Director, Strategic Initiatives

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA); New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) seeks a Director, Strategic Initiatives to lead high-priority programs across the agency. Acting as an internal consulting leader, you will translate problems into actionable plans, build business cases, and drive measurable improvements in performance, financial sustainability, and service quality.

You will manage multi-disciplinary teams, guide analysts, and coordinate stakeholders, with at least eight years in strategy or transformation and

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible experience in strategy, transformation, or senior advisory roles within large organizations.
• Minimum 3 years of direct people management, including hiring, performance management, and development.
• Experience consulting senior stakeholders and delivering actionable business results.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex, high-priority strategic initiatives from problem definition through implementation.
• Develop business cases, playbooks, and dashboards to enable measured performance improvements.
• Coordinate stakeholders and workstreams to ensure timely, effective execution.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Strategic planning

People management

Leadership without authority

Change management

Job description

Description

Job Title: Director, Strategic Initiatives

DEPT/DIV: Strategic Initiatives

SUPERVISOR: Deputy Chief, Strategic Initiative

WORK LOCATION: 2 Broadway, New York, NY 10004

HOURS OF WORK: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm (7.5 hours/day, or as required)

FULL/PART-TIME: FULL

SALARY RANGE: $150,000 - $170,000

DEADLINE: Until filled

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

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.

Job Summary: Acting as an internal consulting leader, this role combines rigorous analysis, disciplined implementation, and hands-on leadership to drive lasting operational and financial impact for one of the world's most complex transportation systems.

This position leads complex, high-priority initiatives from problem definition through implementation, addressing ambiguous operational and financial challenges with practical solutions that improve performance, financial sustainability, and service quality across MTA operating agencies and headquarters functions.

Responsibilities:

• Convert structured analyses and operational diagnostics into polished solutions, often with business cases, practical playbooks, and dashboards that equip agency leaders with clear insights, recommended actions, and measurable performance tracking.
• Lead disciplined implementation of defined workstreams, coordinating stakeholders, sequencing actions, and ensuring solutions are executed effectively and deliver measurable, sustained improvements.
• Provide credible support to agency stakeholders with insights and recommendations that inform decision-making and translate into executable plans and lasting change.
• Guide junior analysts and team members by structuring work plans, coaching problem-solving, and maintaining high standards for quality and delivery.
• Directly manage Managers and Senior Associates by setting goals, evaluating performance, and making decisions on hiring, development, and performance management. Build a high-performance culture grounded in accountability, rigor, and continuous improvement, and a strong pipeline of future leaders.
• Lead additional enterprise projects that advance MTA's strategic objectives, exercising sound judgment, adaptability, and stewardship of MTA resources.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with a demonstrated ability to drive outcomes through cross-functional collaboration, stakeholder alignment, and effective leadership without direct authority.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to turn complex business challenges into data-driven strategies and actionable recommendations.
• Demonstrated commercial instincts and business judgment, with experience developing and evaluating business cases that balance financial, operational, and strategic considerations.
• Proven ability to lead implementation in complex organizations, monitor progress, resolve challenges, and adapt approaches to achieve successful outcomes.
• Ability to prioritize among competing needs and opportunities and manage multiple initiatives and teams.
• Ability to build relationships, develop networks, and influence decision-makers.
• Proven track record directly managing and developing teams, including hiring, performance management, coaching, and succession planning. Demonstrated ability to build bench strength and retain top talent.

Required Education and Experience:

• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible experience, including significant experience in management consulting, corporate strategy, enterprise transformation, strategic advisory roles, or senior product leadership roles within large, complex organizations. Candidates with 5+ years of experience at a top-tier management consulting firm (i.e., McKinsey, Bain, BCG) with demonstrated experience leading complex engagements and advising senior stakeholders may be considered in lieu of the full 8-year requirement.
• Minimum 3 years of progressively responsible direct people management experience, including ownership of hiring, performance management, coaching, and succession planning for a team.

Preferred:

• Minimum 1 year of direct experience with both private and public sector organizations.

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 (the "Commission").

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.