Accessibility Strategist

Job Title:

Accessibility Strategist

Department:

Chief Accessibility Officer

Work Location:

2 Broadway

Full/Part‑Time:

Full

Salary Range:

$93,986 - $105,734

Deadline:

Until filled

This position is eligible for teleworking, which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective hire date.

Opening:
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America’s largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square‑mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Position Objective:
This role is intended to bolster in‑house technical expertise within the accessibility team and to improve the team's ability to execute on the Chair and Chief Accessibility Officer’s shared vision of accessibility. It will enhance strategic, innovative pilot programs that influence MTA’s long‑term accessibility policy and increase reduced‑fare ridership. The employee will advance innovative initiatives and collaborate across divisions to make the subway, bus, and commuter rail systems more efficient and appealing for customers with disabilities.

Responsibilities:

Work with the Chief Accessibility Officer and deputies to develop and execute a long‑term accessibility strategy, manage priority items, and report progress to stakeholders including the MTA Board, advocacy groups, elected officials, and the media.

Help drive MTA’s accessibility strategy, priorities, and approach based on funding opportunities, and recommend policy and procedural changes.

Convene and facilitate regular meetings with operating agencies (e.g., NYCT, LIRR, MNR, B&T) to build buy‑in and address operational barriers, ensuring partners can administer grants on time.

Develop and execute initiatives to improve customer wayfinding
avigation in coordination with MTA operating and IT departments.

Lead community engagement, public meetings, and presentations of MTA policies and plans to riders, advocacy groups, the MTA Board, and other stakeholders. Coordinate with city, state, and federal agencies as needed.

Perform additional duties as assigned.

Comply with all MTA policies and standards.

Work non‑regular hours when necessary.

Observe work performed by contractors, review invoices, approve contracts, address performance issues, and, when needed, escalated concerns.

Required Qualifications:

Familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures.

Proven leader and change agent with creative, innovative thinking and the ability to align business goals with solutions to drive process improvements.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Strong team‑building, listening, problem‑solving, and prioritization skills.

Focus and ability to deliver results, organizational effectiveness, and continuous improvement.

Ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies.

Capability to complete short‑ and long‑term projects efficiently.

Thrives in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.

Prior experience working in diverse settings with a broad range of abilities is ideal.

Excellent organization, analytical, and communication skills.

Strong knowledge of the ADA, state and local accessibility regulations and requirements.

Ability to collaborate with senior management and advocate for a customer‑centric voice and tone.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in arts and sciences (BA/BS) in engineering, urban studies, geography, transportation science, urban planning, economics, business, public administration, political science, or related fields.

Minimum 3 years of related experience.

Minimum 2 years of experience plus a master’s degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in arts and sciences (MA/MS) in engineering, urban studies, geography, transportation science, urban planning, economics, business, public administration, political science, or related fields.

Other Information:
Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law and 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

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