General Summary

Under general supervision, the Community Ombudsperson is responsible for developing and implementing a multi-faceted community relations program designed to create and expand public awareness and support for SMART in Southeast Michigan. The Ombudsperson initiates and maintains a positive relationship between SMART and the business community, local governments, service providers, human service agencies, community and civic organizations. As the main local contact, in concert with other departments, the Ombudsperson ensures that SMART and local providers coordinate service to achieve maximum ridership at minimal cost.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Establishes and maintains contact with business and business groups, service providers, local units of government, human service and civic agencies, cultural leaders and groups to keep them informed of and promote SMART’s plans and programs.
• Administers the Municipal Credit, Specialized Service, Community Credit programs as well as Purchase of Service and special agency contracts.
• Plans, develops, coordinates and conducts meetings, programs and activities for business, local, political, cultural, volunteer, and civic groups designed to encourage their active support for transportation in Southeast Michigan.
• Responsible for the creation and maintenance of partnerships with local businesses and the business community for the organization and management of activities supporting regional transportation.
• Recommends, analyzes and coordinates local marketing and communication initiatives, written reports and presentations based on the needs of the community and awareness of the Authority and public transportation.
• Coordinates with all departments in identifying the need for and preparation of literature and visual aids for dissemination at meetings with business, political, cultural and civic groups.
• Acts as a local spokesperson for the Authority. Assists the community in resolving potential conflicts relating to SMART transportation services and participates with the coordination of community transit activities between SMART and other service providers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Planning, Communications, or related field.
• Minimum three (3) years experience working with businesses, service agencies, business leaders or government entities.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted for minimum requirements.
• Experience with contract administration.
• Demonstrated group presentation experience.
• Knowledge of economic development and/or public transit preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient in the use of Windows-based MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint applications.
• Ability to identify and develop solutions to complex issues.

THE AUTHORITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REVISE OR CHANGE THIS JOB DESCRIPTION AT ANY TIME.