Senior Director Safety

Description

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 Senior Director Safety (Security) is a leadership position responsible for the strategic development, implementation, and oversight of security across all C&D construction job sites and related MTA facilities and properties. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Security, this role is focused on protecting personnel, equipment, and high-value assets in dynamic, high-risk environments.

This position leads the creation and enforcement of job site security protocols, oversees security operations, manages access control measures, and develops targeted training programs for field personnel, subcontractors, and site supervisors. A key function includes conducting regular site audits and vulnerability assessments to ensure compliance with security standards, theft prevention strategies, and emergency response procedures.

This role requires an experienced security leader with a deep understanding of construction site operations, strong situational awareness, and the ability to proactively mitigate risks in fast-paced, constantly evolving project environments. This position plays a vital role in ensuring project continuity, safety, and regulatory compliance from groundbreaking to completion.

Responsibilities

Represent the Assistant Vice President of Security in day-to-day operations.

Ensure the safety and security of agency personnel, facilities, job sites, and critical infrastructure.

Oversight of C&D Security Operations, ensuring operational readiness and effective response, including the deployment and management of security personnel and contract staffing.

Development and implementation of security policies and procedures, including security bulletins and awareness messaging, along with mitigation strategies that support the continuity of operations in alignment with C&D and MTA-wide goals.

Oversee incident response planning, managing complex special event security operations, and perform comprehensive risk assessments to proactively identify vulnerabilities.

Conduct thorough field observations, comprehensive audits, and in-depth investigations, ensuring the delivery of detailed investigative reports that led to clear and actional insights.

Manage security programs and state-mandated initiatives to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Develop and administer comprehensive security education and training programs for C&D internal and external stakeholders.

Evaluate C&D security performance to ensure ongoing enforcement of security controls and adherence to rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

This position serves as C&D’s lead representative for MTA-wide security initiatives, participates in systemwide emergency planning, and oversees the integration of security best practices and technologies in collaboration with MTA Security partners.

Engage and interface with governmental agencies and regulatory bodies as needed and assist with on-site inspections and follow-up actions.

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

Remains informed on new legislation and regulations and ensure compliance as required.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Security Administration, Risk Management, Criminal Justice, Investigations, Criminology, Emergency Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.

Masters preferred. 

Must have a minimum of twelve (12) years of related experience in progressively responsible positions related to security management, security operations, investigations, project management, or public administration.

Must have a minimum of six (6) years in a management or supervisory role and/or safety manager role in a large, multi-faceted organization.

Experience in a large corporate or government organization with responsibility for creating actionable policies and procedures.

Experience leading and managing security operations in a 24/7 environment, ensuring operational readiness and effective response.

Experience in conducting field observations, audits, and investigations, including the ability to formulate the issue detailed investigative reports.

Experience in personnel management, including overseeing consultants and contractors.

Experience in work effectively both in the office and on job sites, indoors and outdoors, under all weather conditions.

Competencies:

Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively under pressure while maintaining a strategic focus and meeting deadlines.

Strong communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally, written and electronically.

Ability to function effectively in a highly confidential environment while managing sensitive operational and personnel information.

Substantial experience in managing diverse administrative functions supporting operations of a large organization.

Strong crisis management skills, capable of leading during emergencies and making quick, informed decisions to safeguard personnel, assets and operations.

Demonstrated experience in implementing policies and procedures related to project management and/or other administrative functions preferred.

Ability to manage complex, sensitive issues with a high degree of confidentiality and judgement.

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

Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

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

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

Proven leader as a change agent and creative/innovative thinker with the ability to align organizational goals with solutions and drive process improvements.

Working knowledge of essential software; Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Power BI, Teams and a general understanding of working on a computer.

Analytical and strong organizational skills.

Must work effectively in the office and on job sites, indoors and outdoors, during all weather conditions.

Able to immediately visit job sites for any incident to review and perform follow-up actions.

Driver’s License (required) for the duration of employment.

Preferred:

Knowledge of security bestpractices for both physical and electronic systems.

Keen understanding of the MTA functions and responsibilities.

Geographical familiarity with the New York City metropolitan region.

Superior written and oral communication skills in English, with the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data effectively from verbal and written sources.

Strong ability to read and understand schematic diagrams and technical documentation.

Highly organized and detail oriented to maintain pace in frequently changing conditions.

Demonstrated experience in safety and security for construction projects and contracts.

OSHA 30-hour card in the Construction Industry

Security certification (e.g., ASIS CPP/PSP/PCI, CPTED, CBCP, IS/IMS)

Investigative certifications (e.g., ACFE, Reid Technique)

Project management certification (e.g., PMP)

Transportation sector experience.

First Aid/CPR Certified.

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 itssubsidiary andaffiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, includingwith respect toveteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities,including military service members, to apply.