Deputy Director

Position Overview

Reports to: Executive Director
Direct Reports: Director of Advocacy, Director of Policy & Government Relations
Compensation: $120,000-$140,000

Core Responsibilities

• Represent TA/FSS-NY in coalitions, political convenings, and high-level advocacy settings
• Develop TA's long-term policy goals and strategy, including city- and state-level campaigns, to advance safe streets and make NYC a world-class city for walking, biking, and public transit
• Lead TA's strategy on critical areas including DOT infrastructure projects, city and state budgets, capital plans, funding streams, legislative campaigns, and key policy priorities (e.g., e-bike policy, traffic violence reduction)
• Build support for and win infrastructure and policy reforms by working in partnership with key influencers, including city agencies, elected officials, community leaders, and nonprofit organizations
• Anticipate political and legal constraints affecting policy rollout and advise on solutions
• Oversee research and policy work in support of TA's advocacy and organizing efforts; propose and manage longer-term research projects that advance strategic goals
• Monitor agency performance, implementation of adopted policies, and political opportunities to advance TA's agenda

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide strategic leadership and mentorship to the Director of Advocacy and Director of Policy & Government Relations
• Ensure that both directors understand TA's overarching strategic direction and that their work is aligned with organizational priorities
• Hold both directors accountable to strategic goals and measurable outcomes; support their success through regular feedback, development, and resource allocation
• Create a strong sense of cohesion between Advocacy, Policy, FSS-NY, Research, Communications, and Development teams; ensure that all external-facing functions are coordinated and mutually reinforcing
• Develop and maintain sound working relationships with key partner organizations and stakeholders; build strong, productive relationships with activist and organizing committees, volunteers, elected officials, and community partners
• Support an inclusive, collaborative culture in which teams feel empowered to raise tensions, solve problems collectively, and celebrate wins

Qualifications

• 8+ years of senior policy, politics, advocacy, or government experience — ideally in transportation-focused roles, NYC/NYS politics, or both
• Proven track record of developing and executing advocacy strategy and winning campaigns
• Experience managing and mentoring direct reports; demonstrated ability to develop and elevate leaders
• Exceptional communication and research skills, ability to synthesize complex information into accessible memos and compelling public messaging
• Strong organizational capabilities; ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments and manage multiple priorities on deadline
• High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and ability to earn and sustain trust across all levels of an organization and among internal and external partners
• Strong relationships and working knowledge of NYC and/or NYS politics, government, and advocacy organizations
• Enthusiasm for and demonstrated commitment to TA's mission

Preferred Qualifications

• JD or advanced degree in public policy or government
• Deep relationships and political connections across NYC and State politics, government, and advocacy organizations
• Leadership experience in an advocacy nonprofit, political campaign, or grassroots organization
• Fluency in Spanish or another non-English language commonly spoken in New York City
• A demonstrated enthusiasm for bicycling and safe streets