Director, Special Projects

Metrolink; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Metrolink is seeking a Director, Special Projects to steer the execution of its Railroad and Real Estate Services strategy. This leadership position requires extensive experience in railroad or property agreements while fostering collaboration within the organization to meet strategic goals. The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor's degree and significant management experience in a customer-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum eight years relevant experience in railroad or property agreements.
• Valid Class 'C' California driver’s license.
• Experience in a customer-focused organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional planning and delivery of railroad services.
• Participate in developing policies for compliance and improvements.
• Manage and monitor division staff performance.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Communication

Judgment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, or related field

Master’s Degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Summary

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Director, Special Projects will guide and lead the overall delivery of Metrolink Railroad and Real Estate Services strategy in alignment with the business strategy and goals of the organization. The Director will be responsible for leading the cross functional planning and delivery of Railroad and Real Estate services, policies, and programs involving railroad and real property agreements. Agreements include, but are not limited to, railroad shared use agreements, purchase and sale agreements, construction and maintenance agreements, transit transfer agreements, common area maintenance agreements and other related agreements involving Metrolink and its Member Agencies, freight railroads and Amtrak.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This job description is not part of a job series.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Applications will be reviewed, and the most qualified applicants will be forwarded to the hiring authority for consideration. The first review of applications begins on July 7, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

• Receives general oversight from Executive level management
• Responsible for managing and monitoring the work performance of a division or department
  
  

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities.

• Direct, develop, and implement the organizational and departmental strategic plan in support of SCRRA business objectives.
• Participate in the development of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures; make recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards and procedures.
• Serve as trusted business partner to the CEO and the SCRRA leadership team, support the strategic vision.
• Monitor, assess and address Railroad and Real Estate Service issues across the Authority. Review budgets, project plans, staffing plans, and assignments.
• Participate in the preparation and administration of assigned departmental budget; submit recommendations and monitor expenditures.
• Monitor and evaluate departmental staff performance to establish training needs ensuring objectives and expectations are met, along with compliance of policies and procedures.
• Facilitate collaboration and communication of departmental needs.
• Provide overall management and supervision of the Railroad and Real Estate Services department.
• Direct the preparation and processing of all Board items in relation to department goals and objectives.
• The responsibilities outlined above are representative of the role but not exhaustive. Additional duties may be assigned as needed, and reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws.
  
  

Minimum Requirements To Perform Essential Job Functions

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, legal or real estate studies, finance or economics, urban planning, public policy or related field.
• A minimum of eight years relevant experience in either railroad or property agreements or legal or contracts in a customer-focused company organization with both full time and contracted employees and services.
• A combination of training, with a minimum of an Associate Degree and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered when determining minimum qualifications. Advanced relevant coursework may also substitute for a portion of required experience.
• Valid Class “C” California driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record of no more than 3 moving violations and no DUI’s within the last 3 years.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in related field
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Legal/contractual, business/public administration and public transportation principles and practices and corresponding policies and procedures
• SCRRA policies, rules and procedures, and public agency environment
• Applicable federal, state and local regulations
  
  

Skilled in:

• Judgment and discretion
• Microsoft Office
• Collaboration and consensus building
• Strong and effective leadership, team building, communication, and time management
  
  

Ability to:

• Interact, communicate and facilitate discussion at all employee levels
• Provide expert and sound advice on organization-wide issues
• Deliver sensitive and complex (or high level) information
• Facilitate discussion and communicate company directives to a broad audience
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Transition between a stationary position at a desk or work location and move about Metrolink facilities or other work site locations.
• Operate tools to perform the duties of the position, such as computers, office equipment, and work-related machinery.
• Transport equipment or boxes up to 25 lbs.
• Exchange ideas by means of communication.
• Visual acuity to detect, identify, and observe employees or train movement and any barriers to movement when working on or near railroad tracks.
• Hear and perceive the nature of sounds when working on or near railroad tracks.
• Balance, ascend/descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch, or crawl within assigned working conditions and or locations.
  
  

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Working Conditions

The position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Work may also be conducted in outdoor environments, at construction sites, Railroad Track and Right-of-Way environments, and warehouse environments, with possible exposure to hostile or irate individuals, moving mechanical parts, and loud noises (85+ decibels, such as heavy trucks, construction, etc.).

Selection Process:

Following a review of applications and resumes, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the exact time and place of assessments and interviews. Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities in job-related areas. Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a reference check(s), including degree verification and criminal records check provided through SCRRA.

Internal Candidates: Employees with active discipline as defined in the HR Policy No. 5.3 Positive Discipline Program and/or with performance that does not meet the standard for "meets expectations" as defined in the Performance Planning and Appraisal Process may be precluded from consideration and placement in the position.

Southern California Regional Rail Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Authority will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/ADA