Manager-Strategic Priorities
Description
Job Title: Manager- Strategic Priorities | Department: President’s Office |
MTA Agency: LIRR | Primary Location: Queens, NY |
Salary Range/Additional Compensation Details: $101,754 - $127,192 | Regulated/ Safety Sensitive: No |
Union Affiliation: None | Closing Date (if applicable): Open Until Filled |
Shift (if applicable): Regular | Other: |
About LIRR: 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. | |
JOB SUMMARY:
Sitting within the Office of the President, this position is responsible for collaborating with the Chief of Staff of the LIRR, Senior Director of Strategic Priorities, and Senior Manager of Strategic Priorities to provide strategic, data-driven direction to the Long Island Rail Road, including to operating departments like the Engineering, Maintenance of Equipment, Rolling Stock, Security, Service Planning, Stations, and Transportation departments. The incumbent will participate in the review of current business practices, service quality, and performance goals; and then will provide recommendations; assist with implementing initiatives to improve efficiencies in all operating department functions; and track and report on departmental progress. This position will be responsible for acting as a liaison with the various operational areas in creating project workplans, managing goals, and producing reports for departmental metrics and initiatives. Using business analytics and intelligence tools, the incumbent will prepare and present information and updates to all levels of the agency as well as senior staff and MTA headquarters.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist the Senior Manager, Strategic Priorities with compiling and analyzing operational data for trends, areas of concern, and potential opportunities for efficiencies. Ensure that work required for all goals, initiatives, workplans is complete, accurate, and prepared within required timeframes. Compile and prepare required documentation and reports for all inter-agency meetings and collaborate on agency-wide initiatives. In the absence of the Senior Manager, Strategic Priorities, represent the LIRR at Committee and MTA Board meetings or other meetings and present LIRR operational data.
- Assist with the ongoing review of departmental business, service, performance, and operational practices and functions and provide recommendations for efficiencies. Support the operations with project workplans and goals that assist with implementing recommendations and efficiencies. Act as liaison to facilitate departmental initiatives and assist with conducting field or site visits, as necessary, to review practices and functions.
- Working with the Senior Manager, and using business analytics/intelligence tools, assist with measuring progress against goals and deadlines for all departmental and agency operational goals, initiatives, and newly implemented efficiencies. Work with operating departments to establish key performance indicators to measure their performance and benchmark against peer networks.
- Participate in benchmarking and peer reviews with other operating agencies and learn best-in class processes. Develop relationships with personnel at peer operating agencies, benchmarking groups and public transportation advocacy groups.
- Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures. Lead by example.
- 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.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
Qualifications:
- BA/BS in Operational Analytics, Transportation, Information Technology. In lieu of the degree, 7-9 years of related experience may be considered.
- 3 to 5 years of work experience, 2 of which would ideally have been in one or a combination of the following areas: strategy or management consulting; data analysis; working with the budget of a large public or private concern in budget administration, accounting, economic or financial administration, cost benefit analysis, or fiscal or economic research; in management or methods analysis, performance analysis, operations research, organizational research or program evaluation; in personnel or public administration, recruitment, position classification, personnel relations, labor relations, staff development, employment program planning/administration, labor market research, budget planning, fiscal management or in a related area.
- Ability to relate to people across the organization to establish trust and rapport.
- Ability to work with large data sets, evaluate data quality, use data to answer analytic questions, and develop data-driven performance measures.
- Project management skills, including ability to define and execute on a work plan, establish goals, and deliver high-quality work products on time.
- Ability to evaluate complex processes and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact and communicate effectively with all levels of employees are required.
- Analytical, research, and problem-solving skills with the ability to think outside of the box and implement creative solutions are required.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point), SQL, PowerBI, and experience with business analytics / intelligence tools are required.
- Ability to be flexible, multi-task and manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
Preferred:
- Prior experience with documenting and supporting operating initiatives, goals, and reporting.
- Prior experience working in a transportation environment.
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:
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. Current MTA employees must be in their current position for 12 months before applying 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.
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”).
Equal Employment Opportunity:
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.