At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s core values are built around safety, service, equity, and sustainability and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.
Job Summary
MBTA Rail Modernization is a service-focused program that will transform the current commuter rail into a significantly more productive, equitable and decarbonized enterprise with higher frequency all day bi-directional Regional Rail service. Specifically, the rail system of the future will be more similar to rapid transit on its most dense Urban rail corridors inside Route 128 and will have appropriately scheduled regional service to the network outside the urban core. The modernization will be delivered in phases with targeted early action infrastructure improvements delivering improved service in the short term in parallel to the planning and permitting of the first phase of electrification utilizing an innovative mix of battery and catenary.
Organizing all aspects of the program under one Rail Modernization Office allows better configuration management and systems integration as the scope spans everything from demand forecasting, fare strategy, service planning, rail-bus integration, first/last mile strategies as well as the integrated delivery of new rolling stock, track, station, maintenance facilities and the power systems they require.
The Director of Business Planning will lead the business aspects of regional rail modernization planning, initially focusing on the development of an outline business plan for the first phase of rail transformation and supporting the re-procurement of the Commuter Rail Operating Contract.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Primary responsibility for managing the development of the rail modernization business plan and specifically responsible for the financial and commercial content.
- Support for managing the development of the procurement strategy and documents for the 2027 Operator re-procurement, coordinating inputs to them from consultants and other departments within MBTA/MassDOT.
- Also responsible for strategic and funding planning for re-procurement and loan or grant applications including managing the development of discretionary grant proposals in conjunction with Capital Program Planning and supporting applications for USDOT loan programs.
- Act as a subject-matter resource on capital project/RT program funding, financing, and delivery mechanisms at the local, state, and national levels to support analysis.
- Represent the Rail Modernization Office to other departments, elected officials and outside agencies as directed; coordinate assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
- Prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence for MBTA Board and senior management.
- Develops consultant budgets for proposed commercial and business planning activities.
- Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.
Minimum Requirements & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in a related field.
- Seven (7) years of experience in financial analysis, business analysis, and/or financial accounting in a management level capacity.
- Three (3) years of experience in contracted operations, public-private partnerships, municipal finance, leasing, project or trade finance, or other transportation or service focused finance.
- Five (5) years of supervisory, managerial, and/or leadership experience.
- Proficient with the use of MS Office, especially Excel based models, PowerPoint, and Graphic applications.
- Demonstrated ability to lead multiple teams of advisors and projects simultaneously.
- Ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce.
- Be intellectually curious, with a strong desire to develop professionally in the transportation finance and policy sector.
Preferred Experience and Skills- A master's degree from an accredited institution in Business Administration or Finance, and/or certification as a Certified Public Accountant or its equivalent coursework from an accredited college.
- Seven (7) years of experience in contracted operations or public-private partnerships for transportation services.
- Experience in transportation, public transit, or the railroad industry.
- Experience developing a Business Case for a major infrastructure project.
- Experience structuring a financing for a public infrastructure project.
- Experience developing procurement documents for and negotiating a public-private partnership contract.
- Familiarity with Excel based financial models.
- Experience with USDOT discretionary grant applications.
- Familiarity with Build America Bureau loan programs.
- Familiarity with Benefit Cost analysis.
- Experience with quantitative risk analysis.
Substitutions Include
- A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement.
- An Associate degree from an accredited institution an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement.
- A Master's degree in a related subject substitute for two (2) years of general experience.
- A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience.
Job Conditions:
- Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English
- Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences
- Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team (or supervise, if required)
- Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers
- Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies
- Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection)
- Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and medical Clinic screening, potentially including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings
- Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service
Disclaimers and Definitions:
- General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
- Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
- Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
- Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
- Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
- Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
- On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
- Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
- ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.