Accessibility Strategist

Accessibility Strategist

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.

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

Required Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the MTA's policies and procedures.
• 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
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Must possess excellent team building, listening, problem solving, and prioritization skills
• Must have focus and ability to deliver on results, organizational effectiveness, and continuous improvement
• Ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies.
• Ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Prior experience working in a diverse setting and with individuals with a broad range of abilities is ideal.
• Excellent organization, analytical, and communications skills
• Strong knowledge of the ADA, State and local accessibility regulations and requirements
• Ability to collaborate with senior management across the spectrum of an organization while advocating for customer-centric voice and tone.

Required Education and Experience:

• 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
• Minimum 3 years related experience or
• Minimum 2 years plus a master's degree

The Following is/are preferred:

• 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

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").

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.