Description

This position is eligible for telework, which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.  

Summary 

The Manager Planning (Spatial Data) will help to shape the future of the greater New York region by contributing to the MTA Regional Planning process, including the 20-Year Needs assessmentsand Capital Programs. More specifically, this position will be responsible for analyzing, managing, interpreting, and visualizing large databases of information (with a specific focus on spatial data) to help set policy for critical transportation investments necessary to ensure the continued mobility and growth of the MTA region.  

The Manager Planning (Spatial Data) will utilize information from various data sources, including regional planning information, transit usage, ridership forecasts, and socio-economic and demographic information, to underpin the agency’s regional planning strategy. This position will also be responsible for ensuring that the results of these activities are presented to MTA senior staff, the MTA Board, MTA operating agencies, and non-MTA agencies in an accurate, understandable, and timely manner.  

The Manager (Spatial Data) will also provide guidance and mentoring to junior staff, particularly for efforts related to data analysis, visualization, and communication of results.  

Responsibilities 

Conduct analyses to support the activities of the Regional Planning group. 

Provide technical subject matter expertise in data management, analysis, interpretation, and visualization for data-driven decision-making.  

Collaborate with all MTA agencies, public stakeholders, consultants, transportation experts, and other government entities. 

Develop maps, reports, and/or presentation materials for internal and external purposes, as well as for other C&D initiatives and programmatic performance metrics. 

Utilize large datasets, including project-level planning information, transit usage, ridership, travel patterns, climate risk data, and socio-economic and demographic information, to help communicate the agency’s long-term planning priorities. 

Create new and meaningful means for public communication of – and public input into - MTA’s regional planning.  

Develop and present planning information, processes, and results to internal and external stakeholders.  

Create, update, and maintain an electronic “data library” for existing MTA infrastructure, ridership,and/or potential/planned projects. 

Ensure that --level or regional-level spatial data is up-to-date.  

Advise on available technologies and methods to work with and visualize GIS and other data.  

Coordinate data sharing across the MTA to help with analysis and mapping.  

Create, write, run, and maintain scripts to automate data analysis and the creation of maps and other data visualizations.  

Train and mentor junior staff in data analysis, data management, data manipulation, and data visualization techniques and tools. 

Other responsibilities may include: 

Assist in preparing materials for presentations to executive leadership and external agencies. 

Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or related tools to analyze contexts and implications of transportation improvements and network changes. 

Work directly with senior staff on key policy issues, such as the ridership impacts of policy changes. 

Respond to data inquiries and requests from internal and external agencies as needed. 

Represent MTA Planning on technical advisory committees of outside agencies pertaining to data analysis, management, etc. 

Perform regional socio-economic analyses, origin-destination analyses, and similar tasks. 

Contribute to various studies and initiatives, including Alternatives Analysis (AA), Environmental Assessment (EA), Feasibility Studies, Planning Proposals, etc.  

Develop and review scopes, budgets, and work plans for various projects. 

Manage consultants, as needed, and support other senior staff. 

Work directly with senior staff on the comparative evaluation process for multiple transportation proposals and initiatives. 

Assist in forecasting and interpreting travel demand models for future MTA ridership scenarios. 

Education and Experience 

A Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Data Science, Geography, Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field.  

Must have a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience.  

Knowledge of database management, spatial data sources (demographics, transportation-related, environment, aerial imagery), programming (SQL, Python), and other “big data” or data science skills.  

Ability to perform in-depth qualitative and quantitative analyses using various tools and datasets. 

Excellent technical skills, including proficiency in MS Office, data analytics (SQL, Python coding), visualization tools, and spatial analysis using GIS or similar mapping tools. 

Knowledge of spatial data sources related to demographics, infrastructure, environment, and aerial imagery.  

Strong time and task management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines and maximize the output of a small staff.  

Effective communication skills and ability to show and share knowledge of GIS tools and features.  

Strong writing and presentation skills.  

Knowledge of the MTA regional network, operating context, and local, state, and federal transportation and policies.  

The ability to work with both senior-level staff and technical personnel on a diverse array of issues.  

The ability to interface with stakeholders, including senior political and business representatives.  

Proficiency in data science software to produce data analytics, visualization tools, and spatial analysis.  

Other Information 

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”). 

Selection Criteria 

Based on evaluation of education, skills, experience, and interview. 

How to Apply 

MTA employees must apply via My MTA Portal. You can submit an online application by logging into My MTA Portal, clicking the My Job Search ribbon, and selecting the “Careers” link.Logging in through My MTA Portal will link your BSC ID number to your job application to identify you as an internal applicant. 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are equal opportunity employers, including thosewith respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities. 

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities,including military service members, to apply.