Director - Special Projects

Construction Various, USA


Description

Position at Long Island Rail Road

Job Title: Director - Special Projects
Department: Special Projects
MTA Agency: LIRR
Primary Location(s): Various  
Good Faith Salary Range: $129,446.00- $161,807
Position Classification: Safety Sensitive
Shift: Day
Closing Date (if applicable): Open until Filled
About your agency:
Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles – from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island.
This is a Non-Represented Position.
Please note that this position has been designated as a “Policy Maker” pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics.  As such, you will be required to complete a Financial Disclosure Statement that will be provided to you by the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics. 
This position is eligible for telework which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.
JOB SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Executive Director, Director is responsible to provide oversight and direction to staff for:  managing and supervising 3rd party consultants, force account, vendors and contractors engaged in technical studies, planning, design and construction; managing LIRR construction and business activities with respect to development, administration and compliance of agreements with Western Rail Yard (WRY), Penn Station, Harold, third party developers and Amtrak;  representing LIRR as liaison to facilitate day-to-day project activities, resolve policy, technical issues and manage inter-agency and outside agency interfaces; managing LIRR's activities with MTA agencies, other government agencies, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders in support of LIRR operating requirements, rules, regulations, goals and objectives; managing  cost and schedule controls for assigned projects and tasks and contracts for design, construction and other services;  managing and supporting grant application processes; and managing and leading systems integration, commissioning process for assigned projects.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Maintain positive, effective relationships with MTA, MNR, MTACD, NJT, Amtrak, other LIRR departments, private developers, outside agencies and local government consistent with general management objectives and policies to ensure their input and approval for executing programs. Communicate with senior staff on issues and status.
  • Support LIRR policy level meetings between decision makers on technical and engineering matters and expedite and ensure resolution of issues relating to assigned projects.
  • Present the assigned projects at public forums and coordinate activities with external entities.
  • Provide management level program oversight and review. Direct the processes and activities to ensure that robust document and project controls are in place and implemented. Assigned projects may include responsibility for:
    • directing the management, implementation and coordination of joint projects with Amtrak and LIRR sole benefit projects in Penn, West Side Yard (WSY) and East River Tunnels and vicinity;
    • directing all LIRR and MTA activities and coordination associated with the Overbuild and Development Projects
    • directing and coordinating all LIRR activities and ensuring implementation of MTA, MTAPD, MTACD and LIRR Systems and Security projects
    • directing and coordinating all LIRR activities with respect to LIRR support of facility and systems construction and design, systems integration and facility turnover, and asset management.
  • Formulate comprehensive project/program plans and prepare their strategic implementation for assigned projects.
  • Direct the development and implementation of comprehensive inter-departmental plans to ensure that corporate policies, departmental procedures and other related protocol or processes are established or in place.
  • Manage and plan RFPs for consultants and plan and specifications of contractors, to ensure the best selection and utilization of their services.
  • Direct and manage the development, design, and implementation of projects while maintaining the project scope, schedule, and budget.
  • Direct the process and activities for construction management and oversight including consultant inspection staff and contractor submittals, work plans and track outage requests.
  • Review and recommend approvals or denials of payment, claims, additional work orders and extensions of time requests.
  • Lead coordination efforts between/with LIRR department managers. and others as required to ensure that needs and requirements are incorporated into the contract documents, and as appropriate into strategic, budget, and resource development plans.
  • Management of a staff of professionals responsible for implementation of various projects. Select, develop and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Review direct reports and approve performance appraisals Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
  • Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures, including Corporate Employee Safety Policy. Ensure compliance with governmental regulations and MTA requirements in accordance with LIRR objectives and policies. Lead by example.
  • Perform other assignments as requested by Sr. Management.
  • Performs other duties as assigned 
  • Complies with all policies and standards 
  • May be required to work hours outside regular work hours, as applicable 
  • Observes the work performed by contractors, as applicable 
  • Reviews invoices and approves them if the work has contractual standards, as applicable 
  • Addresses performance issues with the contractor when possible, as applicable 
  • Escalates issues to other parties when needed, as applicable 
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in Engineering/ Business/ Finance/ Transportation/ Operations Management or related field. In lieu of the degree, 14 years of directly related experience with Construction Management or Project Management may be considered.
  • Minimum 10 years Construction Management or Project Management, or Transportation Management experience.
  • Must possess progressively responsible senior level project management experience.
  • Must possess extensive experience managing the development of large scopes, estimates, schedules and budgets.
  • Must possess extensive experience managing third party consultant and contractors.
  • Must possess experience or ability to direct staff in management of a large segment of a program or project involving planning, design, funding, or bidding awards of construction of facilities.
  • Must possess effective leadership and management skills with ability to establish goals, deadlines, provide direction to staff of managers and coordinate activities with other departments.
  • Must possess a background in engineering/construction/operations with detailed knowledge and experience with technical and administrative issues.
  • Must possess the ability to solve complex problems during the planning, design and construction phase of the program.
  • Must possess excellent communication, human relations and negotiation skills.
  • Must possess proven, effective problem solving, decision-making, judgment and leadership skills.
  • Must be an experienced professional with a high degree of professional integrity and strong work ethic with ability to influence change as necessary.
  • Valid Driver License is required.
 
 
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Master’s degree in Arts/Sciences (MA/MS), Professional Engineering license and/or a Master’s Degree is desired.
 
BENEFITS:
  • Commuting Assistance – based on operating MTA agency (complimentary transportation pass within the MTA’s jurisdiction and tax-advantaged accounts)
  • Low Premium – High Quality Health Insurance Plans (lifetime coverage for eligible retirees and their dependents)
  • Pension plans and retirement savings accounts for eligible employees
  • Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays provided.
  • Tuition Reimbursement for eligible employees
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • MTA Exclusive Employee Discount Programs
  • Work Life Services team and Office of the Chaplains unit
  • Employee Resource Groups
  • #TapYourCareer
  • #MTACareers
  • Layout 1 (mta.info) 
OTHER INFORMATION:
  • Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”). 
  • Actual salary offers may vary based on individual work experience. The annual salary range is subject to change and may be modified at the company’s discretion.
  • Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.
  • Current employees should be in their current position 12 months prior to starting a new role and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record.
  • Candidates selected for this position may be placed in a competitive or non-competitive class position based on their qualifications. Qualified candidates who are placed in a competitive class position are eligible for the 55-a Program.  Please indicate in your cover letter and in the upper right corner of your resume that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a Program.  For detailed information regarding the 55-a Program, please visit the following link https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dcas/employment/55-a-program.page  
  • LIRR: In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the position, the selection process may include but is not limited to, a pre-screening assessment (i.e., physical, written, and/ or practical evaluation) and interview. Candidates forfeit further consideration in the process if they fail to participate in any step of the process when scheduled. Make-up dates/times will not be given. In addition, LIRR employee applicants must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record. A record of more than ten sick days without medical documentation in two of the last three years is considered unsatisfactory attendance.  Not all qualified applicants are guaranteed an interview due to the competitive selection process. A medical examination and safety-sensitive drug/alcohol test may also be required.   
  • #TapYourCareers 
  • #MTACareers 
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER:
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities. 
The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply. 
If you require reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.