Senior Director Project Management

About the role

The Senior Director of Project Management manages capital and operating project delivery or a distinct subset of a facility program within various business units in the MTA Construction and Development (C&D) Delivery Department. This position ensures project delivery is safe, efficient, on schedule, within budget, and compliant with project documents, contractual requirements, and relevant policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines. The role monitors project status, mitigates risk, resolves issues, and consults with senior management on critical issue resolution. It coordinates project delivery with C&D and operating agency personnel and manages staff, contractors, consultants, and agency forces.

Agency: MTA Construction & Development (C&D) — responsible for planning, development, and execution of all capital construction projects across the MTA region, overseeing the $64 billion Capital Program. Reports to: Assistant Vice President, Deputy Project Executive. Work location: 2 Broadway. Job family: CON, Grade: 007.

Responsibilities

• Manage capital and operating project delivery or a distinct subset of a facility program within C&D Delivery Department business units.
• Provide effective direction to multiple technical staff managing program initiatives, complex assignments, design and/or construction projects, engineering consultants, and/or contractors.
• Coordinate project activities through project close-out.
• Monitor project performance against established baselines and pursue opportunities for improved performance.
• Identify project issues and risks and ensure timely resolution and mitigation.
• Lead a project or designated program initiative and supervise activities performed by internal staff and consultants.
• Recommend solutions to senior management for resolution of critical issues.
• Manage project activities to minimize impact on agency operations and the public.
• Coordinate project activities with project team, C&D staff, contractors, consultants, MTA operating agency staff, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate with MTA operating agency staff to ensure necessary actions, approvals, and resources support project delivery.
• Conduct senior engineering oversight of the facility design process for capital and operating budgeted projects.
• Ensure project activities follow established requirements and adhere to all relevant standards, guidelines, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure safety and quality are integral to project operations.
• Manage preparation and monitor implementation of project plans, quality plans, and work plans.
• Coordinate with Safety and Quality Management staff.
• Manage project documentation to ensure quality, completeness, and accuracy.
• Manage and monitor progress against project scope, schedule, and budget.
• Work collaboratively with Development and Contracts throughout the project life-cycle, including developing project scope, requirements, design criteria, and procurement packages; evaluating bids/proposals; negotiating change orders; and completing contractor/consultant evaluations.
• Manage comprehensive project document control and retention.
• Manage preparation of reports, presentations, research, and studies.
• Manage staff selection, coaching, training, development, evaluation, discipline/termination as needed.
• Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction or Project Management, Business Administration, Transportation, or a related field.
• Minimum twelve (12) years of related experience.
• Minimum eight (8) years in the management of construction programs/projects or a supervisory role in a large, multi-faceted organization.

Qualifications

• Licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect desirable.
• PMP and CCM certifications preferred.
• High-level ability to understand and take effective action on complex issues relating to funding, personnel, technical, and other ongoing problems in a demanding operating environment requiring sound, independent judgment under urgent and sometimes emergency conditions.
• Significant experience in project management for major construction projects with highly complex systems preferred.
• Proven ability to collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders and drive outcomes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with stakeholders at all internal levels.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a high-profile, high-pressure environment.
• Focus and ability to deliver results, organizational effectiveness, and continuous improvement.
• Proven leader as a change agent and creative/innovative thinker with ability to align business goals with solutions to drive process improvements.
• Excellent team-building, listening, problem-solving, and prioritization skills.

Benefits

• Transportation & Financial Benefits: Complimentary MTA transportation pass; tax-advantaged commuter benefits; pension plans and retirement savings accounts for eligible employees.
• Health Coverage: High-quality individual, family, and domestic partner healthcare, dental, vision, and life insurance plans at low cost.
• Time Off & Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off and comprehensive holiday schedules; dedicated Work Life Services team and Office of the Chaplains for personal guidance and support.
• Professional Growth & Development: Structured professional development opportunities, skills training, and leadership programs; in-house training, tuition reimbursement support, and partnerships with educational institutions.
• Employee Experience & Community: Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programs; MTA employee discount programs; Employee Resource Groups for building connections and fostering inclusive workplace culture.

Pay

Salary range: $149,247 to $186,559. Final salary determined by experience, skill set, and alignment with compensation practices; posted range reflects expected compensation and may be updated as market or business needs evolve.

Schedule

• Standard hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (7.5 hours/day) or as required.
• May require work outside normal hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Travel may be required to other MTA locations or external sites.
• Telework eligible: currently one day per week; new hires eligible to apply 30 days after effective date of hire.