Director - Special Projects

Description
Director – Special Projects; Department: Maintenance of Equipment; Organization: MTA Metro‑North Railroad; Location: New York, NY; Salary: $119,964–$179,946; Status: Until Filled.

About the Agency
MTA Metro‑North Railroad is a dynamic organization operating out of New York City’s Grand Central Terminal. It provides service to over 86.5 million customers traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut and is a subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities for employees.

Job Summary
The Director of Special Projects leads a team and serves as a member of the senior leadership team within an assigned organization. The role coordinates high‑profile programs and projects to improve service quality and overall performance, analyzing business metrics and recommending improvements. The director facilitates streamlined activities, manages high‑level initiatives, and serves as a liaison to senior leadership.

Duties and Responsibilities

Lead development and execution of strategic programs, policies, and operational initiatives supporting departmental and agency priorities.

Direct comprehensive data analysis and research to inform executive decision‑making, develop strategic options and recommendations, and oversee planning and implementation of complex projects.

Evaluate internal processes to identify risks, inefficiencies, and barriers; recommend and implement improvements in partnership with senior leadership.

Oversee cross‑functional initiatives, aligning senior leaders and stakeholders around shared goals and communication strategies.

Manage administrative, financial, and operational activities, including planning, resource management, and performance monitoring.

Develop and monitor corrective action plans, conduct cost, budgetary, and statistical analyses, and audit internal and external departments.

Manage audit activities and coordinate responses to oversight entities, ensuring compliance and resolution of findings.

Serve as a liaison to support internal leadership in raising critical issues and securing resources for resolution.

Coordinate departmental projects, secure commitments on contracts, budgets, and schedules.

Conduct strategic research and prepare recommendations for complex projects and business initiatives.

Direct development, implementation, and oversight of policies, procedures, regulations, and long‑range strategies.

Select, develop, and motivate staff; provide career development, coaching, and performance management.

Perform any other duties assigned.

Comply with all policies and standards; observe contractors and review invoices when applicable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Required:

Expert knowledge of project management principles, techniques, and tools.

Experience using project controls such as critical path method scheduling and budgetary control systems.

Rapid acquisition of MTA program policies and procedures.

Knowledge of major transit systems, trends, and public transportation fields relevant to business goals.

Strong understanding of Federal Railway Administration and other regulatory requirements.

Ability to work with all organizational levels while maintaining confidentiality and integrity.

Experience managing, implementing, and leading complex high‑profile projects and programs.

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Excellent organizational, project, budget, and planning skills.

Leadership skills that foster teamwork, motivate staff, and develop talent.

Valid driver’s license.

Proficiency with MS Office Suite and related management information systems.

Strong communication and team‑building skills demonstrated through clear, persuasive messaging across lines of authority.

Ability to comprehend and develop technical, contractual, and legal documentation.

Capacity to independently organize assignments and serve as a leader of professionals.

Ability to motivate staff and maintain collaborative partnerships with senior leaders.

Capability to analyze statistics and prepare executive level reports and presentations.

Readiness to respond to emergencies 24/7 and cover routine weekend coverage.

Preferred:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Arts or Sciences (BA/BS) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Project/Program Management or related field; or equivalent experience and credentials with four additional years of experience.

Minimum 10 years of successful project management experience, including project scope development, estimating, scheduling, planning, administration, budgeting, and coordination of design; preference for train service operations environment.

Minimum 7 years of experience managing a diverse workforce and/or projects.

Preferred Education and Experience

Master’s degree in Arts or Sciences (MA/MS).

Licenses and Certifications

Valid driver’s license.

Benefits
Managerial Benefits

Managerial benefits for qualified employees.

Transportation & Financial Benefits

Complimentary MTA transportation pass and access to tax‑advantaged commuter benefits.

Premium health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.

Pension plans and retirement savings accounts.

Time Off & Work‑Life Balance

Generous paid time off and holiday schedules that support personal and family commitments.

Access to Work Life Services team and Chaplains unit for personal guidance.

Professional Growth & Development

Learning & Development program with structured professional development, skills training, and leadership programs.

In‑house training, tuition reimbursement, and education partnerships.

Employee Experience & Community

Employee Assistance Programs with comprehensive support services.

Discounts and perks through employee discount programs.

Employee Resource Groups to build meaningful connections and support inclusive culture.

Other Information

Employees who hold a policymaking position must file an annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying.

Salary finalized based on experience, skillset, and organizational alignment; posted range may be updated.

Drivers of company vehicles subject to license monitoring and must complete defensive driver training as required.

Current MTA employees must complete at least one year of service in their current role prior to applying; eligibility contingent upon satisfactory performance, attendance, and 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 seek a reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability, or for a religious practice or observance, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.

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