Assistant Chief Program Officer - RPS (Open to LIRR Employees Only)

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA); New York (NY); On-site; USD 172,000 - 216,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York is seeking an Assistant Chief Program Officer for Railroad Program Support (RPS). You will oversee PTC, Track, Signal, Power, Communications-Security and Project Controls, guiding multi‑agency projects and ensuring alignment with SOGR, Capital, and Special Initiatives.

You will lead a diverse team, drive inter‑agency collaboration, and ensure staff training and performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) Business, Engineering, Construction Management or related field
• Minimum 12 years working with Force Account and third-party designers, contractors and other corporate personnel
• Senior management leadership at department head level including interface with railroad operations
• Knowledge of project and quality controls, scheduling, budget, and analytical skills
• Ability to negotiate at senior level and manage complex programs
• Strong leadership, facilitation and negotiating skills
• Excellent communication, problem solving and judgement skills
• Strong long and short-range planning abilities
• Experience briefing executive management (MTA Chairman/Board, President, VP)
• Experience with Federal/State transportation regulations and labor relations

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and management of RPS groups to support department goals and project schedules.
• Assist the Chief Program Officer in leading and developing RPS staff.
• Coach, counsel and develop subordinates for career growth.
• Ensure safety standards are followed and staff are trained and motivated.

Skills

Leadership

Project controls

Negotiation

Communication

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Safety awareness

Interdepartmental coordination

Public agency experience

Education

BA/BS in Business/Engineering/Construction Management or related field

Job description

About Your Agency

Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles – from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island.

Description

Job Title: Assistant Chief Program
Officer - RPS

Department: RPS

MTA Agency: LIRR

Primary Location(s): Various

Salary Range: $ 172,448- $ 215,560.

Safety Sensitive: Yes

Union Affiliation: Non-union

Closing Date: Open Until filled

About Your Agency: Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles – from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island.

Please note that this position has been designated as a “Policy Maker” pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics. As such, you will be required to complete a Financial Disclosure Statement that will be provided to you by the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics.

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

Job Summary

This position is responsible for managing, directing and leading the coordination of all aspects of the LIRR Railroad Program Support (RPS) Department by providing the necessary oversight, leadership and support for PTC, Track, Signal, Power, Communications-Security and Project Controls groups that support Force Account and 3rd Party projects and initiatives in conformance with established processes and procedures. In addition, this position is responsible for ensuring that inter‑departmental and inter‑agency relationships are supported and maintained to assist with LIRR State of Good Repair (SOGR), Capital and MTA C&D project and Special Initiatives. This position is also responsible for assisting the Chief Program Officer in ensuring that RPS staff are adequately and properly trained, motivated, and capable of accomplishing department goals.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and management of Railroad Program Support (RPS) groups in support of department and agency goals. Provide recommendations and final approvals or denials of related project schedules, headcount requirements, flagging reports, etc. Lead and manage the development of Project Controls processes and procedures and coordinate the various internal LIRR groups/departments including Special Projects, Office of Innovation (OOI), C&D LIRR Business Unit and other MTA agencies.


• Assist the Chief Program Officer to provide effective leadership and management to the RPS Department. Ensure that RPS staff are adequately, properly trained; motivated; and capable of the successful management of In-house projects. Select, develop and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates.


• Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Review performance of staff. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.


• Ensure that safety standards are followed and priority is placed on issues affecting customer and employee safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) Business, Engineering, Construction Management or related field


• Minimum 12 years Working with Force Account and third-party designers, contractors and other corporate personnel


• Must possess a proven successful and effective leadership record at a senior management, section/department head level, which includes interface with railroad operations.


• Must possess excellent knowledge of project and quality controls, including scheduling and budget, critical thinking and analytical skills, and knowledge of operational needs.


• Must possess ability to negotiate agreements at senior level.


• Must possess excellent leadership, management facilitation, and negotiating skills.


• Must possess superior communication, human relations, problem solving and judgement skills.


• Must possess excellent long and short range planning skills.


• Must possess experience in providing briefings to executive management such as MTA Chairman and Board, President, Sr. Vice President, Vice President-Capital Program Delivery and Oversight on a variety of departmental topics when called upon.


• Must possess experience in working with Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Transportation Administration, American Public Transportation Association, AREMA, EPA, OSHA and other State and local regulation authorities.


• Must possess detailed labor relations experience.


• Must possess excellent leadership and management skills.


• Must be politically sensitive with ability to effectively work with senior staff, all departments company-wide, other MTA Agencies and the public.


• Must possess a demonstrated strong work ethic and a high level of professional integrity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of railroad signal systems, vehicles and communications preferable.


• Experience in the transportation industry is highly desirable.

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”).


• Actual salary offers may vary based on individual work experience. The annual salary range is subject to change and may be modified at the company’s discretion.


• Employees driving company vehicles 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.


• Current employees should be in their current position 12 months prior to starting a new role and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record.


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Equal Employment Opportunity/Ada Disclaimer

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.

If you require reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.