Metropolitan Transportation Authority Careers

JOB INFORMATION

Resume Due Date:       April 23, 2025

Functional Job Title:     Vice President and Chief of Central Operations

Department/Division:   Security & Operations

Work Location:             2 Broadway/ Randall’s Island
 

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.

COMPENSATION

Earnings Potential:       $166,700 - $226,953

Hay Points:                   1510   

Overtime Eligibility:    Not eligible for paid overtime in accordance with FLSA
 

RESPONSIBILITIES

MTA Bridges and Tunnels manages and operates nine inter-borough crossings and Manhattan’s Central Business District Congestion Relief Zone. The Vice President and Chief of Central Operations is an executive-level leader responsible for overseeing all aspects of Central Operations, ensuring its alignment with MTA Bridges and Tunnels' strategic goals and the Central Business District Tolling Program (CBDTP). This role holds independent decision-making authority for policy, strategy, governance, staffing, budget, and expenditures. 

As the Vice President and Chief of Central Operations, you will lead and oversee the operational areas within Central Operations, including the 24/7/365 Operations Command Center (OCC), Highway & Commercial Vehicle Safety Units, and Emergency Management. You will ensure that these functions are aligned with the broader goals of MTA Bridges and Tunnels and the CBDTP while maintaining a high level of operational efficiency, safety, and preparedness. This role requires strategic leadership, collaboration across agencies, and a strong commitment to safety and risk management. 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Governance:

Develop, review, and approve policies and procedures to ensure the effective operation of Central Operations. 

Provide strategic recommendations on staffing, budget allocation, and expenditures to support operational efficiency. 

Resolve escalated operational challenges and ensure swift resolution of critical issues. 

Represent the agency before elected officials, MTA/TBTA Board members, industry partners, and regulatory entities. 

Lead special projects and initiatives assigned by MTA HQ, ensuring timely and effective completion with minimal disruption. 

Operations & Safety Management:

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the OCC, Highway & Commercial Vehicle Safety Units, and Emergency Management. 

Ensure the OCC performs critical functions such as incident notifications, situational awareness, weather monitoring, report generation, and dispatch operations in real-time. 

Maintain a high level of preparedness and readiness within Emergency Management to respond to emergencies, disasters, or crises, ensuring the safety of customers, employees, and infrastructure. 

Lead and direct special law enforcement and security operations to ensure effective and data-informed enforcement, collaborating with Facility Management to develop strategies for maximizing patrol coverage and operational security. 

Emergency Management:

Oversee all phases of emergency management, including Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery: 

Develop strategies to reduce or eliminate risks to life, property, and infrastructure. 

Lead planning, training, and resource allocation for disaster response and ensure readiness for crises. 

Coordinate and execute emergency response plans to save lives, minimize damage, and facilitate recovery. 

Develop strategies to restore operations to pre-disaster or improved conditions. 

Organize and lead training programs, simulations, and exercises to ensure the readiness of state, local, and federal responders during actual events. 

Traffic and Resource Management: 

Oversee the effective performance of the OCC’s critical functions, including ensuring swift responses to incidents, weather events, and safety risks. 

Collaborate with law enforcement and peer agencies to enhance security and operational resilience across inter-borough crossings and related facilities. 

Staff Development and Oversight:

Lead, manage, and develop a team of staff and consultants across the operational areas of Central Operations, Revenue Recovery, and Security Operations. 

Allocate personnel and resources effectively to ensure smooth and efficient day-to-day operations, meeting performance goals and service expectations. 

Develop and implement staffing plans and schedules based on operational needs and forecasts, planning for future workforce needs as operations evolve. 

Conduct performance management to ensure continuous improvement in staff performance and operational service delivery. 

Capital Project Coordination:

Ensure agency input into capital project scope and collaborate with the C&D team for successful project completion. 

Minimize operational disruptions and customer impacts while maintaining safety and security standards during the implementation of capital projects. 

Cross-Agency Collaboration:

Coordinate with MTA HQ and consolidated partners to ensure smooth, efficient operations. 

Partner with law enforcement, emergency responders, and peer agencies to enhance operational resilience and safety protocols. 

Law enforcement personnel in this position will also hold the title of TBTA Chief of Transportation.

Compliance & Risk Management: 

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to transportation safety and security. 

Assess operational risks and implement mitigation strategies to address vulnerabilities and enhance resilience. 

Law enforcement personnel in this position will also hold the title of TBTA Chief of Transportation.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s in Emergency Management, Project Management, Criminal Justice, Criminal Investigations, Criminology, Forensic Sciences, Public Administration, Cybersecurity, Homeland Security, Security Management, Emergency Management, Project Management, Systems, or Technology preferred.

Must have a minimum of sixteen (16) years of related full-time professional experience managing and directing large scale bridge, tunnel, and highway operations in a high-volume urban environment as well as progressively responsible law enforcement experience and/or practices.

Including at least ten (10) years in a management or supervisory role in a large, multi-faceted organization.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Significant experience in program management for large government agencies or businesses, with complex systems preferred.

Substantial experience leading and managing a unionized workforce and/or consultant/contractor/vendor staff.

Unrestricted driver's license in New York State.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and document management software

Completion of FEMA Independent Study Courses -- NIMS - IS 100, 200, 700 and 800.

Completion of training as required in accordance with position requirements.

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

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Demonstrated ability to build relationships and workcollaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.

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

Must have focus and ability to deliver 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.

Ability to respond to any authority location on a 24/7 basis when required.

Must be able to adhere to a 7/24/365 on-call schedule.

OTHER INFORMATION

MTA Bridges and Tunnels is governed by the Civil Service Rules and Regulations administered by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS).  

Also, 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”).  

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 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.