Executive Director - Special Projects
Description
Job Title: Executive Director - Special Projects | Department: Special Projects |
MTA Agency: LIRR | Primary Location(s): Various |
Good Faith Salary Range: $ 172,448- $ 215,560 | 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:
The Executive Director of Special Project is responsible to oversee the direction of all business activities related to the planning, coordination, and constructions of Penn Station Access (PSA), Grand Central Madison (GCM), and the other Capital Program projects. This will require coordination with MTA Stakeholders and other state and federal agencies for LIRR projects including any infrastructure improvements. This position is responsible for representing LIRR, and ensuring project delivery is safe, efficient, on schedule, within budget and per project documents, contractual requirements, and relevant policies, procedures standards, and guidelines.
This includes developing an overall business plan and schedule of milestones to ensure all staffing needs, budgetary requirements, procurements, hiring and training of new hires, and technical issues are addressed and resolved across multiple departments, Agencies and Stakeholders. This work will require working with other MTA agencies, Amtrak, New Jersey Transit, Federal Railroad Administrative (FRA), and Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
This position is responsible for Directing and Leading a team that will be responsible for managing scope, schedule and budget by monitoring project status, mitigating risks, resolving project issues, consulting with and providing recommendations at the executive management level of the LIRR, MTA, federal, state and local municipalities; and represent LIRR's interest in funding grant discussions, complex negotiations, legal agreements develop and technical concurrences.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Represents LIRR as project liaison to facilitate project activities and manage interface. Directs the LIRR’s day to day efforts to resolve policy and technical issues between LIRR and developers, consultants and contractors and provide leadership for achievement of departmental and program goals and objectives.Support LIRR policy level meetings between decision makers on technical and engineering matters and expedite and ensure resolution of issues relating to assigned projects.
- Provides leadership at LIRR for management and coordination of business administrative activities to ensure the LIRR is prepared for the project and construction.
- Partner with Operating Chiefs, Department Heads, and other Senior Agency representatives, to ensure all needs and requirements are incorporated into the development of the strategic plan, budget, and resource development plans. Oversee the development of schedules and milestones for administrative, human resources, budgetary requirements.
- Select, develop and motivate personnel within the department. ensure an environment that allows individuals to work to their potential. End Results Expected Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review direct reports and approve performance appraisals. Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
- Oversee the development of a business plan for the LIRR's budget and staffing needs to support the construction activities. Oversee the coordination with the Operating Budget departments to ensure LIRR annual budget submissions incorporate the appropriate level of financials.
- Lead LIRR efforts in support of projects, this includes ensuring LIRR support and participation in the development of plans and implementation for Testing and Commissioning, Training, facility acceptance, Turnover, Asset Management, Operation & Maintenance, Security & Emergency Preparedness, and Safety & Security Certification Committees.
- Oversee the coordination and liaison with the Procurement Department to ensure that all LIRR procurements required are scheduled and tracked.
- Coordinate with the LIRR and MTA Legal Department to handle any legal issues that arise. Coordinate preparation of LIRR agreements for vendor and third-party services and consultant work as required for multi-agency facilities.
- Develop related progress, policies and procedures to maintain ISO9000 certification as necessary.
- Ensure LIRR support and participation in the development of design reviews to commissioning. Participate in development of contract documents, procurement selection and negotiations representing LIRR interests.
- Assist with site assessments and feasibility studies for energy efficiency projects.
- Analyze energy and cost data relating to ongoing and proposed sustainability projects.
- Ensure corporate safety policies are adhered to at all times.
- Perform other assignments as requested by Senior 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, Planning, Construction, or related field of study and fourteen years of experience with project management including senior level management experience in providing corporate long-range plans, system development in support of plans, technology development and management of large capital projects. In lieu of the degree, 18 years of experience may be considered.
- Minimum 14 years of experience with project management including senior level management experience in providing corporate long-range plans, system development in support of plans, technology development and management of large capital projects.
- Minimum 4 years of experience which must include a department head and/or managerial and/or leadership role in a large, multi-faceted, fast-paced organization or government body preferred.
- Must possess a proven successful and effective leadership, judgement, effective verbal, written communication, interpersonal and presentation skills with the ability to motivate people.
- Must have strong business development experience, preferably in the transportation industry.
- Must be thoroughly versed in the planning process with an understanding of all facets of railroad operations.
- Must have demonstrated leadership and management, facilitation, and negotiating skills.
- Must be a competent, professional leader who will develop the capabilities of other managers.
- Must possess superior communication, human relations, problem-solving, decision-making, negotiation, and judgment skills.
- Must possess excellent long and short-range planning skills.
- Must be politically sensitive with ability to effectively work with senior staff, all departments company-wide, other MTA agencies, and the public
- Must possess a demonstrated strong work ethic and a high level of professional integrity.
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Must be able to work outside of normal business hours (i.e. evenings and weekends).
- Must be able to travel to other MTA locations or other external sites.
- Familiarity with LIRR operations and engineering and the MTA Capital Program.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in Arts/Sciences (MA/MS), Advanced degree may be beneficial.
- Professional Engineer's license may be beneficial.
- Familiarity with LIRR operations and engineering and the MTA Capital Program.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.
- Familiarity with the MTA's policies and procedures.
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
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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.
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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.