Assistant Deputy Director, Rail Activation

Description Position at Metro-North Railroad POSTING NO. 9422 JOB TITLE: Assistant Deputy Director, Rail Activation DEPT/DIV: Operations WORK LOCATION: 420 Lexington Avenue (Graybar) FULL/PART-TIME FULL SALARY RANGE: $ 103,682 - $ 136,083.15 DEADLINE: Until filled This position is eligible for teleworking which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire. Metro-North Railroad reserves the right to remove this posting before the Application Deadline. Opening: MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York City, Grand Central Terminal. We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut. A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation. MTA Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities to its employees. Position Objective: This position is responsible for coordinating all business activities related to the Rail Activation Plan (RAP) process for achieving Operational Readiness for MNR's new service into Penn Station on the west side of Manhattan. The Assistant Deputy Director, Penn Station Access Rail Activation will collaborate with project stakeholders to define the Rail Activation Plan, and assist in ensuring operational staffing requirements, funding requirements, procurements, and the recruiting and onboarding of new employees are met. This position will facilitate cooperation amongst several operational agencies (LIRR, MTACD, and Amtrak) in order to generate recommendations for executive management. Responsibilities: Supervise MNR's ongoing initiatives and actions to address technical and policy challenges involving MNR, LIRR, MTA C&D, MTA, and other outside organizations. Assist in supporting the development and implementation of the required Rail Activation Plan and other service requirements to ensure MNR's preparedness for opening day service of Penn Station Access. Provide support in the coordination of stakeholders so they are informed of the project status and open issues required to be resolved. Help coordinate the involvement of MNR Operating Departments and other MTA representatives, to ensure all requirements are integrated into the development of the Rail Activation Plan, operation plans, budget, and resource development. Work with end users and assist in the development of benchmarks and timelines for human resources, budget, training, labor relations, and administrative needs. Assist in the coordination of MNR's Operational Readiness activities including but not limited to service development, recruitment, hiring, and training. Coordinate with end users, to assist in facilitating outcomes for establishing the project budget and schedule. Aid in the facilitation of support to ensure end user engagement in the development and implementation for testing and commissioning, facility acceptance, asset management, operations & maintenance planning, and security & emergency preparedness through the PSA RAP process. Drive engagement of end users to ensure PSA Rail Activation tasks and activities align with MNR business objectives. Assist in recruitment, training, and motivation of future staff and provide team members with professional growth opportunities. Required Qualifications: Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Must possess leadership skills as a manager and project planner. Must possess business development experience, preferably in the transportation industry. Must be knowledgeable in railroad operations. Must have proven management, facilitation, negotiation and leadership abilities. Must have the ability to mentor and guide other managers to enhance their skills. Must possess strong communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, decision-making, and judgement skills. Must possess exceptional short and long-range planning skills. Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint) Must have a valid driver's license. The following is/are preferred: Experience performing Rail Activation and Operations Planning functions and/or familiarity with FTA/FRA regulatory requirements for new transportation service. Proficient in Microsoft Project. Proficient in Microsoft Power BI. Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field. Demonstrated equivalent experience and/or education may be considered in lieu of degree to include an additional four (4) years of experience. Minimum seven (7) years' experience managing projects, and planning functions, preferably in the transportation industry. Minimum of five (5) years' experience managing professional staff/diverse workforce and/or projects. The following is/are preferred, but other satisfactory combinations of relevant experience, education, and/or technical credentials will be considered: Advanced degree and Professional Engineers License are preferred. Other Information This position is safety-sensitive and subject to toxicological testing. 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"). Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MNR drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position. 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.