Deputy Director of Strategic Space Planning (Boston)

The Deputy Director of Strategic Space Planning position within the Stations, Facilities & Structures department oversees space analysis, occupancy planning, and space planning for MBTA facilities to ensure proper size, fit, function, and utilization are achieved. This position will be integral to the development and management of the MBTA's Strategic Space Planning program and to implementing foundational processes to support space optimization. The Deputy Director will be responsible for developing and maintaining a database detailing MBTA corporate space, identifying relocation options within the system, and evaluating consolidations and new properties through acquisition or leasing. These initiatives will result in increased efficiency of operating and capital spending by optimizing the use of owned facilities, reducing reliance on leased property, and identifying potential opportunities to consolidate properties. This position combines data-driven space planning with hands-on program management.

• Manage strategic space planning for corporate space usage, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and optimal utilization of facilities.
• Develop and continuously improve corporate space and furniture standards, as well as related procedures.
• Visit MBTA facilities to conduct space audits, document existing space use, and survey users and department heads to determine existing and future space needs/programming.
• Prepare surveys and plans, identify sites, prepare space test fits, manage design reviews, and respond to RFIs for MBTA facility projects.
• Identify and evaluate property/facility alternatives and provide recommendations for relocations within the system, consolidations, leasing, acquisition, and/or disposition.
• Administer the MBTA workspace reservation system for the hybrid workforce and leverage it to analyze space utilization.
• Assist with strategies for renovation or redevelopment of properties or facilities.
• Work with key stakeholders to develop and maintain a database detailing MBTA corporate space, existing users, and utilization.
• Identify and examine space utilization deficiencies within the existing property portfolio and prepare recommendations for improvement.
• Establish and communicate program and project priorities with internal departments and key stakeholders.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Additional responsibilities may include a focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location-specific functions.

Supervision

• Manage a small team consisting of Space Planner(s) and Space & Occupancy Analyst(s)

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Architecture, Interior Design, Urban Planning, Real Estate, Business Administration, Public Administration, Engineering, or related field.
• Five (5) years of relevant experience in corporate space planning & management or a related field.
• Two (2) years of supervisory, managerial, and/or leadership experience.
• Experience with the redevelopment of existing properties and/or new development
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced work environment.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Proven problem-solving skills and sound judgment.
• Effective organizational, analytical, and confidentiality skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications
• Experience with AutoCAD or equivalent software
• Experience with Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) systems
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, in a collaborative, team-oriented manner.
• Ability to travel to locations throughout the MBTA's service area, and beyond as needed.
• Possession of a valid driver's license without infractions in accordance with MBTA policy

Substitutions

• 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 and an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitute for the bachelor's degree requirement.
• A master's degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.
• A nationally recognized certification or a statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience.

• Experience in planning, development, or project management within a public agency or the transportation industry.

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce 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 current student or 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 / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including 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.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting pre-employment screenings / pre-boarding, working in their positions, and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

1. 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.
2. Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
3. Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
4. 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.
5. Work Eligibility: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. S]]>