Deputy Chief of Talent Acquisition

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA); New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Deputy Chief of Talent Acquisition to lead their People team. This pivotal role involves crafting a strategic talent acquisition agenda that aligns with organizational goals and legal requirements. The successful candidate will manage a dedicated team, collaborating with key stakeholders to implement effective hiring strategies. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of talent acquisition in a dynamic environment, ensuring the agency attracts and retains diverse talent. Join a forward-thinking organization committed to providing exceptional service and fostering a positive workplace culture.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in directing an Employment Center of Excellence operation.
• Strong project management and executive-level management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Talent Acquisition team and establish a comprehensive strategy.
• Develop systems to deliver qualified applicants to hiring departments.
• Oversee candidate testing and selection processes for agencies.

Skills

Project Management

Statistical Analysis

Executive Management

Communication Skills

Analytical Capabilities

Managerial Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field

Master’s degree in a related field

Job description

Department: Office of Talent Acquisition

Date Posted: Mar 14, 2025

Job Title: Deputy Chief of Talent Acquisition

Dept/Div: People Department

Supervisor: Chief People Officer

Work Location: 2 Broadway, New York, NY

Salary Range: $180,000 - $205,000

Deadline: 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.

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:

The Deputy Chief of Talent Acquisition (TA) is a senior-level member of the People team responsible for defining and implementing an agency-wide strategic TA agenda that supports the efficient and timely sourcing of diverse and talented employees. Reporting directly to the Chief People Officer, the position creates and implements a talent acquisition framework, infrastructure, and strategy in support of the organizational goals, while meeting all legal and regulatory requirements.

The individual will manage a team and partner with key stakeholders across the agency, including operational business unit Presidents and business unit executives, Labor, Legal, and Diversity as well as the broader People team, to effectively design and implement strategies.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the MTA Talent Acquisition team and establish a robust and comprehensive talent acquisition strategy aligned with MTA’s objectives, values, and long and short-term goals.
• Develop and implement systems and processes that ensure the delivery of qualified applicants to hiring departments and enables the MTA to attract talent in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Primary accountability for the design and implementation of an onboarding process that brands and establishes the MTA as an employer of choice.
• Establish and analyze trends and metrics (i.e. Time to hire, Cost per hire) in partnership with other HR groups and client departments to develop solutions, programs, and policies that support the business units.
• Provide direction and oversight organization-wide regarding talent assessment strategies and initiatives evaluating candidate competencies.
• Oversee the candidate testing and selection processes for all agencies except NYCT and Bus.
• Collaborate with other people functions, Labor, Legal, and Diversity to develop and/or update processes and procedures, leveraging best practices and ensuring compliance.
• Establish an enterprise-wide Career Support Center that will provide guidance and access to all MTA employees.
• Create a professional working environment that respects individual differences and fosters a positive employee relations climate.
• Select, develop, and motivate personnel within the department, providing career development for subordinates.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Must have extensive experience establishing and directing an Employment Center of Excellence operation.
• Must have knowledge of test development and analysis, validation strategies, and statistical analysis.
• Excellent project management and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated executive-level management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment productively and effectively.
• Must have strong managerial skills.
• Ability to coordinate work and resources among levels of management.
• Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Transportation, Public Policy, Human Resources, or a related field from an accredited college.
• Minimum 12 years related experience, including at least 5 years in a department head role in a large, multi-faceted, fast-paced organization or governmental body preferred.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Attainment of or in the process of attaining SPHR or SHRM certification in Human Resource Management.
• Familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with the MTA’s collective bargaining procedures.
• The ability to influence and leverage resources to advance the MTA’s transformation goals.
• Strong understanding of the agency’s business and operational landscape.
• Experience overseeing a talent acquisition area for a large organization.

Other Information:

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends).

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

According 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.

Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MNR drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.

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.