Director, Procurement Accountability

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:

Direct and manage all internal and external audits, investigations, and Freedom Of Information Law ("FOIL") requests for the MTA on behalf of Procurement agency-wide. This position ensures that management responses to audits, investigations and FOIL requests are performed in an efficient and professional manner, and ensures that responses are inclusive, supported and aligned with senior management's goals as well as complements the Agencies' standards of transparency and corporate compliance. Also, the position serves with the ADCO, on behalf of all MTA agencies, as the Investigative agents and Hearing Officer for any vendor who may have violated the NYS Procurement Lobbying Law Section 139-j of the New York State Finance Law – and make formal determinations which may, on behalf of the MTA, find the vendor "Non-responsible" for a period of five years. Manages a staff that assists with the priorities of this department.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee and direct audits and investigations for all MTA Agencies, ensure responses are completed in a timely manner, and coordinate the entrance conference (includes scope, resources needed, timelines, project manager and potential MTA exposure), provide documents and personnel access, and confirm accuracy of findings, ensure that recommendations and actions are consistent with policy and garner review and acceptance from senior management prior to closeout. Liaise with the various Offices of Inspector Generals (“OIGs”), law enforcement, Federal Transit Administration (“FTA”), and other external agencies with audit and investigative authority. Arrange and coordinate senior management input and responses associated with audits and investigations while ensuring appropriate access to confidential documentation/information.
• Direct the MTA’s Independent Private Sector Inspector General (“IPSIG”) program of 18 firms. Oversee a team that determines which vendors are required to engage an IPSIG, approves agreements between monitor and vendor, and briefs management of the vendors’ improvement in the program. Responsibilities include data management, approval of monitor work plans, review of vendor corrective action plans and draft IPSIG agreements, prepare IPSIG reports for senior management, and communicate required follow-up actions to vendors and IPSIG’s. Manage performance issues for all IPSIGs and remove from IPSIG pool monitors that are unable to satisfactorily perform.
• Direct a team that collects and manages information in response to Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests for the MTA Procurement Agencies. Coordinate efforts with the MTA FOIL Officer and advise management of information to be shared with external requestors. Ensures that the ongoing compliance with law and guidelines related to FOIL.
• Manage an average of 30 major requests from both internal departments and external agencies for procurement-related documentation in support of the NYC Comptroller’s Office in resolving Prevailing Wage Violation cases, MTA OIG investigations, MTA Risk Management, and DOJ.
• Oversee and manage a team that is responsible for special investigations related to vendors’ unethical conduct such as violations of the NYS Lobbying Law, responsibility hearings for violations of the Vendor Code of Ethics, poor performance, not-responsible and debarment determinations. Manages staff who maintain and publish the monthly VITAL Report.
• 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 performance of staff. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Perform ad hoc special projects, as assigned, in response to both internal and external inquiries.
• 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 has 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:

• Must have the ability to utilize policies and procedures with respect to procurement practices and a basic understanding of legal and contractual procedures.
• Must have a sound business acumen and be able to communicate and interact effectively with contractors and vendors.
• Strong negotiating skills, especially in adversarial situations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all senior executives in both Vendor and MTA organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies. External agencies may include the General Counsel for NYS Governor, New York City Comptroller Office, 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.
• 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 efficiently.
• Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) or comparable applications.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS)in Accounting, Business Administration, Transportation, Public Policy, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree;
• Minimum 9 yearsof related experience

The Following is/are preferred:

• Master’s degree in Arts/Sciences (MA/MS). Graduate degree in a related field.
• Minimum 4 yearsof managerial/supervisory experience in a large, multi-faceted, fast-paced organization or governmental body
• Working with external investigative agencies and securing confidential and privileged information (i.e., OIG Offices and DOJ, NYC District Attorneys).
• Working with the FTA consultant on Quarterly Change Order Reviews and Triennials.
• Ability to meld policy and vendor conduct, recognize deviations, and subsequently develop and implement a plan to mitigate or modify unacceptable conduct.
• Knowledge of NYS Finance Law, Public Authorities Law Section 1209, Federal Sentencing Guidelines, Non-Prosecution Agreements, Deferred Prosecution Agreements, especially having to do with DOJ Antitrust Violations, Federal Acquisition Regulations/Guiding Principles, particularly Part 31.
• Detailed and working knowledge of the All-Agency Responsibility Guidelines
• A basic understanding of accounting and law.
• Familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures
• Prior experience working in a large, multi-faceted, fast-paced organization or governmental body

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.