MBTA hiring Deputy Chief, Transit in Boston, Massachusetts, United States | LinkedIn (2024)

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s core values are built around safety, service, equity, and sustainability and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job SummaryThe Deputy Chief for Transit Programs is the senior MBTA executive responsible for the delivery of the Authority's Transit program which is defined as the State-of-Good Repair (SGR) and Modernization of; light/heavy rail transit facilities, Bus system infrastructure and facilities, parking facilities and general MBTA administrative facilities.

The Deputy Chief will define and articulate a vision for the successful development and execution of the Transit capital investment program and direct the efforts of MBTA engineering and construction professionals as well as outside consultants, to deliver over $1 billion in Transit and related facilities projects over the five-year capital program. Transit related capital projects encompass transit stations, parking garages, bus facilities, maintenance facilities, yards, and other facilities. This work will require close coordination with the Integrated Track Program (ITP) group which manages the SGR and modernization program for heavy/light rail transit infrastructure which includes track, signal and traction power.

The Deputy Chief for Transit Programs is a strong, versatile senior leader who has demonstrated success managing capital programs of various sizes and complexity. The incumbent must have a depth of experience in capital program management, the effective leadership of large, complex organizations, preferably in the public sector, and the political and management acumen to operate at the senior levels of state government.

The Deputy Chief must be adept at solving complex technical, program, and management issues, and equally adept at obtaining internal and external stakeholder acceptance of project design and delivery decisions. They must be particularly skilled in developing an integrated management team and in working across departments to effectively support the Transit capital delivery program while minimizing the impact on day-to-day operations

of the system. The Deputy Chief for Transit will set strategic priorities, develop performance goals and metrics, apply innovative design, construction, and program management methods, make decisions, and solve problems to deliver the MBTA's Transit capital delivery program.

Duties & Responsibilities

• The Deputy Chief for Transit Programs is the senior executive accountable for the on-schedule, on budget delivery of the MBTA's Transit capital program.
• Reports directly to the Chief for Capital Delivery and serves as a member of the Chief’s management team.
• Develops a vision, performance goals and metrics, policies, and procedures to guide Transit program delivery.
• Works in close collaboration with the Operations Chief of Stations and Facilities , Integrated Track Program group, Engineering and Maintenance departments and other organizational elements of the MBTA to ensure cross-functional coordination of project activity with operational outcomes, day-to-day maintenance, finance, and administration requirements.
• Oversees and is actively engaged in all Transit programs as well as contributes to major initiatives and planning efforts such as Bus Network redesign and System-Wide Accessibility Programs.
• Prepares or participates in the preparation of planning studies to evaluate the long-term needs for Transit state-of-good repair, modernization, and expansion in close coordination with the Chief of Capital Delivery and Operations Chief for Stations and Facilities.
• Works closely with the Chief for Capital Delivery and Operations Chief for Stations and Facilities to identify and prioritize SGR needs.
• Recommends MBTA Transit capital project priorities consistent with the Mass DOT CIP and the MBTA strategic plan.
• Develops and maintains realistic program and project budgets, schedules and execution plans.
• Hires, directs, maintains, and leads a team of directors, project managers, project coordinators, resident engineers, inspectors, and other technical and administrative professionals who, collectively, manage and/or oversee the efforts of third-party engineering, architectural, and construction firms providing design and construction services under contract with the MBTA.
• Ensures that project development, design, and construction activity is internally coordinated with operations and maintenance functions, and project management actions adhere to procurement and fiscal policy and practice.
• Collaborates with stakeholders including state and local elected officials, and federal and state regulatory agencies including the Federal Commuter Rail Authority (FTA) on planning and execution of assigned projects and the mitigation of associated issues.
• Prepares reports for and delivers presentations to Mass DOT, the MBTA Board of Directors, elected officials, regulatory bodies, community groups, and the media on Transit projects including addressing issues of a potentially sensitive nature.
• Leads and manages a staff of approximately 50 employees of whom most are members of bargaining units.
• Ensures staff and contractors respond to site emergencies twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week, and coordinate recovery actions with MBTA operations.
• Upholds the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites and/or attend off-site meetings.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Management from an accredited institution.
• Licensed registered professional engineer or architect in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (see substitutions)
• Minimum of twelve (12) years of experience in leading and managing large design and construction programs and projects in the public and/or private sectors.
• Minimum of Seven (7) years of related experience in a manager/director capacity.
• Demonstrated success as the senior executive in charge of delivering a major capital program of works, preferably Transit facilities, Rail, or multi-discipline infrastructure programs.
• Demonstrated success leading design and construction programs, preferably Transit facilities or multidiscipline infrastructure programs.
• Demonstrated success in developing realistic and attainable project budgets and schedules.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with local, state, and federal agencies and governance boards.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of the Massachusetts State Building Code.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of the application of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it pertains to the design and construction of Transit Facilities and/or similar projects.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of project delivery methods available for use by the MBTA.
• Effective organizational, analytical, confidentiality, multi-tasking, and time management skills
• Strong leadership qualities, including, communicating with customers, employees, vendors, contractors, designers, elected officials, community leaders, and state and federal officials.
• Proven ability to effectively respond to media inquiries.
• Solid presentation and conflict resolution skills.
• Proven track record of collaboration, transparency, and effective communication.
• Superior communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work horizontally and vertically across organizational boundaries to assist project managers in the resolution of variances in cost and schedule.

Substitutions IncludeTwenty (20) years of experience leading and managing large design and construction programs and projects in the public and/or private sectors may be considered in lieu of Registered Engineer/Architecture licensure.

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Master's Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or Business Administration from an accredited institution.

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team (or supervise, if required)
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection)
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and medical Clinic screening, potentially including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circ*mstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service

Disclaimers and Definitions:

• General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
• Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
• Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
• Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
• Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
• On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
• Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
• ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com .
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer . For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions .