Senior Manager of Planning

Job description

Job Summary The Planning & Strategic Partnerships team develops and advances the MTA’s strategy for next-generation digital infrastructure, technology partnerships, and innovative capital investments. Working across engineering, operations, delivery, procurement, and external partners, the team leads strategic planning for telecommunications, operational systems, and customer-facing technologies; manages commercial partnerships and public-private partnership opportunities to expand broadband and wireless connectivity; develops and implements emerging technology pilots to improve the customer experience and inform future capital investments; and provides strategic analysis, executive communications, and cross-functional leadership on complex initiatives that shape the future of the transit system. The Senior Manager, Emerging Technology Planning leads a portfolio of strategic initiatives focused on modernizing MTA infrastructure through the planning, deployment, and evaluation of innovative technologies that enhance the customer experience, improve transit operations, and prepare the agency for future technological advancements. The position oversees pilot programs from concept through implementation and evaluation, translating lessons learned into recommendations for current and future capital investments. The Senior Manager plays a key role in advancing a coherent long-term vision and strategy for the technologies and systems that will support the MTA over the coming decades. Reporting to the Vice President, Planning & Strategic Partnerships, this position sits at the intersection of capital planning, technology strategy, innovation, and program delivery. The role requires the ability to lead complex initiatives across operating agencies, delivery teams, legal, procurement, technology vendors, consultants, and external partners. Strong project management, communication, stakeholder engagement, and partnership development skills are essential. Responsibilities Lead end-to-end concept development, planning, and execution of next-generation technology pilots and innovation initiatives. Manage consultant and vendor activities, ensuring projects remain on schedule, within budget, and aligned with agency objectives. Synthesize pilot findings into a long-term strategy for broader rollout and integration into future capital programs and/or as standalone capital projects. Identify additional candidate technologies appropriate for inclusion in future pilot programs, such as communications infrastructure and back-end systems. Contribute to development of long-term strategies for digital infrastructure, operational technologies, and customer-facing systems, translating technical analyses into actionable capital investment recommendations. Evaluate promising future public-private partnerships tied to existing and new technologies/assets at MTA stations, including commercial terms, partnership model, and financing strategy. Build relationships with technology vendors, academic institutions, and other public agencies to support innovation and strategic partnerships. Coordinate with internal stakeholders across C&D, Real Estate, Legal, and operating agencies. Build alignment with operating agency leadership on long-term technology adoption and standards. Prepare executive briefings, Board materials, presentations, and other communications for senior leadership. Perform other strategic planning, program management, and special project responsibilities as assigned. Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Transportation, Planning, Public Policy, Computer Information Systems, or a related field. Must have a minimum of eight (8) years of related experience. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively. Must have focus and ability to deliver on results, organizational effectiveness, and continuous improvement. Must be a proven leader as a change agent and creative/innovative thinker to align business goals with solutions to drive process improvements. Must possess excellent team building, listening, problem-solving, and prioritization skills. Proficient computer skills (i.e., Windows environment, Microsoft Office, PeopleSoft, Oracle, etc.) and strong business administrative skills (i.e., presentations, report and letter writing, time management, etc.).