Job Opportunity

TRANSIT ADVOCACY MANAGER

Do you believe that Atlanta’s transit system should work better for people, receive priority on streets, and operate frequently and on-time? Do you want streets that are safe, inclusive, and thriving spaces for people to ride transit, walk, and roll?

Propel ATL, formerly the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, is seeking a Transit Advocacy Manager to join our energetic and focused staff. We’re looking for a team member with a demonstrated commitment to public transportation and building coalitions to advocacy goals, enthusiasm for our mission and vision, and a commitment to our guiding principles — particularly the principles related to social and racial justice. Guided by the big-picture goals of our strategic plan, the ideal candidate will be able to adeptly manage the breadth of their responsibilities as an essential member of our Advocacy Team.

Our staff relies on accountability and collaboration to achieve effectiveness. Top candidates for this position exercise exemplary critical thinking skills, thrive in a dynamic environment, and are comfortable working in a small organization.

Propel ATL supports the career development of each staff member and provides an abundance of leadership opportunities.

Primary Responsibilities

The Transit Advocacy Manager will lead our strategic goal to make transit work better for people while elevating Propel ATL’s status as a reliable and effective transit advocacy organization. Fulfilling this position on our team will entail the following key responsibilities in addition to other assignments as new priorities emerge:

• Lead Propel ATL’s transit policy work and advocacy initiatives
• Build and support a diverse coalition of organizations, community advocates, and other stakeholders to advocate for transit service improvements and projects that prioritize equitable outcomes
• Involve transit riders in advocacy initiatives through direct engagement and storytelling practices
• Generate and maintain compelling content to support transit initiatives
• Work collaboratively with Advocacy Communications Manager, Advocacy Team, and transit coalition to develop transit campaigns
• Implement transit campaign tactics involving the Advocacy Team, our board’s Policy and Infrastructure Committee, advocacy partners, and community advocates
• Attend transit agency meetings related to our transit priorities, share progress, and provide direction for the Advocacy Team

Qualifications

EXPERIENCE

• Has been instrumental in coalition building, community advocacy, and community engagement initiatives for three or more years
• Has effectively worked with and on behalf of individuals and communities most impacted by ongoing racial injustices, systemic oppression, and racial disparities
• Has created compelling public-facing persuasive content, especially written
• Has been involved academically or professionally in urban transit and transportation policy/planning for a year or more
• Has regularly ridden transit
• Has used collaborative project management platforms and digital tools to generate and present work products, organize work, and manage relationships

KNOWLEDGE

• Is knowledgeable about how local transit systems and agencies work
• Recognizes why transit access is key to advancing equity and mobility justice
• Is current on local context and transit issues
• Is familiar with Atlanta’s local political and civic landscape
• Is familiar with Atlanta’s communities, community institutions, and neighborhoods
• Recognizes and understands Atlanta’s history — especially, its racial disparities and record of "intentional harm perpetrated by white supremacist policies and actions"¹ 

¹The Untokening’s Principles of Mobility Justice

STRENGTHS

• Is resourceful, self-directed, impact-focused, and enlists critical thinking skills to solve problems
• Exercises political acumen
• Has exemplary organizational skills and the ability to effectively manage and deliver on multiple priorities at once in a dynamic environment
• Is passionate about the transformative potential of transit for equity, climate, health, and access to opportunity
• Has an enthusiastic and positive attitude about systems change and community perspectives
• Is service-oriented, highly collaborative, approachable, accountable, and comfortable exchanging constructive feedback

Workplace and Benefits

WORKPLACE FORMAT

Fully remote. Requires some evenings and weekends as well as occasional in-person engagements as necessary for the responsibilities of the position.

In addition to approximately 10 recognized holidays, Propel ATL closes operations for one week in mid July and one week at the end of each year in late December.

REMOTE WORK STIPEND

Staff receives a work from home reimbursement as a fixed amount each pay period.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Employer pays 50% of each employee’s medical insurance premium, in addition to partial dental and vision, and fully covered basic life and long-term disability insurance.

PAID LEAVE

• Annual paid holidays include:
  • two weeks (one in summer, one in winter).
  • approximately 10 recognized holidays.
  • four floating days.
• Vacation accrues at the rate of eight hours per 160 hours worked. 
• Each staff member receives 72 hours of annual wellness leave.
• Family and bereavement leave policies are provided.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Each staff member receives bi-weekly career development support from their direct supervisor. Staff also has access to and is encouraged to pursue professional development opportunities.

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Propel ATL aims to foster an environment that recognizes, respects and values different backgrounds and talents. We do not discriminate in our staff, board, volunteers, volunteer committees, or recipients of services, and will not tolerate unlawful discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion (including religious dress and grooming), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected category. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Apply for this Opportunity

Email a cover letter and resume along with policy or advocacy-related persuasive writing sample to [email protected] with “Transit Advocacy Manager” in the subject line. In your cover letter, let us know what resonates most with you from our mission, vision, and guiding principles. Include any details that uniquely qualify you for this position. If you need accommodations in the hiring process, please be in touch and we can adapt accordingly. 

This job was updated on September 9, 2022. Applications are reviewed as received, and the position will remain open until filled.