Deputy Director of Operating Rules Systems Integration

MBTA; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

MBTA in Boston seeks a Deputy Director to lead operating rules systems, governance, and enterprise documentation. You will oversee development, maintenance, and cross‑functional integration of rule management, compliance libraries, and publication standards.

You will direct strategic planning, engage regulators and internal partners, manage digital rulebooks, drive modernization, and ensure accuracy, accessibility, and regulatory alignment across the agency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in transportation, administration, or related field.
• Five or more years in transit compliance, rule administration, or operations.
• Two years of supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of operating rules and compliance practices in transit.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Direct governance and continuous improvement of operating rule systems.
• Oversee lifecycle management of operating rules and related documentation.
• Represent the organization with regulators and external stakeholders.
• Lead digital rule management and publication standards.
• Drive modernization and enterprise-wide rule integration.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Project coordination

Regulatory compliance

Analytical thinking

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in transportation, administration, or related field

Tools

Comply365

Rule management systems

Job description

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, culture, and accessibility, and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Deputy Director of Operating Rules Systems and Integration provides strategic leadership and enterprise oversight for the Authority's operating rules systems, documentation governance, and cross-functional integration. Acting with delegated authority from the Senior Director, this position directs the development, implementation, maintenance, governance, and continuous improvement of enterprise operating rules management systems, digital and physical documentation. The Deputy Director ensures Authority-wide standards for operating rules governance, document management, and systems integration; directs complex cross-functional initiatives; and ensures operating rules are effectively developed, maintained, communicated, and integrated across Operations. The position is accountable for maintaining the integrity, accessibility, consistency, and regulatory compliance of the Authority's operating rules framework while supporting long-term modernization and organizational readiness.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Direct the strategic planning, governance, and continuous improvement of the Authority's operating rule systems and enterprise documentation framework to support long-term organizational objectives.
• Direct the lifecycle management of operating rules, bulletins, special instructions, and associated documentation to ensure consistency, accuracy, version control, and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as the executive owner of the Authority's digital rule management systems, digital rule architecture, publication processes, and controlled document management across ORC-managed platforms.
• Represent the Authority with executive leadership, regulatory agencies, and external stakeholders on matters involving operating rule governance, documentation systems, and operational modernization initiatives.
• Serve as the system owner for Comply365 operating rules and compliance libraries, overseeing digital rule management, document structure, publication standards, and user accessibility.
• Lead the modernization of operating rule systems through the implementation of digital rulebooks, connected documentation, interactive authoring, automation, and enhanced document accessibility.
• Exercise delegated authority on behalf of the Senior Director to establish enterprise standards, approve documentation governance practices, and resolve complex cross‑functional issues related to operating rule systems and implementation.
• Direct the integration of operating rule changes across Operations, Safety, Training, Quality, Information Technology, and other departments to ensure operational readiness and consistent implementation.
• Be accountable for the integrity, accessibility, governance, and enterprise implementation of the Authority's operating rules management framework.
• Serve as the department's principal authority for operating rule documentation structure, publication standards, and rule integration workflows.
• Lead the development and implementation of enterprise documentation governance standards and operating rule management practices.
• Make operational and administrative decisions regarding operating rule governance, documentation standards, publication practices, and system enhancements that impact multiple operating departments.
• Evaluate existing operating rules and supporting documentation and recommend revisions that improve clarity, usability, operational effectiveness, and regulatory alignment.
• Represent ORC on cross‑functional committees, implementation teams, executive initiatives, and regulatory projects related to operating rule systems and documentation governance.
• Develop performance measures and reporting to evaluate the effectiveness of operating rule governance, communications, documentation practices, and implementation activities.
• Ensure operating rule systems, documentation, and governance practices remain aligned with applicable regulatory requirements, industry standards, and Authority policies ensuring organizational consistency and operational effectiveness.
• Provide functional leadership and operational direction to Operating Rules Compliance Examiners and cross‑functional implementation teams, establishing priorities, assigning work, monitoring progress, and ensuring consistent execution of departmental objectives.
• Direct the work of consultants, contractors, and other external resources supporting operating rule modernization, documentation governance, digital systems, and enterprise integration initiatives.
• Direct the planning, prioritization, and execution of department‑wide initiatives involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor budgets, contracts, and technology resources supporting operating rule systems and documentation modernization initiatives
• Develop organizational staffing plans, recommend resource needs, and establish operational structures necessary to support the continued growth and modernization of the Operating Rules & Compliance Department.
• Recommend staffing levels, organizational changes, and resource allocations necessary to achieve departmental objectives.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Additional responsibilities may include a focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location‑specific functions.

Supervision

• Indirectly oversee and supervise a team of rules compliance examiners.
• Directly supervise intern and contractor support functions until expansion of team.
• Directly supervise business administrator/analyst role upon team expansion.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in transportation, administration, or another related field.
• Five (5) + years of experience in transit compliance, rule administration, or operations, preferably in transit or safety‑sensitive industries.
• Two (2) years supervisory/lead experience.
• Strong knowledge of operating rules, procedures, and compliance practices within a transit operation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project coordination skills.
• Strategic leadership and influence.
• Project coordination and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Clear communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Continuous improvement and analytical mindset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with FTA/FTA, DOT, and Massachusetts regulations.

Substitutions

• 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 with 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 general experience.
• A nationally recognized certification or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience.

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Field experience in transportation craft.
• Experience managing digital document systems (Comply365 or similar).
• Experience leading enterprise‑wide operational governance, documentation management, or regulatory compliance programs.
• Digital document management & system administration (Comply365).
• Experience developing and implementing enterprise documentation governance, controlled document management, or digital content management systems.
• Experience representing an organization before executive leadership, governing bodies, or regulatory agencies.
• Experience providing functional leadership over cross‑functional teams, project resources, consultants, or matrixed staff in support of enterprise initiatives.
• Regulatory alignment and compliance.
• Rulebook Restructure & Governance.

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, except if 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 the 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 if 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 (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty‑four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• 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 U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting pre‑employment screenings / pre‑boarding, working in their positions, and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers And Definitions

• General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
• Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
• Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
• Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here‑in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role‑specific requirements.
• Work Eligibility: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I‑9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no‑show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one‑time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
• Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
• On‑call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
• Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
• ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or [e-mail] .
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer . For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions .
• Intern / Co‑Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co‑op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co‑op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co‑ops.