Director - Special Projects

MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization operating out of Grand Central Terminal in New York City. We provide service to over 86.5 million customers traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut. As a subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation, committed to safety, reliability, and excellent customer service.

About the role

The Director of Special Projects leads a team and serves as a member of the senior leadership team within the Maintenance of Equipment (MoE) department. This position defines, oversees, and supports high-profile programs and projects to improve service quality and overall performance goals aligned with the department’s vision and priorities. The role facilitates streamlined activities, manages collaborative efforts, analyzes business metrics, and recommends process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Leads the development and execution of strategic programs, policies, and operational initiatives that support departmental and agency priorities.
• Directs comprehensive data analysis and research to inform executive decision-making, develops strategic options and recommendations, and oversees the planning and implementation of complex projects and programs while evaluating their effectiveness and organizational impact.
• Evaluates internal operational and administrative processes to identify risks, inefficiencies, and barriers to successful execution. Recommends and implements process improvements and business solutions in collaboration with senior leadership and analytical teams across Metro-North Railroad and the Operations Department.
• Oversees and coordinates strategic oversight for cross-functional initiatives by aligning senior leaders and stakeholders around shared goals, priorities, and communication strategies. Ensures effective collaboration and execution across departments to advance key organizational objectives.
• Leads and coordinates the department’s administrative, financial, and operational activities, including planning, resource management, and performance monitoring. Develops and tracks departmental metrics, budgets, and performance indicators, providing regular reporting and insights to executive leadership.
• Oversees the development and monitoring of corrective action plans from internal and external departments and conducts cost, budgetary, and statistical analyses and audits. Provides regular reports on key department metrics and budgetary matters.
• Partners with business operations units to manage audit activities and coordinate responses to oversight entities, including the Office of Inspector General, ensuring compliance and timely resolution of findings.
• Serves as a liaison and supports internal leadership in raising critical issues, providing guidance and decisions, and securing necessary resources for expeditious resolution.
• Leads the coordination of departmental projects consistent with both project and operational needs and secures commitment from affected departments on contract documents, budget, and schedules.
• Conducts strategic research and prepares recommendations for managing complex projects and business-related technical initiatives. Participates in developing strategic goals, methods, and action plans with measurable objectives, fixed responsibilities, and established timelines. Monitors, evaluates, and recommends changes to the plan as appropriate.
• Directs the development, implementation, and oversight of policies, procedures, and accompanying policy instructions, as well as regulations, long-range strategies, and outreach initiatives in conjunction with other agency-wide departments.
• Selects, develops, and motivates staff, providing career development, effective coaching, and counseling. Manages team and individual performance, fostering a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables staff to contribute to their full potential.
• Performs other duties as assigned, complies with all policies and standards, and may be required to work outside regular work hours as applicable.
• Observes work performed by contractors, reviews and approves invoices if contractual standards are met, addresses performance issues with contractors when possible, and escalates issues as needed.

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of project management to coordinate, review, and provide expert management for assigned projects.
• Knowledge of and successful experience in the use of project controls, including critical path method scheduling and budgetary control systems.
• Thorough knowledge or demonstrated ability to rapidly obtain knowledge of the program policies and procedures by which the MTA is governed.
• Ability to acquire and maintain knowledge of major transit systems and significant trends, changes, and developments in public transportation that could benefit, impact, or directly relate to the department’s business goals and objectives.
• Strong knowledge of Federal Railway Administration (FRA) and other regulatory agency requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all levels of the organization and maintain high levels of confidentiality and solid integrity.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, managing, and implementing complex, high-profile projects and programs.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, project, and budget management and planning skills.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to foster teamwork, motivate, and develop staff.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and similar management information systems.
• Strong, effective communication and team-building skills, with the ability to organize, structure, and frame ideas, issues, and strategies clearly and persuasively. Ability to work effectively across organizational lines and at different levels of the organization.
• Ability to develop and comprehend various types and levels of technical, contractual, and legal documentation.
• Ability to independently organize and carry out assignments with minimal direction and to function effectively as a leader of highly professional personnel.
• Ability to lead and motivate staff effectively.
• Ability to build and maintain effective, collaborative strategic partnerships with business operation executives, the Senior Executive Team, other senior leaders, and stakeholders to achieve business results and organizational objectives.
• Ability to conduct statistical analyses and prepare executive-level reports and presentations, including findings and recommendations.
• Ability to respond to emergencies on a 24/7 basis and be available for routine weekend coverage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Project/Program Management, or a related field. Demonstrated equivalent experience, education, and/or technical credentials may be considered in lieu of a degree, including an additional four (4) years of experience.
• Minimum 10 years of demonstrated successful experience in overall project management, including project scope development, estimating costs, scheduling, planning, administration, budget, and coordination of design; preferably in a train service operations environment.
• Minimum 7 years of experience managing a diverse workforce and/or projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher.
• Master’s degree in Arts/Sciences (MA/MS).

Pay

$132,353 - $165,441

Other Information

• Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law and the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees in policymaking positions must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government.
• Final salary is determined by experience, skillset, and alignment with compensation practices. The posted range reflects expected compensation and may be updated as market or business needs evolve.
• Employees driving company vehicles will be subject to license monitoring and must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers, or within 180 days of hire or transfer for employees entering an authorized driving position.
• To be eligible for consideration for a new role, current MTA employees must complete at least one year of service in their current role prior to applying. Additionally, eligibility to interview is contingent upon maintaining a satisfactory record of job performance, attendance, and disciplinary conduct.
• Telework eligible.