What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Manager of Public Schedules position at MBTA?
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, sustainability, and culture. 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 Assistant Manager of Public Schedules oversees the day-to-day operation of the Public Schedules function, ensuring the accurate, timely, and accessible production and distribution of public-facing schedule information across MBTA modes. This role provides direct supervision of Public Schedules staff, manages vendor relationships, and serves as the functional lead for schedule cards, related information products, and associated digital content. The Assistant Manager plays a key role in process improvement, quality control, and cross-departmental coordination to support safe, reliable, and customer-focused service delivery.
Duties & Responsibilities
Leadership & Supervision
Job Summary
The Assistant Manager of Public Schedules oversees the day-to-day operation of the Public Schedules function, ensuring the accurate, timely, and accessible production and distribution of public-facing schedule information across MBTA modes. This role provides direct supervision of Public Schedules staff, manages vendor relationships, and serves as the functional lead for schedule cards, related information products, and associated digital content. The Assistant Manager plays a key role in process improvement, quality control, and cross-departmental coordination to support safe, reliable, and customer-focused service delivery.
Duties & Responsibilities
Leadership & Supervision
- Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance management for Public Schedules staff, including assigning work, setting priorities, and ensuring accountability.
- Establish clear workflows, standards, and quality controls for the Public Schedules function.
- Mentor staff and support professional development within the group.
- Participate in personnel selection committees for hiring and promoting personnel.
- Oversee the design, production, printing, and distribution of millions of public schedule cards and related information products annually.
- Ensure schedule information is accurate, clearly communicated, and aligned with Service Planning data, GTFS feeds, and approved service changes.
- Direct proofreading, review, and approval of schedule cards, printer proofs, maps, and other public-facing materials.
- Manage relationships with printing, Braille, and other external vendors.
- Coordinate with Procurement on schedule card printing contracts, including scope development, performance monitoring, and distribution planning.
- Monitor inventory levels, costs, and vendor deliverables to ensure fiscal and operational efficiency.
- Oversee updates to schedule information on the MBTA website and other digital platforms.
- Ensure the timely preparation of alternative format schedules (Braille, tactile, large-print) in coordination with vendors and internal stakeholders.
- Maintain and improve databases used to support public schedule information.
- Review existing public schedule processes and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and customer experience.
- Coordinate closely with Service Planning, Customer Experience, IT, Communications, and Operations on schedule-related initiatives.
- Serve as the escalation point for complex customer, employee, or vendor inquiries related to public schedules.
- Ensure compliance with MBTA policies, labor agreements, safety requirements, and EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
- Support emergency response and service change communications as required.
- Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.
- A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Public Management, Graphics, Business, Transportation Planning, or a related field from an accredited institution
- Four (4) years of proofreading and/or design and layout experience as a Graphic Designer or four (4) years of experience in transit service planning or transit scheduling.
- Related experience in a supervisory capacity.
- Effective organizational, analytical, multi-tasking, time management, and interpersonal skills.
- Have the ability to use Word, Excel, databases, geographic information systems, and schedule software applications (such as HASTUS or Trapeze).
- Handle sensitive and confidential information in an appropriate manner.
- Possess excellent customer service, conflict resolution, and presentation skills.
- Have the ability to work any and all shifts and or locations as assigned or directed.
- Have the ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce.
- A valid Driver’s License
- 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 with an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes 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 statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience.
- Have the ability to use geographic information systems or schedule software applications (such as HASTUS or Trapeze).
- 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.
- 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. The 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: 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. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees 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 .
- Intern / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.