA).

The Director Public Affairs for Illinois and Metra is a direct report to the Assistant Vice President Government Affairs - Chicago. Please note that it is essential an applicant have a minimum of five years work experience directly representing a company, association, elected or appointive official in Chicago or the State of Illinois to advance for further consideration.

Accountabilities:
Metra Activities. Protect interests of UP in all proposals made by Metra, planning agencies or municipalities in the Chicago area. Manage Union Pacific obligations under the PSA, ensure effective cross-department coordination and monitor UP performance against the service deliverables specified in the PSA.

City of Chicago. Manage communications, build relationships, and implement effective problem solving process with Chicago Mayor's Office and City Commissioners regarding community concerns or issues with UP operations.

State Government Affairs. Direct the Illinois Railroad Association to effectively represent UP interests in Springfield. Director is expected to establish relationships and visibility with legislators and other key staff. Coordinate UP subject matter experts for effective representation of UP at legislative hearings and other meetings. Must also build relationships with executive branch government officials including Governor's office, Department of Transportation, Illinois Commerce Commission and other state agencies.

Community Affairs. Proactively engage the Mayors, City Councils, and City Managers in key communities along UP lines regarding the company and its operations. Develop community relations strategies to build understanding of how UP favorably impacts the surrounding community. Implement effective problem-solving process to resolve community concerns. Represent UP through participation in various community organizations.

Community Outreach and Safety. Organize UP presence at key public events in Illinois. Identify opportunities and make recommendations for charitable or community gifts that will carry maximum value and impact for communities and organizations. Serve as key liaison to UP safety program. Deploy programs to support participation of UP managers in local charitable and safety promotion events.

Public Partnerships. Monitor and identify state and local opportunities for partnerships. Represent Union Pacific at meetings of potential partners as assigned by AVP Government Affairs. Develop strategies to build community support for public partnerships and funding beneficial to UP.

Media. Serve as media spokesperson for events or issues as assigned by AVP Government Affairs and AVP Corporate Communications.

Required Education, Training, Experience or Skills:
A Bachelor of Arts degree or other Bachelor level degree in Public Relations, Public Administration, Communication, Government Affairs, Political Science, Business, or closely aligned field.

5 year(s) experience / knowledge in Corporate Relations representing a company, an association, or an elected/appointive official in Chicago or the State of Illinois (required).

Preferred Education, Training, Experience or Skills:
A Master of Arts degree or other Master level degree preferred in Public Relations, Public Administration, Communication, Government Affairs, Political Science, Business, or closely aligned field.

5 year(s) experience / knowledge in corporate communications demonstrating proficient skills in group business presentations, influencing, and business writing.

5 year(s) experience / knowledge in External Relations which has built effective political relationship networks in the Chicago area and State of Illinois.

5 year(s) experience / knowledge in a management / professional position which has built direct knowledge of Chicago and State of Illinois government decision making process.


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