Job Description

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

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.

The Marketing Department is responsible for marketing promotions, business development and overseeing advertising contracts for display advertising at Metra-owned facilities and on Metra trains.

Reporting directly to the Asst DED-External Affairs, the Director, Marketing will direct and oversee all marketing initiatives, including: developing strategies, implementing campaigns/tactics, incorporating market research, and evaluating results of Metra products, programs, services, and policies. The position is also responsible for planning, directing and coordinating all financial strategies to optimize Metra's current portfolio of non-fare box revenue opportunities and identifying and developing new revenue opportunities across the Metra system.

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. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Incumbents work under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate.

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

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing or related field OR in lieu of specified degree a combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four years in marketing.
• In addition to #1, must have eight years of progressively responsible marketing experience.
• Must have three years of direct supervisory experience that includes: day-to-day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, monitoring performance, conflict management, budgeting, hiring, disciplinary, and/or termination.
• Considerable knowledge of marketing, advertising, and promotional techniques using various media outlets.
• Considerable knowledge of public relations and community outreach.
• Considerable knowledge of management and leadership principles.
• Considerable management, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Considerable public relations and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent presentation and verbal and written communication skills.
• Skill using Microsoft 365 and publication/design software.
• Ability to manage multiple and highly diverse projects in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
• Ability to work cooperatively with business owners, media representatives, and the public
• Ability to achieve a wide range of goals in a customer-focused, market-driven organization.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle.
• Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

On May 11, 2023, both the state of IL and the federal government will put an end to the COVID-19 emergency measures. Effective May 11, 2023 Metra's COVID vaccine requirements will be suspended until further notice.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.