Chief Program Officer-Special Projects

Title:                                    Chief Program Officer – Special Projects 

Department:                         Special Projects 

Post Date:                             12/01/2023

Close Date:                           12/14/2023

Hay Point Evaluation:          1418

Salary Range:                      $ 143,680 - $188,581

Position Classification:        Safety Sensitive

Location:                              Queens

Reports To:                          Vice President – Capital Program Delivery & Overnight

This is a Non-Represented Position.

Please note that this position has been designated as a “Policy Maker” pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics.  As such, you will be required to complete a Financial Disclosure Statement that will be provided to you by the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics.

Summary

The Chief Program Officer - Special Projects position is the Program Executive accountable for directing the LIRR Interface and management activities associated with the East Side Access (ESA), Penn Station Improvements (PSI) Penn Station Access (PSA), Moynihan, Westside Yard (WSY) Overbuild, Western and Eastern Rail Yards (WRY & ERY) and other Special Projects.  The Chief Program Officer – Special Projects, as the program executive, has executive responsibility and business, legal, operational, and technical authority for overseeing the implementation and management of the LIRR’s Capital and assigned Operating Funded Projects to ensure scope, schedule and budget adherence.  The Chief Program Officer – Special Projects ensures the coordination of all policy, business, legal, construction, operations, activities related to the design construction and opening of several multi-billion-dollar projects. The Chief Program Officer leads the teams that directs the LIRR Force Account construction and construction support activities.  This includes the development of an overall business plan and schedule of milestones to ensure all operational staffing needs, budgetary requirements, legal agreements, procurements, hiring and training of new hires, and technical issues are addressed and resolved.  The Chief Program Officer represents LIRR on multiple Mega and Special Projects, coordinate with regional special projects, and will cultivate relationships with key internal and external stakeholders throughout the new MTA organization and the industry to support effective planning, development, and delivery of major investments of the LIRR’s operating infrastructure.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Represent LIRR at the program executive.
• Ensure alignment of all LIRR Special Projects with long range goals.  Provide the management and control of the Program.
• Monitor and interpret legislative trends, proposals and actions to ensure that the LIRR’s interests are protected.
• Ensure required interaction among the Rail Road, MTA States Agencies and FTA to provide the necessary funding for various operating and capital needs.

Represents LIRR as Program Executive to:

• Facilitate project activities, 
• Resolve policy and technical issues between LIRR and projects, 
• Provide leadership for achievement of department goals and objectives, and the
• Management and coordination of business administrative activities to ensure the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is prepared for the opening operational readiness of all LIRR special projects.
• Oversee the direction and coordination of all LIRR SP/ESA construction and third-party construction support activities; lead LIRR efforts to effectively identify, track and resolve all technical engineering issues; facilitation of design resources with LIRR operating department participation, reviews and decision-making.
• Ensure support of all construction by managing LIRR processes and forces required for submittal reviews, issue resolution, inspection and testing for all third-party construction.
• Proactively communicate with President, VP and Senior Staff to ensure they are kept abreast of appropriate issues and project status.
• Partner with Operating Chiefs, Executives and other Agency Executives to ensure all needs and requirements are incorporated into the development of the SP strategic plan, budget, and resource development and staffing plans.
• Ensure that positive, effective relationships are maintained with MTA, Amtrak, New Jersey Transit, FTA, FRA, PMOC, and other LIRR Departments, private developers, outside agencies, local government, consultants and contractors in order to ensure projects are completed in accordance with approved scope, schedule and budget.
• Direct LIRR involvement in the management of activities associated with overbuilds and special projects, including interfaces with all LIRR Departments.  Major overbuild/development projects include the 9th Avenue and Hudson Yard Development Projects; Special Projects include Moynihan, Gateway, East River Tunnel Rehab, Penn Expansion and Penn Plaza/Penn Station.
• Serve as LIRR’s lead in negotiations with Developers on construction agreements including the major overbuild projects and Atlantic Yards Real Estate at Penn Station.
• Direct the management and coordination of the development, planning, review and implementation of a variety of Penn Station Projects including joint projects with Amtrak and 3rd. party consultants/contractors engaged in technical studies, design and construction.  Overall responsibility for the cost and schedule control of projects assigned.
• Ensure that West End Project construction work and track outages are coordinated in support of LIRR operations in coordination with LIRR Transportation Dept., MTACC-ESA, Amtrak and the development projects.
• Maintain a positive employee relations climate.  Ensure the Company’s principles, policies and programs are consistently practiced.
• Create an environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Select, develop and motivate key personnel within the division to ensure management continuity.
• Responsible for the continued implementation of the corporate employee safety policy.  Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions to employees and customers. Provide oversight of time and attendance.  Must be available to work extended hours for unplanned work, emergencies, etc.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (advanced study preferred) or demonstrated, directly related equivalent of formal education and experience, subject to approval.
• Must possess extensive, progressively responsible related experience, a minimum of 15 years, in managing railroad Force Account and third-party designers, contractors, and other corporate staff.
• Must possess a minimum of 10 years of experience with project management including senior level management experience in providing corporate long-range plans, systems development in support of plans, and technology development and management of large capital projects.
• In-depth knowledge of railroad and/or transportation operations in order to establish long-range plans.
• A proven record as a department head of a large multi-functional transportation operation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and be sensitive to a diverse workforce.

 Preferred/Desirable Skill/Qualification

 Professional Engineering License.

Other Information

In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the position, the selection process may include, but is not limited to a pre-screening assessment (i.e., physical, written and/ or practical evaluation) and interview. Candidates forfeit further consideration in the process if they fail to participate in any step of the process when scheduled. Make up dates/times will not be given. In addition, LIRR employee applicants must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record. A record of more than ten sick days without medical documentation in two of the last three years is considered unsatisfactory attendance.  Not all qualified applicants are guaranteed an interview due to the competitive selection process. A medical examination and safety sensitive drug/alcohol test may also be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including 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.