Senior Director of Leasing Operations

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, sustainability, and culture.

Job Summary

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is the second‑largest landholder in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Senior Director of Leasing Operations supports the management and development of MBTA real‑estate assets in commercial development, identifies opportunities to maximize non‑fare revenue, and assists with the Authority’s real‑estate strategic planning. The position oversees master leases, third‑party contracts, air‑rights, deeds, and other agreements, and works collaboratively with state agencies to pursue the Governor’s goals while ensuring the necessary asset capacity for all MBTA operations.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Leasing and Operations:
• Oversee major MBTA institutional leases, including transportation hubs and high‑value commercial assets, ensuring portfolio‑wide revenue optimization.
• Develop and execute standardized leasing policies, rate structures, and internal deal review processes.
• Lead leasing outreach and cultivate partnerships with community and small business development organizations to support an economic ladder of opportunity.
• Oversee licensing operations and the geographic information system (GIS) and support the right‑of‑way team and associated easement work.
• Provide transaction support and negotiation assistance for lease‑related agreements with private developers and subtenants.
• Identify MBTA real‑estate appropriate for development or outright sale by understanding the value of each location and the opportunities for growth that these sites create.
• Meet regularly with MBTA Department heads, the Chief of Capital, and the Chief of Stations and Facilities to coordinate real‑estate needs and provide analysis and input on real‑estate initiatives.
• Maintain current market knowledge and provide data‑driven input to inform the strategic decisions and direction of the MBTA.
• Provide internal acquisition advisory services to Capital Delivery project teams, Railroad Operations teams, Safety, Systemwide Accessibility, and other stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain adequate real‑estate assets to meet the MBTA’s operational goals by generating and reviewing all development proformas to identify risk profiles.
• Review requests for use of the MBTA’s property, negotiate and issue new leases, licenses, and easements pursuant to a canvassing review process.
• Manage real‑estate transactions, including deeds, leases, licenses, and easements.
• Manage the MBTA’s portfolio of leases, licenses, and management agreements for retail concessions, utilities, telecommunications, and land use, as well as the acquisition of new property.
• Conduct due diligence on properties identified by MBTA departments to meet operational and infrastructure goals.
• Negotiate leases, sales, and disposition on behalf of the Authority.
• Develop Requests for Proposals and Invitations to Bid for selected properties and facilities, as well as other documents, including leases, licenses, easements, and fee deeds.
• Work with the Capital Department project managers to review the impact of projects on MBTA real‑estate to support advertising of construction projects.
• Perform outreach to internal and external stakeholders and address concerns while providing a solution‑based approach.
• Represent the Authority and Administration’s goals to impacted communities, developers, brokers, and other interested parties.
• Conduct external engagement with the development community and municipal partners to maximize development potential.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Supervision

Directly supervise a team of 14 contractors, a future real‑estate manager, and additional staff as the program expands.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in real‑estate, urban planning and/or development, economics, business finance, engineering, architecture, public administration, or a related field.
• Ten (10) years of experience with the real‑estate development life cycle, including planning, designing, financing, and construction.
• Seven (7) years of supervisory, managerial, and/or leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating and advancing development opportunities for large or complex real‑estate assets and conducting and presenting strategic portfolio analysis, asset utilization, and financial feasibility.
• Knowledge of real‑estate regulations of government and public agencies, such as the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
• Working knowledge of finance and budgeting.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating complex real‑estate‑related business deals.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills.
• Proficient use of Word, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, presentation, and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Strong ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent consulting, influencing, and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail required.

Substitutions Include

• A high‑school diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• An associate degree from an accredited institution and an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• A master’s degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of experience.
• A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience.

Preferred Experience And Required Skills

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in real‑estate, urban planning and/or development, economics, business finance, engineering, architecture, public administration, or a related field.
• Public sector experience and knowledge of state processes.
• Senior management experience in a large organization.
• Experience with real‑estate‑related database, property management, and GIS software.

Job Conditions

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, unless participating in an approved high‑school internship/co‑op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce 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 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 a current student or 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/or medical clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and/or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including up to 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may impact service or safety.
• Intern/co‑op staff must be enrolled full or part‑time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship/co‑op. Additionally, interns/co‑ops must have valid work authorization and a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting pre‑employment screenings/pre‑boarding, working in their positions, and throughout the duration of their program.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

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