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 Manager of Capital Program Planning will implement the planning, guidance, and prioritization approaches for capital projects. Through data analysis and development of decision support tools, this work would translate the vision and goals set by the Governor, Secretary, MBTA Board of Directors, and General Manager into an achievable portfolio of tangible capital programs and projects.
The Manager will work with other members of the Capital Program Planning Department and other departments to develop and monitor processes to shape the MBTA's multi-billion-dollar Capital Investment Plan (CIP). The manager will report to the Director of Capital Program Planning and will help oversee a team of Senior Analysts to drive collaborative decision-making processes related to the MBTA's capital program. In partnership with stakeholders across the MassDOT and MBTA organizations, the Manager will be responsible for conducting quantitative analyses and developing related insights for internal decision-making and public presentations or communication related to the capital program.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Lead the development of the MBTA's five-year Capital Investment Plan (CIP) in close collaboration with the Capital Program Planning Team, asset owners, project managers, and various internal and external stakeholders.
- Drive and participate in processes for identifying, reviewing, evaluating, and prioritizing potential capital projects as part of the annual CIP update.
- Provide oversight for the execution of capital programs and projects, ensuring alignment with approved budgets, schedules, performance measures, and other milestones. This involves management of the CIP Project Initiation process and close collaboration with the Capital Finance and Accounting department.
- Implement and manage the CIP In-Year Change process to evaluate and address capital project changes and fund reallocations during the fiscal year, consistent with CIP goals and prioritization methodologies. Conduct comprehensive data collection and analysis to support the development of the CIP and related strategic and long-range planning initiatives.
- Utilize data visualization, business intelligence, and geospatial intelligence systems (GIS) tools to collect, display, and analyze project data, contributing to informed decision-making within the capital program.
- Design and develop executive- and public-facing presentations, reports, and other communication materials related to the MBTA's capital program, including the annual CIP book and associated web content.
- Engage in meetings with internal and external financial staff to address various aspects of project budgets, funding, and other financial matters.
- Engage with staff from Commonwealth and Federal partners to ensure compliance with their processes and procedures and explore additional funding opportunities.
- Identify and implement opportunities to enhance MBTA policies and processes, ensuring the greatest impact of capital investment.
- Support the development of the Capital Program Planning Department, including hiring, training, and managing staff as appropriate.
- Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.
Minimum Requirements & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Public Administration, Business Administration, Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning, Economics, or a related field.
- Five (5) years of relevant experience in a budgeting, planning, quantitative, and/or research role.
- One (1) year of supervisory/ lead experience.
- Effective organizational, analytical, writing, multi-tasking, and time management skills.
- Advanced skill in MS Office, including Excel and PowerPoint.
- Ability to organize data, communicate insights and conclusions, and exercise effective problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work in a collaborative and team-oriented manner.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in an appropriate manner.
- Excellent communication, analytical, and presentation skills with the ability to obtain buy-in with key stakeholders at all levels of the organization and influence their decision-making.
- Highly organized with the ability to manage time, resources, and people, handling multiple programs simultaneously.
- Demonstrated data analysis skills, including the ability to conduct program analysis and identify key performance indicators.
- Ability to learn quickly, take direction, work independently, and use creative, collaborative, and consultative approaches to resolve issues.
Substitutions Include
- 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's 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 substitute 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.
Preferred Experience and Skills
- Master's degree from an accredited institution in Public Administration, Business Administration, Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning, Economics, or a related field.
- Experience in planning, budgeting, data analysis, or capital project management in a public agency or within the transportation industry.
- Experience working with Federal and State transportation funding, include knowledge of applicable regulations
- Experience with data visualization, business intelligence, and/or geospatial information system (GIS) tools and software programs.
- Knowledge of Trimble Unity Connect Project Management Information System.
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 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. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting their positions and throughout the duration of their program.
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, but a valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number are required prior to starting work. 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.
- Intern / Co-Op / Fellow Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship, co-op, or fellowship at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on city from which the employee commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns, co-ops, or fellows.


