Senior Director Strategic Planning, Operations Planning

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA); New York (NY); On-site; USD 141,000 - 177,000; Full time

Job summary

MTA NYC Transit in New York, NY seeks a Senior Director of Strategic Planning, Operations Planning to lead budgeting, strategy and administrative functions for the Operations Planning Department, overseeing about 500 employees across two major locations. This leader directs operating and capital budgets, policy guidance, and cross‑department collaboration.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President, the role emphasizes talent strategy, internal controls, procurement and OTPS budgets, plus site

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Transportation Management, Business Management, Computer Science, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or closely related field.
• 10 years of professional experience.
• 6 years of managerial/supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Direct the development and management of the department’s Operating and Capital budgets.
• Serve as an expert consultant to department management on financial and budget issues.
• Oversee labor, materials, procurement, and HR functions across the department.
• Coordinate with NYCT and other departments to support project delivery and talent strategies.
• Oversee performance management, succession planning, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Manage contracts, procurement, OTPS budgets, travel, and training budgets.
• Act as Property Control Officer and Internal Control Manager for the department.
• Foster a professional environment that respects diversity and enables employee development.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

HR knowledge

Budgeting & procurement

Operations management

Interdepartmental coordination

Project management

Education

Masters Degree

Job description

Senior Director Strategic Planning, Operations Planning
Job ID: 17489
Business Unit: MABSTOA
Location: New York, NY, United States
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Department:
Description

JOB INFORMATION:

Title:

Senior Director Strategic Planning, Operations Planning

Authority:

NYCT

Department:

Subways

Division/Unit:

Operations Planning

Location:

2 Broadway, NY, NY 10004

Hours:

Telework (if Applicable):

Reporting Manager (if Applicable)

Senior Vice President

Deadline (if Applicable)

Until Filled

Compensation:

$141,462 – $176,827 (Grade ADC 008)

POSITON SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for planning, directing, managing and evaluating the strategy, finance and administrative functions of the Operations Planning Department. This critical role provides strategic and operational support across a wide range of departmental functions, ensuring efficient and effective operations for a team of about 500 full-time and part-time employees.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct the development and management of the department’s Operating and Capital budgets. Oversee budget account system and controls; provide strategic and policy guidance and recommendations to executive management; monitor budget to actual trends for revenues and expenditures; ensure compliance with statutes.
• Serve as an expert consultant to department management regarding financial and budget issues and strategies; negotiate budget issues with department and executive management.
• Serve as the departmental Controller, overseeing labor, materials, procurement, and HR functions across the department. Coordinate with MTA operating agency staff to ensure necessary actions, approvals, and resources are in place to support project delivery. Collaborate with HR and business leaders, ensuring talent strategies align with the company’s vision and drive long-term growth.
• Act as the primary liaison between Operations Planning and key NYCT departments such as DOS, DOB, OMB, People Department, Controller, Labor Relations, and more. Manage all staff-related matters, ePerformance Program, Employee Training and correspondence. Develop and execute strategies for recruiting, developing, and retaining employees to meet organizational goals.
• Overseeing performance management, building succession plans, fostering leadership development, and managing employee engagement initiatives.
• Oversee departmental contracts and procurement processes, manage OTPS budgets, and ensure compliance with financial and operational policies. Administer business travel, training budgets, and new initiatives.
• This position also serves as a Property Control Officer (PCO), responsible for managing office equipment, technology, and inventory across two major locations. Lead projects such as site reconstruction and reconfigurations. Act as the Designated Departmental Internal Control Manager, ensuring strict adherence to internal control standards and procedures.
• Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Masters Degree from an accredited college in Transportation Management, Business Management, Computer Science, Urban Planning; Public Administration, or a closely related field; OR a satisfactory equivalent of education & experience

10 years of professional experience.

6 years of Managerial/Supervisory Experience.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Proven leadership and staff management experience in a large organization
• Strong knowledge of HR, budgeting, procurement, and operations
• Excellent communication and interdepartmental coordination skills
• Experience managing capital/operating budgets and complex projectsAbility to oversee compliance-related processes and internal controls

SELECTION METHOD

Based on evaluation of education, skills, experience, interview, and written assessment.

All selected candidates will be subject to a full background investigation that includes employment and education. Discrepancies may lead to dismissal.

OTHER INFORMATION

Appointment may be at a comparable level to current level of selected candidate. (If necessary)

As an employee of MTA NYC Transit, you may be required to complete an annual financial disclosure statement with the state of New York, if your position earns more than $101,379 (this is subject to change) per year or if the position is designated as a policy maker.

For 55-a eligible titles: Candidates selected for this position may be placed in a competitive or non-competitive class position based on their qualifications. Qualified candidates who are placed in a competitive class position are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate in your cover letter and in the upper right corner of your resume that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a Program. For detailed information regarding the 55-a Program, please visit the following link https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dcas/employment/55-a-program.page

TA APPLICANTS MUST BE IN A PERMANENT CIVIL SERVICE STATUS IN THE TITLE(S). IF YOU ARE ON AN ESTABLISHED LIST, YOUR LIST NUMBER MUST BE REACHABLE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR APPOINTMENT. 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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Final salary is determined experience, skillset, and alignment with compensation practices. The posted range reflects expected compensation and may be updated as market or business needs evolve.

To be eligible for consideration for a new role, current MTA employees must complete at least one year of service in their current role prior to applying. Additionally, eligibility to interview is contingent upon maintaining a satisfactory record of job performance, attendance, and disciplinary conduct. Pursuant 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").