Senior Planner

Metropolitan Transportation Authority; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 77,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Transit pass (MTA)

Premium health coverage

Pension plans and retirement savings

Generous paid time off

Learning & development programs

Employee discounts

Job summary

MTA Construction & Development in New York, NY seeks a Senior Planner to support long-range planning publications such as the Twenty-Year Capital Needs Assessment and Five-Year Capital Programs. You will translate complex transportation topics into clear narratives for technical and non-technical audiences.

You will edit content, source data, manage internal reviews, and maintain editorial standards while collaborating with planners, consultants, and executives to deliver publication-ready

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Information Design, Communications, Transportation, or a related field, plus four years of full-time professional experience.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills; ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Familiarity with the MTA network and New York City government, politics, transportation, or public policy.
• Experience developing narratives for reports, publications, policy materials, journalism, or other long-form content.
• Excellent research, data-sourcing, synthesis, and fact-checking abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple contributors and tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Develop clear, engaging narratives that explain transportation planning, infrastructure needs, capital investment strategies, and public policy issues to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Draft and revise report chapters, executive summaries, presentations, web content, and other materials for executive, public, governmental, and stakeholder audiences.
• Collaborate with planners and subject matter experts to transform complex concepts into clear, compelling documents.
• Edit and proofread technical documents for structure, clarity, grammar, consistency, and adherence to editorial style guides.
• Source, interpret, and synthesize information from internal datasets, analyses, government publications, and public records.
• Fact-check written and visual materials, verify statistics, document sources, and resolve conflicting information.
• Coordinate production of planning reports from concept to publication, managing feedback and schedules.
• Shape complex information into cohesive publication structures and visual narratives connected to broader goals.
• Lead or support layout, production, and publication using Adobe InDesign for professional presentation.
• Assist in developing maps, diagrams, charts, infographics, and visualizations.

Skills

Writing & editing

Communication

Stakeholder management

Research & data-sourcing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or related field

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Job description

Position at MTA Construction & Development

Job Posting

JOB TITLE:

Senior Planner

AGENCY:

Construction & Development

DEPT/DIV:

Planning

REPORTS TO:

WORK LOCATION:

2 Broadway

HOURS OF WORK:

8 : 3 0 AM to 5: 0 0 P M or as required (7.5 HR/ DAY )

JOB FAMILY: DAB

GRADE: 003

SALARY RANGE:

$77,059 to $96,324

DEADLINE:

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 $64 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 S ummary

The Senior Planner will support the development of the MTA’s long-range planning publications, including the Twenty-Year Capital Needs Assessment, Five-Year Capital Programs, and other public-facing reports and communications. Working across MTA agencies and with planners, subject matter experts, consultants, and executive leadership, the Senior Planner will translate complex transportation, infrastructure, and policy topics into clear and compelling narratives for both technical and non-technical audiences.

The position will play a central role in developing report narratives, drafting and editing content, sourcing data, verifying facts, managing internal review processes, and maintaining consistent editorial standards. The ideal candidate is a creative and strategic communicator who can see the larger story within technical material, navigate a complex organization, and tailor information for multiple audiences. Experience with publication design and visual communication is valuable but secondary to strong writing, editing, research, and stakeholder-management skills.

Responsibilities

• The Senior Planner will contribute substantially to the development of the MTA’s planning publications, reports, and public-facing communication materials, including all or a subset of the following responsibilities:
• Develop clear, engaging narratives that explain transportation planning, infrastructure needs, capital investment strategies, and public policy issues to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Draft and revise report chapters, executive summaries, presentations, web content, and other materials for executive, public, governmental, and stakeholder audiences.
• Collaborate with planners, subject matter experts, and technical staff to transform complex planning concepts and analyses into clear, compelling, and visually engaging documents.
• Edit and proofread technical documents for structure, clarity, grammar, consistency, and adherence to the MTA Editorial Style Guide, ensuring reports are accurate, accessible, and publication-ready .
• Source, interpret, and synthesize information from internal datasets, technical analyses, government publications, public records, and other authoritative sources.
• Fact-check written and visual materials, verify statistics and claims, document sources, and resolve conflicting or incomplete information.
• Coordinate the production of planning reports from initial concept through final publication, managing feedback from multiple agencies, departments, executives, consultants, and other stakeholders while maintaining quality and production schedules.
• Shape complex bodies of information into cohesive publication structures and visual narratives that connect detailed analyses to the MTA’s broader goals and the policy context in which it operates.
• Lead or support the layout, production, and publication of reports, presentations, and other communication materials using Adobe InDesign, ensuring a consistent and professional visual presentation.
• Assist in developing and reviewing maps, diagrams, charts, infographics, and other visualizations that communicate infrastructure, planning, and capital investment concepts clearly.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Information Design, Communications, Transportation, or a related field, and four (4) years of satisfactory full-time professional experience.
• Passion for improving New York’s public transit system.
• Familiarity with the MTA network and knowledge of New York City government, politics, transportation, or public policy.
• Demonstrated experience developing narratives for reports, publications, policy materials, journalism, or other long-form content.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills, including the ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Strong research, data-sourcing, synthesis, and fact-checking skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience managing review processes involving multiple contributors, reviewers, and senior stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and produce accurate, publication-ready work under tight deadlines.

• 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”).

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 .