Senior Manager of Planning

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA); New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 112,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free MTA transportation pass

Health coverage

Pension plans and retirement savings

Paid time off

Job summary

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Construction & Development seeks a Senior Manager, Planning to lead planning studies and environmental reviews, developing strategies for the capital program and coordinating with the region’s planning partners. The role requires presenting findings to senior staff and the MTA Board with timeliness and clarity.

The position demands strong supervisory, analytical, and communication skills, with experience in federal/state planning processes and the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field required.
• Experience with planning studies and environmental reviews.
• AICP/PE designation is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage local and regional planning studies and environmental reviews.
• Define strategies for inclusion in the MTA capital program and coordinate with Capital Program Management.
• Oversee multi-year, multi-million-dollar studies from start to finish, including budgeting and vendor oversight.
• Collaborate with senior staff on policy issues and federal transportation legislation.
• Draft responses about Planning Division activities and studies.
• Represent MTA Planning on advisory committees and present findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Environmental reviews

Planning studies

Policy negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in transportation planning, urban planning, public administration

Master’s degree or higher in transportation planning, urban planning, public administration

AICP or PE certification

Job description

Description

Job Posting

JOB TITLE: Senior Manager, Planning

AGENCY: Construction & Development

DEPT/DIV: Planning/Long Range Planning

REPORTS TO: Director Planning

WORK LOCATION: 2 Broadway

HOURS OF WORK: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM or as required (7.5 HR/ DAY)

JOB FAMILY: DAB

GRADE: 006

SALARY RANGE: $112,438 to $140,547

DEADLINE: Open Until Filled

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.

MTA Construction & Development reserves the right to remove this posting before the application deadline.

Agency Mission

MTA Construction & Development (C&D) is responsible for the planning, development, and execution of all capital construction projects across the MTA region. Through centralized oversight and management of the MTA's $68.4 billion Capital Program, C&D ensures the efficient delivery of critical infrastructure projects that support the region's vast transportation network. As part of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the largest transportation network in North America, C&D plays a key role in modernizing and expanding services that support 15.3 million residents across New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. C&D is committed to delivering safe, innovative, and cost-effective capital projects that enhance the customer experience and strengthen the reliability and resilience of the MTA system.

Telework

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.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for managing various planning studies, including state and federal environmental reviews, developing and analyzing strategies and capital program projects, collaborating with the region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization on long-range transportation strategies, and representing MTA policies to regional planning professionals. The Senior Manager, Planning, is responsible for ensuring that the results of these activities are presented to MTA senior staff, the MTA Board, MTA operating agencies, and non-MTA agencies in an accurate, understandable, and timely manner. In conjunction with senior department staff, the Senior Manager will provide training and guidance to junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage various local and regional planning studies and environmental reviews.
• Define and analyze strategies and projects to be included in the MTA capital program, including working with MTA Capital Program Management staff and operating agency personnel to develop overall capital needs and strategies, and identifying trends, project profiles, scopes, and cost estimates to meet those needs.
• Manage more than one simultaneous multi-year, multi-million-dollar study or project from start to finish, including all aspects of the scope, vendor selection, budgeting, execution, and final products.
• Work directly with the Director of Alternative Analyses and Environmental Reviews and other senior staff on key policy issues, such as MTA’s response to potential new federal transportation legislation.
• Draft responses to correspondence and requests for information about MTA Planning Division activities and ongoing studies, ensuring that MTA’s policies are correctly articulated.
• Represent MTA Planning on technical advisory committees of transportation studies conducted by outside agencies.
• Perform presentations on behalf of MTA Planning to outside agencies or groups.
• Perform various analyses using large databases of socio-economic and demographic information for planning purposes.
• Work with and provide training and guidance to junior staff, as needed.
• Help maintain MTA’s federal funding eligibility through collaboration with senior staff and the Metropolitan Planning Organization to develop key federally funded products of the metropolitan planning process; ensure that MTA’s policies and priorities are represented in the MPO’s core work.

Education and Experience

• A Bachelor's degree in transportation planning, urban planning, public administration, or a related field.
• Must have a minimum of five (8) years of related paid work experience, preferably in transportation, or a satisfactory combination of education and experience.
• or
• Master’s degree or higher in transportation planning, urban planning, public administration, or a related field
• Must have a minimum of three (5) years of related paid work experience, preferably in transportation.
• AICP or PE certification is a strong plus.

Competencies

• Strong supervisory, technical, time, and project management skills.
• Demonstrated experience in completing environmental review and/or planning studies.
• The ability to manage many products and deadlines simultaneously.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal transportation policies and regulations.
• The ability to interface with senior political and business representatives.
• The ability to work with both senior-level staff and technical personnel on a diverse array of issues.
• Strong writing, oral, and presentation skills.
• Ability to use technical office productivity software.
• Knowledge of the MTA network.

Comprehensive Benefits & Total Rewards Package

Transportation & Financial Benefits

• Commuting Made Easy – Enjoy a complimentary MTA transportation pass, plus access to tax-advantaged commuter benefits to maximize your savings.
• Premium Health Coverage at Low Cost – Access high-quality individual, family, and domestic partner healthcare, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
• Secure Your Future – Build long-term financial security through pension plans and retirement savings accounts designed for eligible employees.

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• Generous Time Away – Recharge with substantial paid Time off and comprehensive holiday schedules that support your personal and family commitments.
• Holistic Support Services – Access our dedicated Work Life Services team and Office of the Chaplains unit for personal guidance and support when you need it most.

Professional Growth & Development

• Learning & Development Program – Advance your career through structured professional development opportunities, skills training, and leadership programs tailored to support your growth within the organization.
• Educational Investment – Pursue your career goals with in-house training and professional development, tuition reimbursement support, and partnerships with educational institutions.

Employee Experience & Community

• Employee Assistance Programs – Comprehensive support services to help you navigate life's challenges with confidence and resources.
• Discounts & Perks – Take advantage of MTA employee discount programs offering savings on products and services.
• Connect & Belong – Join our vibrant Employee Resource Groups to build meaningful connections, share experiences, and contribute to an inclusive workplace culture.

Additional Information

Final salary is determined by experience, skill set, 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").

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are equal opportunity employers, including those with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.