Senior Planner

MTA Construction & Development (C&D) is responsible for the planning, development, and execution of all capital construction projects across the MTA region. Through centralized oversight and management of the MTA’s $64 billion Capital Program, C&D ensures the efficient delivery of critical infrastructure projects that support the region’s vast transportation network. As part of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the largest transportation network in North America, C&D plays a key role in modernizing and expanding services that support 15.3 million residents across New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. C&D is committed to delivering safe, innovative, and cost-effective capital projects that enhance the customer experience and strengthen the reliability and resilience of the MTA system.

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.

About the role

The Senior Planner will support the development of the MTA’s long-range planning publications, including the Twenty-Year Capital Needs Assessment, Five-Year Capital Programs, and other public-facing reports and communications. Working across MTA agencies and with planners, subject matter experts, consultants, and executive leadership, the Senior Planner will translate complex transportation, infrastructure, and policy topics into clear and compelling narratives for both technical and non-technical audiences. The position will play a central role in developing report narratives, drafting and editing content, sourcing data, verifying facts, managing internal review processes, and maintaining consistent editorial standards. The ideal candidate is a creative and strategic communicator who can see the larger story within technical material, navigate a complex organization, and tailor information for multiple audiences. Experience with publication design and visual communication is valuable but secondary to strong writing, editing, research, and stakeholder-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop clear, engaging narratives that explain transportation planning, infrastructure needs, capital investment strategies, and public policy issues to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Draft and revise report chapters, executive summaries, presentations, web content, and other materials for executive, public, governmental, and stakeholder audiences.
• Collaborate with planners, subject matter experts, and technical staff to transform complex planning concepts and analyses into clear, compelling, and visually engaging documents.
• Edit and proofread technical documents for structure, clarity, grammar, consistency, and adherence to the MTA Editorial Style Guide, ensuring reports are accurate, accessible, and publication-ready.
• Source, interpret, and synthesize information from internal datasets, technical analyses, government publications, public records, and other authoritative sources.
• Fact-check written and visual materials, verify statistics and claims, document sources, and resolve conflicting or incomplete information.
• Coordinate the production of planning reports from initial concept through final publication, managing feedback from multiple agencies, departments, executives, consultants, and other stakeholders while maintaining quality and production schedules.
• Shape complex bodies of information into cohesive publication structures and visual narratives that connect detailed analyses to the MTA’s broader goals and the policy context in which it operates.
• Lead or support the layout, production, and publication of reports, presentations, and other communication materials using Adobe InDesign, ensuring a consistent and professional visual presentation.
• Assist in developing and reviewing maps, diagrams, charts, infographics, and other visualizations that communicate infrastructure, planning, and capital investment concepts clearly.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Information Design, Communications, Transportation, or a related field, and four (4) years of satisfactory full-time professional experience.
• Passion for improving New York’s public transit system.
• Familiarity with the MTA network and knowledge of New York City government, politics, transportation, or public policy.
• Demonstrated experience developing narratives for reports, publications, policy materials, journalism, or other long-form content.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills, including the ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Strong research, data-sourcing, synthesis, and fact-checking skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience managing review processes involving multiple contributors, reviewers, and senior stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and produce accurate, publication-ready work under tight deadlines.

Pay

Salary Range: $77,059 to $96,324

Schedule

Hours of work: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM or as required (7.5 hours/day). 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.

Benefits

Transportation & Financial Benefits

• Commuting Made Easy – Enjoy a complimentary MTA transportation pass, plus access to tax-advantaged commuter benefits to maximize your savings.
• Premium Health Coverage at Low Cost – Access high-quality individual, family, and domestic partner healthcare, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
• Secure Your Future – Build long-term financial security through pension plans and retirement savings accounts designed for eligible employees.

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• Generous Time Away – Recharge with substantial paid time off and comprehensive holiday schedules that support your personal and family commitments.
• Holistic Support Services – Access our dedicated Work Life Services team and Office of the Chaplains unit for personal guidance and support when you need it most.

Professional Growth & Development

• Learning & Development Program – Advance your career through structured professional development opportunities, skills training, and leadership programs tailored to support your growth within the organization.
• Educational Investment – Pursue your career goals with in-house training and professional development, tuition reimbursement support, and partnerships with educational institutions.

Employee Experience & Community

• Employee Assistance Programs – Comprehensive support services to help you navigate life's challenges with confidence and resources.
• Discounts & Perks – Take advantage of MTA employee discount programs offering savings on products and services.
• Connect & Belong – Join our vibrant Employee Resource Groups to build meaningful connections, share experiences, and contribute to an inclusive workplace culture.