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.

Opening:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Position Objective:

This position has direct responsibility to oversee all executive functions for the Labor Relations Department at the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad (MNR), with the objective of ensuring all critical organizational functions are carried out consistently, efficiently, and effectively. This position supervises the administrative staff across both railroads, including the Manager, Labor Relations Administration, Labor Relations Coordinator I and II series, and secretarial staff. The primary accountabilities for this position include: management of the budget and financial reporting requirements; serving as lead point of contact with the MTA People Department for all departmental personnel actions; development and maintenance of internal control procedures, as well as related reportable analytics, for contract grievances and disciplinary appeals, arbitration cases, collective bargaining, and contracting out transactions; handling primary internal research on labor relations matters; leading integration of collective bargaining agreements; and providing direct support to the Senior Deputy Chief, Labor Relations – Railroad Operations, and his/her direct reports for other labor relations related tasks or initiatives as assigned.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the executive functions and day-to-day administrative activities for the Labor Relations Department at the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad (MNR), including the operating budget and financial planning/reporting/analysis requirements, internal controls and analytics, departmental personnel actions, and internal case/issue management. Serve as the main point of contact with MTA People Department, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, MTA IT, MTA Legal, railroad operations managers, and other external stakeholders (i.e., professional services contracts, consultants, and unions) in carrying out important administrative business requirements. Analyze and make recommendations for departmental policy and procedural changes, with final approval from the Senior Deputy Chief, Labor Relations – Railroad Operations, and support implementation of such changes.
• Manage overall research strategy and support other senior managers in Labor Relations with required internal/external research and related inquiries for all labor relations matters. Recommend, develop, and implement new technology, practices, and research methods to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of labor relations activities.
• Oversee case/issue management, as well as the development of reports on analytics and key performance indicators for the Labor Relations Department. Represent the Senior Deputy Chief, Labor Relations – Railroad Operations, and Directors - Labor Relations in strategic initiatives and at various meetings involving departmental business activities.
• Manage all personnel actions within the department, including oversight of recruitment, onboarding, promotion, offboarding, and any transactional requirements for the department’s employees. Assist in the development of job descriptions and long-term planning for Labor Relations staffing. Oversee all payroll processing, policy compliance, training requirements, performance evaluations, and other MTA People/Corporate Compliance mandates.
• Manage and implement new terms of railroad collective bargaining agreements, as well as the integration of the same into existing codified collective bargaining agreements, in consultation and partnership with other senior managers in Labor Relations.
• Select, develop, and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review the performance of staff. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• 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 meets contractual standards, as applicable
• Addresses performance issues with the contractor when possible, as applicable
• Escalates issues to other parties when needed, as applicable

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to successfully manage and coordinate complex and diverse issues simultaneously with minimal supervision. Must be a self-starter.
• Project management skills with the ability to take on projects from conception to completion, with adherence to deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies. External agencies may include the Governor’s Office for New York State, the New York City government, elected and other public officials, as well as any staff located at other federal or state agencies or authorities. 
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively. 
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.
• Must have strong managerial skills to effectively direct a staff of professional employees in implementing the short- and long-term goals and direction for the area of responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.
• Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in Labor Relations, Human Resources, Business, or related field of study. 
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in Labor Relations, Human Resources, or related experience, including management of critical business functions such as budgets, vendor contracts, payroll, and personnel management.

The Following is/are preferred:

• Master’s degree in Arts/Sciences (MA/MS), an advanced degree in Business Administration or Human Resources Management.
• Minimum 2 years Demonstrated supervisory and/or leadership abilities.
• Minimum 1 year Preferred prior experience in the LIRR/MNR Labor Relations Department, including knowledge of the CBAs, labor unions, Railway Labor Act, National Mediation Board, and all related activities.
• Minimum 1 year of prior experience working in a large, multi-faceted, fast-paced organization or governmental body.
• Minimum 1 year of familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures.

Other Information

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

According 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 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.