Vice President Design Services (DSO)

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA); New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 196,000 - 242,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Transportation pass

Premium health coverage

Pension/retirement plans

Job summary

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is seeking a Vice President of Design Services to lead the Design Services division within Delivery/DSO. The VP will establish design delivery standards for architectural and engineering disciplines and ensure conformance with industry and internal standards.

The role oversees design compliance, environmental services, and safety requirements, while guiding teams to improve project quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery of capital projects

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction or Project Management, Business Administration, Transportation, or a related field.
• Must have a minimum of eighteen (18) years of related experience
• Must have a minimum of ten (10) years in managing design projects or supervisory roles in a large, multi-faceted organization.

Responsibilities

• Leads the performance of all aspects of the Design Services division, which provides design support services to all Delivery business units supporting the MTA's Capital Program.
• Oversees design compliance, technical, environmental fire, ADA, and code compliance services.
• Support senior management and the business units for all engineering/architectural design matters and compliance issues.
• Provides recommendations for the resolution of technical problems throughout Delivery.
• Supports the development of competent design professional Delivery staff equipped to ensure compliance throughout the project lifecycle for all capital projects.
• Monitors and maintains technical competency via training, development, and knowledge retention.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction or Project Management, Business Administration, Transportation, or a related field

18+ years of related experience

10+ years managing design projects or supervisory roles

Job description

Description

JOB TITLE: Vice President Design Services

AGENCY: Construction & Development

DEPT/DIV: Delivery/DSO

REPORTS TO: Senior Vice President, Program Executive

WORK LOCATION: 2 Broadway

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

JOB FAMILY: CON

GRADE: 009

SALARY RANGE: $195,648 to $241,588

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 $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 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.

Summary

The Vice President of Design Services (V.P.) is the technical authority in MTA Construction and Development Delivery. It is responsible for establishing design delivery standards for all engineering and architectural disciplines. The V.P. ensures that all architectural and engineering design processes managed by C&D Delivery conform to professional industry and C&D delivery standards. This position fosters technical skills development and innovation in project management practices to improve project quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely Delivery. The V.P. is accountable for providing design compliance, technical services, and environmental services to support successful project delivery. This position also oversees fire, ADA, and code.

Responsibilities

Leads the performance of all aspects of the Design Services division, which provides design support services to all Delivery business units supporting the MTA's Capital Program.

Oversees design compliance, technical, environmental fire, ADA, and code compliance services.

Support senior management and the business units for all engineering/architectural design matters and compliance issues.

Provides recommendations for the resolution of technical problems throughout Delivery.

Supports the development of competent design professional Delivery staff equipped to ensure compliance throughout the project lifecycle for all capital projects.

Monitors and maintains technical competency via training, development, and knowledge retention.

Responsible for developing, overseeing, and maintaining a technical skills network for Delivery.

Responsible for creating processes and procedures that ensure compliance with design industry standards, MTA/C&D standards, and project documents.

Authorized to recommend a stop-work order to C&D leadership if conditions endanger the immediate safety of the public, workers, or the environment.

Leads and directs the analysis, development, coordination, administration, communication, and monitoring of design compliance within the Delivery Services Office (DSO).

Aligns the people, processes, measurements, standards, and efforts across the DSO to enable efficient design support to the business units.

Establishes design delivery standards through policy, procedures, and guidance to ensure design and design management consistency across diverse business units.

Facilitates consistent working practices that improve quality, reduce costs, and improve the overall design.

Supports and communicates the ongoing development and implementation of best practices and lessons learned.

Communicates lessons learned to C&D leadership for continual design improvements.

Responsible for providing technical and environmental services to all business units, including surveys, utilities/sub-surface, probing, liaison to electrical utilities, asbestos, lead, hazardous waste, FTA/SEQRA environmental interface, etc.

Responsible for establishing standards for Value Engineering and other peer reviews conducted in the business units, coordinating the Major Construction Review Unit, and interfacing with various oversight bodies.

Works collaboratively with senior management and performs special projects as needed. Provides input to project and program reporting.

Performs other duties as required.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction or Project Management, Business Administration, Transportation, or a related field.

Must have a minimum of eighteen (18) years of related experience

Must have a minimum of ten (10) years in managing design projects or supervisory roles in a large, multi-faceted organization.

Competencies:

Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or Registered Architect in New York State is required.

Significant experience in design project management for major construction projects with highly complex systems preferred.

Passion for public service, proven leadership, and demonstrated ability to efficiently manage large and diverse teams with integrity by establishing a vision and appropriately delegating tasks.

In-depth knowledge of current industry trends, best practices in Design-Build and Alternative Project Delivery, and statutory and regulatory compliance requirements.

Excellent organizational skills and ability to work effectively with all levels of management with a heavy emphasis on achieving outcomes that increase productivity, efficiencies, and completing projects on time and within budget.

Excellent presentation, communication, and organizational skills. Demonstrated problem-solving ability.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate and promote change across all business units with compassion, empathy, and understanding of various points of view.

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.