M

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Operates regional public transit network

Executive Director - Special Projects

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/23/2026
$172.4k - $215.6k/yr
Expert
Bachelor's, Master's
United States
In PersonPrimary location is listed as Various, USA; travel to other MTA or external sites may be required. Telework is available one day per week.
Architecture & Civil EngineeringConstruction Management

About the job

Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in Arts/Sciences in Engineering, Planning, Construction, or a related field of study, plus 14 years of project management experience including senior-level management experience in corporate long-range plans, system development supporting plans, technology development, and management of large capital projects; 18 years of experience may be considered in lieu of the degree.
  • At least 14 years of project management experience, including senior-level management experience in corporate long-range plans, system development supporting plans, technology development, and management of large capital projects.
  • At least 4 years in a department head, managerial, or leadership role in a large, multifaceted, fast-paced organization or government body is preferred.
  • Demonstrated successful leadership, sound judgment, verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to motivate people.
  • Strong business development experience, preferably in the transportation industry.
  • Thorough knowledge of the planning process and all facets of railroad operations.
  • Demonstrated leadership, management, facilitation, and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to develop the capabilities of other managers.
  • Strong communication, human relations, problem-solving, decision-making, negotiation, and judgment skills.
  • Long- and short-range planning skills.
  • Political sensitivity and ability to work effectively with senior staff, company-wide departments, other MTA agencies, and the public.
  • Demonstrated strong work ethic and professional integrity.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • Ability to work outside normal business hours, including evenings and weekends.
  • Ability to travel to other MTA locations or external sites.
  • Familiarity with LIRR operations and engineering and the MTA Capital Program.
  • A master's degree in Arts/Sciences or another advanced degree is preferred.
  • A Professional Engineer license may be beneficial.
  • Familiarity with MTA policies and procedures is preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders is preferred.
Responsibilities
  • Represent LIRR as project liaison, facilitate project activities, and manage interfaces.
  • Direct LIRR’s day-to-day efforts to resolve policy and technical issues with developers, consultants, and contractors, and provide leadership toward departmental and program goals and objectives.
  • Support policy-level meetings between decision-makers on technical and engineering matters and expedite resolution of issues relating to assigned projects.
  • Lead management and coordination of business-administrative activities to prepare LIRR for project and construction work.
  • Partner with Operating Chiefs, Department Heads, and senior agency representatives to incorporate needs and requirements into strategic plans, budgets, and resource-development plans.
  • Oversee schedules and milestones for administrative, human-resources, and budgetary requirements.
  • Select, develop, and motivate department personnel; foster an environment where individuals can work to their potential; provide career development, coaching, and counseling; handle discipline and termination when necessary; review direct reports and approve performance appraisals; and promote safe working practices and conditions.
  • Oversee development of the LIRR business plan for budget and staffing needs supporting construction activities, and coordinate with Operating Budget departments so annual budget submissions include appropriate financials.
  • Lead LIRR support for project plans and implementation involving testing and commissioning, training, facility acceptance, turnover, asset management, operations and maintenance, security and emergency preparedness, and safety and security certification committees.
  • Coordinate with the Procurement Department to schedule and track required LIRR procurements.
  • Coordinate with the LIRR and MTA Legal Department on legal issues and prepare LIRR agreements for vendor, third-party service, and consultant work for multi-agency facilities.
  • Develop related progress, policies, and procedures to maintain ISO 9000 certification as necessary.
  • Ensure LIRR support and participation in design reviews through commissioning, and participate in contract-document development, procurement selection, and negotiations representing LIRR interests.
  • Assist with site assessments and feasibility studies for energy-efficiency projects.
  • Analyze energy and cost data relating to ongoing and proposed sustainability projects.
  • Ensure corporate safety policies are followed.
  • Perform other assignments as requested by senior management and other duties as assigned.
  • Comply with all policies and standards.
  • Work outside regular hours when required.
  • Observe contractor work when applicable.
  • Review and approve invoices when work meets contractual standards, address contractor performance issues when possible, and escalate issues when needed.
Desired Qualifications
  • A master's degree in Arts/Sciences or another advanced degree may be beneficial.
  • A Professional Engineer license may be beneficial.
  • Familiarity with LIRR operations and engineering and the MTA Capital Program.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.
  • Familiarity with MTA policies and procedures.
  • At least 4 years of experience in a department head, managerial, or leadership role in a large, multifaceted, fast-paced organization or government body is preferred.

About the company

M

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

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MTA runs North America’s largest public transit network, serving about 15.3 million people across New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut through six agencies: NYC Transit, MTA Bus, LIRR, Metro-North, Bridges and Tunnels, and Construction & Development. It moves roughly 2.6 billion trips each year using subways, buses, commuter rails, bridges and tunnels, and related facilities. It differentiates itself by operating multiple transit modes under one umbrella, providing integrated services across districts and modes with extensive infrastructure. Its goal is to provide safe, clean, efficient public transportation that serves as the region’s lifeline and mobility backbone while supporting staff with solid benefits.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

New York City, New York

Founded

1834

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • March 3, 2026, Judge Liman upheld congestion pricing, protecting a growing revenue stream.
  • June 2026 fare-gate deployments target fare evasion, a $350 million annual leakage source.
  • Phase 2 will add East Harlem access by 2032, strengthening the network’s core value.

What critics are saying

  • Subway weekday on-time performance fell to 82% in first-half 2026, eroding rider trust.
  • The MTA still needs $3 billion in savings for its $68.4 billion capital plan.
  • Federal funding fights continue; another Sean Duffy-style reversal could choke Phase 2 reimbursements.

What makes Metropolitan Transportation Authority unique

  • MTA controls New York’s integrated subways, buses, bridges, and commuter rails, unmatched in U.S. scale.
  • Congestion pricing generated $562 million in 2025, creating a dedicated funding engine for capital upgrades.
  • Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 broke ground June 2026, showing rare megaproject execution capacity.

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Benefits

  • Remote Work Options
  • Flexible Work Hours

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