Metropolitan Transportation Authority Careers

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.

Summary

The Interborough Express will provide a transformative new transit connection between Brooklyn and Queens - providing a direct rail link between Sunset Park and Jackson Heights in approximately 30 minutes - with service projected every 5 minutes during the peak. 19 stations are planned over an existing 14-mile rail corridor. The stations will allow for connections up to 17 subway lines and 50 bus routes.  

The Senior Director, Design manages all architectural and engineering design processes within the Interborough Express project, to conform to professional industry and MTA Construction & Development standards. This position fosters technical skills development and innovation in project management practices to improve capital projects' quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery. 

Responsibilities

The Senior Director, Design, will assist the Vice President, Deputy Project Executive (Design) and Assistant Vice President, Design Executive in i) overseeing design development and compliance for the Interborough Express project incorporating the latest technology and best practices from national and international precedents with a focus on safe, cost effective, and timely construction practices, ii) developing and overseeing implementation of the concept of light rail operations (including defining project performance metrics and service requirements and standards) with a focus on safe and best-in-class service. Design development scope will include a) light rail alignment, stations, signals and train control, power, systems, communications, fleet, and the maintenance & storage facility and b) all make-ready work for the rail corridor, including utility relocation, bridge reconstruction, right-of-way modification, and infrastructure relocation.  

Additionally, the Senior Director, Design will actively participate in the procurement of third-party consultants and contractors, the environmental review process, securing project financing, and community engagement. 

Further, the Senior Director, Design monitors project status, mitigates risk, and resolves project issues, consulting with and providing recommendations to senior management for critical issue resolution and improved performance.  This position coordinates project delivery activities with C&D and third-party operators and partners and manages staff, contractors, consultants, and agency forces in the safe and efficient execution of capital projects. 

The Senior Director, Design’s primary responsibilities are enumerated in this section; however, the Interborough Express project will require team members to frequently participate in activities outside of their primary functions and constantly coordinate with team members in different functions – this is the norm and not the exception. 

The Senior Director, Design, will create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential, and will foster a culture of innovation and change in design delivery methods, technologies, and strategy. 

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction or Project Management, Business Administration, Transportation, or a related field. 

Must have a minimum of twelve (12) years of related experience.

Must have a minimum of eight (8) years in managing design projects or supervisory roles in a large, multi-faceted organization.

Competencies:

Licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect required.

Significant experience in design project management for major construction projects with highly complex systems OR significant experience in a design or engineering role for a major rail transportation system preferred. 

Experience leading and managing contractors, subcontractors, or vendors.  

Proven ability to collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders and drive outcomes. 

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.  

Demonstrated ability in building relationships and working collaboratively with stakeholders at all internal levels within the organization.  

Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively. 

Must have focus and ability to deliver on results, organizational effectiveness, and continuous improvement.  

Must be a proven leader as a change agent and creative/innovative thinker with the ability to align business goals with solutions to drive process improvements. 

Must possess excellent team building, listening, problem-solving, and prioritization skills.  

Alternative Delivery experience preferred. 

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”).

Selection Criteria

Based on evaluation of education, skills, experience, and interview.

How to Apply

MTA employees must apply via My MTA Portal. You can submit an online application by logging into My MTA Portal, clicking the My Job Search ribbon, and selecting the “Careers” link. Logging in through My MTA Portal will link your BSC ID number to your job application to identify you as an internal applicant.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are equal opportunity employers, including those 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.