Accessibility Strategist - 01068672
Agency: MTAHQ
Job Title: Accessibility Strategist
Department: 050900
Division: 005400
Job Family: Project/Program Management
Grade: 007
Reports To: Sr Program Strategist Accessib
Work Location: 2 BROADWAY
Full Time/Part-Time: F
Hours of Work: 7.5
Union: Non-Represented Position
MTA Headquarters reserves the right to remove this posting before the application deadline
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 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.
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 Summary:
This role is intended to bolster in-house technical expertise within the accessibility team and to improve the team's ability to execute on the Chair and Chief Accessibility Officer's shared vision of accessibility. This job will boost the team's ability to secure and administer strategic, innovative pilot programs that will influence the MTA's long-term accessibility policy. The job will also boost the team's technical and analytical capacity, offering more strategic guidance/policy recommendations to increase Reduced Fare ridership across the system.
Using data and collaboration across the MTA's operating divisions, the employee will advance innovative accessibility initiatives and help make the subway, bus, and commuter rail systems more efficient and appealing for customers with disabilities.
Responsibilities:
- Work with the Chief Accessibility Officer and deputies to develop a long-term accessibility strategy and long-term plan for the Authority. Manage execution of priority items in its strategy, and regularly report on progress and milestones to internal and external stakeholders including the MTA Board, advocacy and community groups, elected officials, other agencies, and the media.
- Help drive MTA’s accessibility strategy, priorities, and approach based on available and potential funding opportunities, in consultation with departmental management and/or senior management. Make recommendations for accessibility policy and procedural changes and support implementation of such changes.
- Convene and facilitate regular meetings with operating agencies (e.g., NYCT LIRR, MNR, B&T) to build both buy-in for accessibility projects and an understanding of operational barriers to prospective project implementation. Ensure operating partners are prepared to administer grants upon receipt for timely and successful execution.
- Develop and executive initiatives to improve customer wayfinding/navigation in coordination with MTA operating and IT departments.
- Lead community engagement efforts and public meetings, and prepare presentations of MTA policies, plans and programs to riders, advocacy groups, the MTA Board and other stakeholders. The position will also lead efforts to coordinate with city, state, and federal agencies.
- Performs other duties as assigned
- Complies with all policies and standards
- May be required to work hours outside regular work hours, as applicable
- Observes the work performed by contractors, as applicable
- Reviews invoices and approves them if the work has contractual standards, as applicable
- Addresses performance issues with the contractor when possible, as applicable
- Escalates issues to other parties when needed, as applicable
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in engineering, urban studies, geography, transportation science, urban planning, economics, business, public administration, political science, or related fields Required
- Master’s degree in Arts/Sciences (MA/MS) in engineering, urban studies, geography, transportation science, urban planning, economics, business, public administration, political science, or related fields Preferred
Experience:
- Minimum 3 years related experience Required or
- Minimum 2 years plus a master's degree Required
Skills and Abilities:
- Familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures. Preferred
- Must be a proven leader as a change agent and creative/innovative thinker with the ability to align business goals with solutions to drive process improvements Required
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Required
- Must possess excellent team building, listening, problem solving, and prioritization skills Required
- Must have focus and ability to deliver on results, organizational effectiveness, and continuous improvement Required
- Ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies. Required
- Ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible. Required
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Required
- Prior experience working in a diverse setting and with individuals with a broad range of abilities is ideal. Required
- Excellent organization, analytical, and communications skills Required
- Strong knowledge of the ADA, State and local accessibility regulations and requirements Required
- Ability to collaborate with senior management across the spectrum of an organization while advocating for customer-centric voice and tone. Required
Additional Information:
Job Posting salary range: $93,986 - $105,734.
Final salary is determined experience, skillset, 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”).
How to Apply:
For Internal Applicants:
Log in to the My MTA Portal, click on the My Job Search tile, select the Careers link, search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the on-screen instructions.
For External Applicants:
Visit www.mta.info, click the “Careers” link located in the footer under the "The MTA" section, then click on “See All Open MTA Positions”.
Search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the instructions.
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.
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.