Director, Claims & Investigations

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 oversee the management of all the functions of the Claims Bureau, including administration, accident investigation, special investigations, data development, negotiation and adjustment of claims against the RaiRoad for death, personal injury and property damage. In addition, manage and administer the functions of the Claims Bureau in its capacity as the Third-Party Administrator of all claims covered by the MTA Stations and Force Account Liability Insurance program. This includes managing the LIRR/MNR's and other third partieslitigation staff, including billing, assigned to these cases. This position must be capable of fulfilling thecontractual obligations of the Third-Party Administration function, including submission and collection of the fileand handling fees from FMTAC. The position must be able to maintain the Claims Division infrastructure tocompete aggressively for the renewal of the contract to ensure the continued incoming revenue of the ClaimsDivision. Position has authority to approve, authorize and evaluate settlements with both employees and nonemployees,within the fiduciary limits set by MTA Risk Mgmt. and/or Vice President, General Counsel&Secretary.

Responsibilities:

• Oversight & Management of Claims Bureau Operations. This responsibility involves directing andoverseeing the daily operations of the Claims Bureau, including administration, accidentinvestigation, special investigations, data development, negotiation, and adjustment of claimsrelated to death, personal injury, and property damage. It also includes managing the Bureau’sfull scope of functions in its role as Third‑Party Administrator for all claims covered by the MTAStations and Force Account Liability Insurance program, ensuring operational effectiveness,compliance, and coordination across all units and stakeholders. Furthermore, represent theClaims Bureau in LIRR/MNR and all-agency meetings, conferences, seminars, etc.
• Claims Intake, Assignment & Evaluation. encompasses reviewing and assigning employee and public liability claims according to their complexity and the effort required, ensuring quality handling and appropriate disposition. It includes setting initial reserves, performing analyses to increase reserves when necessary, and identifying claims with applicable insurance coverage so they can be tendered to insurers, contractors, or other third parties. The responsibility requires continuous evaluation of facts, damages, and liability to ensure each claim is positioned correctly from inception through resolution. In addition, run Claims data from Origami claims system for departmental purposes as well as information requested from relevant LIRR, MNR, and HQ departments.
• Settlement Authority & Negotiations. reviewing, assigning, and scheduling union appointments to negotiate settlements, as well as evaluating, approving, and authorizing settlement amounts for employees, non‑passengers, and third‑party claims within fiduciary limits set by MTA Risk Management and/or the Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary. It requires balancing risk assessments, financial exposure, legal strategy, and stakeholder expectations to achieve equitable and compliant resolutions.
• Compliance, Auditing & Contractual Obligations. conducting annual audits of assigned claims, ensuring all records, evaluations, and decisions are accurate, defensible, and compliant. It also involves fulfilling contractual obligations associated with the Claims Bureau’s Third‑Party Administrator role, including submission and collection of file and handling fees from FMTAC, maintaining infrastructure to meet competitive standards for contract renewal, and sustaining revenue streams through strong administrative performance and contractual adherence.
• Litigation Staff Management & Vendor Oversight. managing the LIRR and MNR claim staff and third‑party litigation teams assigned to claims under the insurance program, overseeing their billing, performance, and case activities. It encompasses ensuring coordinated communication, proper monitoring of litigation progress, and consistent oversight of vendors and external partners whose work directly affects claim outcomes and program integrity. Furthermore, participating in RFPs related to the Legal Department and Claims Bureau vendors.
• Strategic Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement. Providing strategic leadership to sustain operational efficiency, financial responsibility, and competitive positioning of the Claims Division. It includes engaging with internal leadership, Risk Management, the General Counsel’s office, insurers, contractors, and external third parties to ensure compliance with fiduciary limits, strengthen organizational processes, and support the long‑term sustainability and success of the Claims Bureau.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Must possess progressively responsible related recent experience including extensiveworking knowledge of Insurance Law and coverage preferably as pertaining to arailroad or transportation business.
• Must have working knowledge of related laws, regulations, corporate policies andprocedures.
• Must have experience with related research data collection methods andinvestigative experience and skills.
• Must have experience managing a staff and budget.
• Must have field experience and an understanding of damage trauma, anatomy andlegal liability.
• Must have knowledge of applications of labor agreements & Federal EmployersLiability Act.
• Must possess demonstrated effective management, leadership, negotiating,problems solving, decision making and judgment skills.
• Must demonstrate a strong work ethic and professional integrity.
• Must be able to demonstrate effective claims negotiating skills, to continue to drivedown the costs of these claims.
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization,including the MTA Board.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies.External agencies may include the Governor’s Office for New York State, New YorkCity government, elected and other public officials, as well as any staff located atother federal or state agencies or authorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high profile, high pressure environment effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or externalstakeholders.
• Must have strong managerial skills to effectively direct a staff of professional andtechnical employees in implementing the short- and long-term goals and directionfor the area of responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and asefficiently as possible.
• Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e.,Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’sDegreein Arts/Sciences(BA/BS)in Business, Management, Law/Insurance or related field of study or anequivalent combination of education and experience from an accreditedcollege may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum 10yearsrelated experience, including at least 4 years in a department headand/or managerial and/or leadership role in a large, multi-faceted, fast pacedorganization or governmental body preferred.
• New York State Independent Casualty Adjuster’s License, requiring renewalevery two years is required upon hire.
• Current continuing education courses in insurance law, casualty claims law,management, or similar areasrequired within 1 Year.

The Following is/are preferred:

• Master’s degreein Arts/Sciences(MA/MS)in related field
• Familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with the MTA’s collective bargaining procedures.
• Attainment of or in the process of attaining specific functional licenses orcertifications in area of specialty if applicablewithin 1 Year preferred.
• Attainment of or in the process of attaining P.E. license from New York State within1 Year preferred.

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.