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.

Job Summary:

The Lead, Programming and Outreach is responsible for developing, managing and implementing the MTA Arts & Design Non-Permanent Art program, revitalizing and expanding the reach and impact of Digital Art, Music, Photography, Poetry, and Poster initiatives. The role ensures delivery of innovative rotating artworks, programming, and activations that enrich the customer experience across the transit system. This Senior Manager-level position also leads social media and digital engagement for Arts & Design and is the primary liaison for communications, collaborating with internal stakeholder departments to strengthen public awareness, deepen community connection, and elevate program visibility. In this capacity, the Lead advances outreach priorities and supports a consistently positive public perception of the MTA and Arts & Design programming. As the direct supervisor of a Manager, Arts & Design, the Lead provides direction, establishes expectations, and is accountable for the Manager's performance, output, and professional development.

This role works closely with the Director, Arts & Design to develop program strategy, design frameworks, and annual priorities for the Non Permanent Art program and digital engagement portfolio. The Lead contributes to high level planning, identifies emerging opportunities, and helps shape concepts and program direction to ensure alignment with broader organizational goals.

Responsibilities:

• Non-Permanent Art: The Lead, Programming and Outreach oversees all aspects of Arts & Design’s Non Permanent Art Program—Digital Art, Music, Photography, Poetry, and Posters—guiding the full lifecycle of approximately 20–30 temporary artworks, digital installations, and cultural activations annually across the MTA system as well as a daily and monthly schedule of musical performances. This work includes strategic program development; selection and engagement of artists; contract and schedule management; production and installation oversight; coordination with internal stakeholders; and evaluation of program outcomes.
• The Lead manages a high volume of rapid cycle projects, ensuring that each initiative meets operational requirements, aligns with A&D’s artistic and community engagement priorities, and maintains the highest standards of quality and feasibility within an active transit environment.
• Serving as the functional lead for the Non-Permanent Art program, this role establishes annual programming content and frameworks, sets timelines, and directs the work of internal and external partners—including artists, fabricators, cultural organizations, and producers. The role ensures consistent delivery of impactful, diverse non permanent artworks that enhance the rider experience, reflect New York City’s cultural vitality, and serve as an agile extension of Arts & Design’s presence across the transit network.
• Online content (Social Media, Website, App): The Lead, Programming and Outreach directs the development, strategy, and execution of all Arts & Design online content across social media, the MTA website, and the Bloomberg Connects app as well as other digital platforms to be determined. This role establishes the program’s digital voice and oversees the creation of high quality, mission aligned content that advances program visibility and public engagement. Responsibilities include leading editorial planning, drafting and refining social media copy for multiple platforms, selecting and preparing visual assets, overseeing posting and engagement activity, and analyzing user engagement data to inform digital strategy.
• The Lead manages all aspects of the Arts & Design web presence, including content strategy, information architecture, concept development, content migration, Content Management System (CMS) based page creation, site testing, and ongoing updates to ensure accuracy and accessibility. This work requires regular coordination with the MTA web services team, close review of data and assets, and the development of visually and editorially cohesive digital materials.
• Additionally, the Lead develops and oversees content for the Arts & Design guide on the Bloomberg Connects app, ensuring alignment with program priorities and maintaining an engaging, user friendly digital experience. The role ensures that all online communications reflect Arts & Design’s standards of excellence and contribute to a unified public presence across platforms.
• The Lead, Programming and Outreach provides direct supervision to one Manager, Arts & Design, overseeing workload planning, task assignment, and day to day prioritization across both the Non Permanent Art and Outreach portfolios. The Lead is responsible for reviewing and approving all work products generated by the Manager, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to Arts & Design standards. The Lead conducts regular performance check ins, provides coaching and professional development guidance, and ensures the Manager has the resources and direction required to meet program goals. As a supervisor, the Lead is fully accountable for the quality, timeliness, and effectiveness of the Manager’s output as part of overall program delivery.
• The Lead contributes directly to Arts & Design’s revenue objectives by identifying, shaping, and advancing opportunities for program aligned sponsorships, partnerships, and funding for Non Permanent Art and digital initiatives. This includes exploring new revenue producing activations, supporting fundraising or partnership development in coordination with internal teams, and tracking progress toward established fiscal targets. The Lead ensures that revenue efforts align with MTA policy and strengthen long term program sustainability.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• The role requires initiative, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple rapid cycle projects simultaneously. Must be responsive to agency needs, adept at representing Arts & Design in public and digital forums, and skilled at balancing artistic, operational, and community priorities. The position supports agency presentations and may represent Arts & Design at professional events, educational programs, and media opportunities.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in Visual Arts, Graphic Arts, Performing Arts, Arts Administration disciplines, or related fields or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum 7 years arts programming, cultural production, communications, or related disciplines; minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience.

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.