Director - Special Projects
Job ID: 15335
Business Unit: Metro-North Railroad
Location: New York, NY, United States
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Department: Chief Mechanical Officer
Date Posted: Apr 13, 2026
Description
Job Title : Director - Special Projects
Department: Maintenance of Equipment
MTA Agency: Metro-North Railroad
Primary Location(s): New York, NY
Salary Range: $ 119,964 - $ 179,946
Regulated/Safety Sensitive: Non-DOT Regulated/ Safety Sensitive
Union Affiliation: Non- a greement
Closing Date (if applicable) : Until Filled
Shift (if applicable) :
Title 55-a (yes or no): Not Applicable
Other: T elework eligible
ABOUT THE AGENCY
MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York City, Grand Central Terminal. We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut. A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation. MTA Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities for its employees.
Metro-North Railroad reserves the right to remove this posting before the Application Deadline.
JOB SUMMARY
The Director of Special Projects leads a team and serves as a member of the senior leadership team within an assigned organization. This position is tasked with defining, overseeing and supporting high-profile programs and projects to improve service quality and overall performance goals aligned with the vision and priorities of the Maintenance of Equipment ( MoE ) department. This role facilitates and participates in ensuring streamlined activities within the organization. This position will manage and coordinate high level activities and collaborative efforts, analyzing departmental business metrics and making recommendations to improve internal business processes.
DUTIES AND 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 MetroNorth Railroad and the Operations Department.
Oversee and coordinates strategic oversight and coordination 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. Leads the development and tracking of departmental metrics, budgets, and performance indicators, providing regular reporting and insights to executive leadership .
Oversees the development and monitoring of corrective actions plans from internal and external departments and conducts cost, budgetary and statistical analyses, and audits. Regularly provide reports to the 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 the needs of internal leadership in their ability to raise critical issues, guidance and decisions, to ensure expeditious resolution on issues and/or to provide necessary resources, as appropriate, to ensure 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 management of complex projects, business related technical initiatives, participates in the development of strategic goals, methods and action plans that include measurable objectives, fixed responsibilities, and established timelines. Monitors, evaluates, and recommends changes in the plan when appropriate.
Directs the development, implementation, and oversight of policies, procedures, and the accompanying policy instructions, as well as regulations, long-range strategies, and outreach initiatives in conjunction with other agency-wide departments and initiatives.
Select, develop, and motivate staff and provide career development for team members. Provide effective coaching and counseling. Manage team and individual performance. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables staff to develop and contribute to their full potential.
Performs other duties as assigned
Comply with all policies and standards
May be required to work hours outside regular work hours, as applicable
Observes the work performed by contractors, as applicable
Reviews invoices and approve them if the work has contractual standards, as applicable
Addresses performance issues with the contractor, when possible, as applicable
Escalates issues to other parties when needed, as applicable
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Required:
Thoroughly knowledgeable of the principles, practices and techniques of project management, to coordinate, review and provide expert management for the 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 public transportation fields 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 agencies 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
Must have a valid driver's license .
Knowledge of MS Office Suite and similar management information .
Strong, effective communication skills and team building skills, evidenced by the ability to organize, structure, and frame ideas, issues, and strategies in a clear, focused, and persuasive manner and 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 minimum direction as well as the ability 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 partnership and relationships with the immediate business operation executive, Senior Executive Team, other senior leaders, and stakeholders in achieving 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.
The following is/are preferred:
Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in Business Administration, Public Administration or a Project/Program Management discipline or related field. Demonstrated equivalent experience, education, and/or technical credentials may be considered in lieu of a degree to include 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 the design; preferably in a train service operations environment .
Minimum 7 years managing a diverse workforce and/or projects.
The following is/are preferred :
Master's degree in Arts/Sciences (MA/MS)
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required :
Valid Driver's License
BENEFITS - Managerial 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.
OTHER INFORMATION
Pursuant 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").
Final salary is determined 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 an employee 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.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers and encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.
If you seek a reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability, or for a religious practice or observance, to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.
HOW TO APPLY:
For Internal Applicants : Log in to the My MTA Portal, click on the My Job Search tile, select the Careers link, search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the on-screen instructions.
For External Applicants : Visit www.mta.info (https://nymta.sharepoint.com/sites/MNR--TA/Shared%20Documents/General/Jetdocs/www.mta.info) , click the "Careers" link located in the footer under the "The MTA" section, then click on "See All Open MTA Positions". Search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the instructions.
