Director of Alternative Delivery

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

The Director for Alternative Delivery will manage Senior Project managers and Project Managers in the delivery of the Authority's major capital investment projects utilizing Alternative Project Delivery Methods under MGL 149A.

The Director will support the vision of Deputy Chief for Alternative Delivery for the successful development and execution of projects that utilize alternative delivery methods as defined by MGL 149A. The Director of Alternative Delivery will direct the efforts of MBTA engineering and construction professionals as well as outside consultants, to deliver multiple Transit, Bus and Commuter Rail related facilities projects. These Capital projects encompass transit stations, commuter rail stations, parking garages, bus facilities, vehicle/general maintenance facilities, and other facilities. This work will require close coordination with the Capital Delivery Transit and Commuter Rail groups as well as the Integrated Transit Program (ITP) group which manages the State of Good Repair and modernization program for heavy/light rail transit infrastructure which includes track, signal and traction power.

The Director for Alternative Delivery is a strong, versatile leader who has demonstrated success managing capital projects of various sizes and complexity utilizing both Construction Manager-at-Risk (CMAR) and Design/Build (D/B). The incumbent must have a depth of experience in capital program management, the effective leadership of complex organizations, preferably in the public sector, and the political and management acumen to operate at the senior levels of state government.

The Director must be adept at solving complex technical, program, and management issues, and equally adept at obtaining internal and external stakeholder acceptance of project design and delivery decisions. She/He must be particularly skilled in developing an integrated management team and in working across departments to effectively support the delivery or projects while minimizing the impact on day-to-day operations of the system. The Director for Alternative Delivery will set strategic priorities, develop performance goals and metrics, apply innovative design, construction, and program management methods, make decisions, and solve problems to deliver the MBTA's alternative delivery methods program.

Duties & Responsibilities

• The Director for Alternative Delivery is the senior executive accountable for the on-schedule, on-budget delivery of the MBTA's capital program utilizing alternative methods as defined by MGL 149A.
• Reports directly to the Deputy Chief for Alternative Delivery
• Develops a vision, performance goals and metrics, policies, and procedures to guide MBTA capital program delivery.
• Works in close collaboration with the Capital Delivery Transit and Commuter Rail delivery groups, Capital Contract Services Group, Operations Chief of Stations and Facilities, Integrated Track Program group, Engineering and Maintenance departments and other organizational elements of the MBTA to ensure cross-functional coordination of project activity with operational outcomes, day-to-day maintenance, finance, and administration requirements.
• Develops and maintains realistic program and project budgets, schedules and execution plans.
• Hires, directs, maintains, and leads a team of directors, project managers, project coordinators, resident engineers, inspectors, and other technical and administrative professionals who, collectively, procure, manage and/or oversee the efforts of third-party engineering, architectural, and construction firms providing design and construction services under contract with the MBTA.
• Ensures that project development, design, and construction activity is internally coordinated with operations and maintenance functions, and project management actions adhere to procurement and fiscal policy and practice.
• Collaborates with stakeholders including state and local elected officials, and federal and state regulatory agencies including the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) on planning and execution of assigned projects and the mitigation of associated issues.
• Prepares reports for and delivers presentations to MassDOT, the MBTA Board of Directors, elected officials, regulatory bodies, community groups, and the media on Transit projects including addressing issues of a potentially sensitive nature.
• Leads and manages a staff of approximately eight (8) employees of whom most are members of bargaining units.
• Ensures staff and contractors respond to site emergencies twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week, and coordinate recovery actions with MBTA operations.
• Upholds the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites and/or attend off-site meetings.
  
  
  

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Available to work all shifts and locations as assigned or directed.
• Available to work as per assignment by the MBTA twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as directed by supervisory staff for severe weather conditions, emergencies or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Have the ability to work any and all shifts and/or locations assigned or directed.
  
  
  

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

Supervision

• Directly supervises Project Managers of Alternative Delivery as well as Project managers for other groups within Capital Programs in the execution of projects using CMAR and D/B.
• Indirectly supervises Project Office staff that includes but is not limited to project controls, change management, office staff, and field staff.
  
  
  

Minimum Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Architecture, or Construction Management from an accredited institution.
  
  
  

Minimum Experience And Required Skills

• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in a lead owner, design or construction role for building or infrastructure projects in the public and/or private sectors utilizing CMAR or D/B.
• Successful delivery of a minimum of four (4) projects utilizing CMAR in a leadership role.
• Minimum of five (5) years of related experience in a staff supervisory capacity.
• Demonstrated success as the senior executive in charge of delivering a major capital program of works, preferably Transit facilities, Commuter Rail or multi-discipline infrastructure programs.
• Demonstrated success in developing realistic and attainable project budgets and schedules.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with local, state, and federal agencies and governance boards.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of the application of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it pertains to the design and construction of Transit Facilities and/or similar projects.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of project delivery methods available for use by the MBTA.
• Effective organizational, analytical, confidentiality, multi-tasking, and time management skills
• Strong leadership qualities, including, communicating with customers, employees, vendors, contractors, designers, elected officials, community leaders, and state and federal officials.
• Proven ability to effectively respond to media inquiries.
• Solid presentation and conflict resolution skills.
• Proven track record of collaboration, transparency, and effective communication.
• Superior communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work horizontally and vertically across organizational boundaries to assist project managers in the resolution of variances in cost and schedule.
  
  
  

Substitutions Include

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Master’s degree in engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or Business Administration from an accredited institution.
• More than twelve (12) years of experience in a lead owner, design or construction role for building or infrastructure projects in the public and/or private sectors utilizing CMAR or D/B.
• Successful delivery of more than four (4) projects utilizing MGL 149A CMAR in a leadership role.
• Seven (7) years of related experience in a staff supervisory capacity.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of Massachusetts General Laws concerning the delivery of public capital projects.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of the Massachusetts State Building Code.
• Licensed registered professional engineer or architect in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• CMAA, DBIA or similar certification
  
  
  

Substitutions (Optional)

• None
  
  
  

Job Conditions

• 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.
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, background screening, and the MBTA’s medical requirements, including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screening.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting, 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).
  
  
  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job, and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.

• Safety Sensitive: Incumbents will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
• On-call 24/7: Employee must be available to respond to page/text/call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
• 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.
  
  
  

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• 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 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 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.
• 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.
  
  
  

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 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. Recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
• 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 .