Senior Director Global Benchmarking & Innovation

Metropolitan Transportation Authority; New York (NY); On-site; USD 132,353 - 165,441; Full time

Job summary

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) invites applications for Senior Director Global Benchmarking and Innovation, leading the Data, Research, and Development unit within Operations Planning at 2 Broadway, Manhattan. The role focuses on benchmarking, data analytics, and cross‑department collaboration to improve performance.

Responsibilities include guiding a team, supporting COMET and international benchmarking, monitoring industry trends, and developing protocols with DOB, DOS, and

Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree in a relevant field and 10 years in transit planning or related research.
• Five years in a management role.
• Experience with subway, bus, and paratransit operations and data analytics.
• Ability to communicate effectively with multiple audience types and at both high-level and detailed project levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead the GBI team and oversee a staff of up to seven.
• Support COMET membership and the International Bus Benchmarking Group.
• Monitor industry best practices and emerging trends.
• Cultivate relations with key stakeholders in DOB, DOS, and Paratransit.
• Develop protocols for working with stakeholders to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Oversee research projects and field questions from internal teams and peer agencies.
• Manage selected projects to bring innovations to NYCT.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Data analytics

Communication

Strategic planning

Transit operations knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in City Planning / Transportation Planning / Economics / Engineering / Urban Planning

Job description

Job Information

Title: Senior Director Global Benchmarking and Innovation

Department: Operations Planning

Authority: OA/TA

Division/Unit: Data, Research, and Development

Work Location: 2 Broadway, Manhattan

Hours: Various

Deadline: Open until filled

Reporting Manager: Deputy Chief

Salary Range: $132,353 - $165,441 – Grade PPM010

Responsibilities

• Manage and help build up the GBI team, consisting of a staff of up to seven.
• Oversee the existing benchmarking team to support its current work maintaining NYCT’s membership in the Community of Metros (COMET) and the International Bus Benchmarking Group.
• Monitor industry best practices and emerging trends.
• Cultivate relations with key stakeholders in Department of Buses (DOB) and the Department of Subways (DOS), and the Department of Paratransit.
• Develop protocols for working with stakeholders to identify practical opportunities for improvement.
• Oversee research projects in response to requests from within the organization as well as field questions from peer agencies.
• Manage selected projects to bring innovations to NYCT.

Education And Experience

A Baccalaureate degree in: City Planning, Transportation Planning, Economics, Engineering, Urban Planning, or a closely related field. 10 years’ experience in transit planning, transit operations or related research field, five years of which should be in a management role. OR a satisfactory equivalent of education & experience.

Desired Skills And Experience

• Proven success as a project manager with a record of gaining organizational buy in.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to mentor and develop staff.
• Deep experience with subway, bus and paratransit operations, with specific knowledge of the unique challenges in New York City.
• Familiarity with best practices and trends among our global and national peer agencies.
• Ability to speak knowledgably and articulately to multiple audience types, and on topics at both an overarching general narrative level and highly detailed project specific level.
• Comprehensive knowledge of current and emerging transit data collection, planning, transportation modeling techniques and alternative analyses.
• Experience in data analytics, or related technology-driven fields.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Selection Method

Based on evaluation of education, skills, experience, and interview. Appointment may be at a comparable level to current level of selected candidate (if necessary).

Other Information

Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policy making 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 with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military