Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives & Project Management

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA); New York (NY); On-site; USD 105,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework 1 day/week

Job summary

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is seeking a Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives & Project Management to serve as a senior strategic advisor to the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. The role directs change management, performance metrics, and cross-functional initiatives to improve small business programming and department operations.

You will oversee planning, monitoring, and reporting of department goals and special projects, coordinating complex efforts to align with agency

Qualifications

• Strong project management and strategic planning capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for diverse stakeholders.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and managing complex projects.
• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible experience in related fields.

Responsibilities

• Manage special projects and strategic initiatives across departments.
• Develop and track deliverables related to performance management, reliability, prioritization, integration, and communications.
• Lead change management and small business development initiatives across MWBE, SDVOB, and DBE programs.
• Develop and oversee project roadmaps aligned with agency priorities; monitor progress and adjust plans.
• Draft and edit internal and external communications, including public-facing materials on small business contracting opportunities.
• Monitor trends, policies, and best practices to inform strategy and maintain alignment with priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with industry partners to expand small business participation.

Skills

Project management

Organization & time management

Verbal & written communication

Problem solving

Independent work

Team collaboration

Quality assurance

Interpersonal skills

Education

BA/BS in Business or Public Administration, Public Policy, Communications

Minimum 8 years of relevant experience

Job description

Description

JOB TITLE: Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives & Project Manager

DEPT/DIV: Diversity and Civil Rights

SUPERVISOR: Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer

WORK LOCATION: 2 Broadway, New York, NY 10004

HOURS OF WORK: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (7.5 hours/day) or as required

FULL/PART-TIME: FULL

SALARY RANGE: $105,000 - $119,487

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.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving 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

The Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives & Project Management serves as a senior strategic advisor to the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO), responsible for providing tactical leadership and directing change management activities in support of departmental priorities and enterprise-wide objectives. The incumbent supports the development and oversight of performance management metrics, business process improvements, and strategic initiatives that enhance the effective delivery of small business programming and department operations.

The role will oversee the planning, monitoring, and reporting of department goals as well as special projects as directed by the CDIO.

The position is accountable for advancing cross-functional initiatives, coordinating complex projects, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. The incumbent must demonstrate a high degree of analytical ability, independent judgment, and professional discretion while collaborating with a broad range of stakeholders to improve organizational effectiveness and service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Manage special projects and strategic initiatives, guiding cross-departmental teams in adopting innovative practices while ensuring compliance with applicable policies and regulations.
• Develop, implement, and track deliverables related to performance management, reliability, prioritization, integration, and communications.
• Lead CDIO-directed change management, continuous improvement, and small business development initiatives across MWBE, SDVOB, and DBE programs.
• Develop and oversee project roadmaps aligned with agency priorities; monitor progress, manage risks, and adjust plans to achieve short- and long-term goals.
• Draft and edit internal and external communications, including public-facing materials on MTA small business contracting opportunities
• Monitor industry trends, policies, and best practices to inform strategy and maintain alignment with MTA priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with construction, transportation, and related industry partners to expand small business participation.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Strong Project Management Skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to effectively present information to various parties and partners, verbally and in writing.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Ability to be productive in a fast-paced, multi-dimensional work environment.
• Quality Assurance
• Strong interpersonal skills with an established history of working on projects requiring group consensus and cooperation among people with no direct reporting relationships.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in Business or Public Administration, Public Policy, Communications, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible experience in project management, strategic planning, communications, governmental affairs, public policy, or related fields

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Arts/Sciences (MA/MS)
• Ability to influence/work through people at all levels.
• Process Strategy Development
• Excellent judgment with proven ability to prioritize demanding work.
• Ability to build strong relationships with people at all levels.
• Requires frequent contact and the ability to interact effectively with internal personnel of influence
• Excellent Knowledge of performance evaluation and change management principles

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.

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.