Chief of Staff

Salary: $144,250.00 - $167,990.00 Annually
Location : 185 Kneeland Street, Boston
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-20943
Department: MBTA - Safety
Area: 095-Safety Administration I
Opening Date: 04/17/2025
Closing Date: 5/1/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Licenses / Certifications: A valid Driver's License is required.
Union Affiliation: Executive
Safety Sensitive: No; this is not a Safety Sensitive position.
Essential Classification (Emergency Staff): Yes; this position is classified as essential. Employees in this role are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by supervisory personnel during declared States of Emergency.
On-Call or 24/7: Yes; this position is classified as on-call or 24/7. Employees in this role must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as directed by supervisory personnel.

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 Chief of Staff for Safety will assist the Chief Safety Officer (CSO) in managing the overall daily functions of CSO and the reporting MBTA Safety departments - Safety Management, Operational Safety, Capital Safety, and Environmental. The Chief of Staff will manage coordinate, track, and support projects and initiatives within Safety that advance MBTA strategic priorities. Additionally, the Chief of Staff will coordinate goal setting, information flow, stakeholder engagement, decision-making processes, learning and development, and resource allocation. Finally, the Chief of Staff will support, advise, and counsel the CSO and DCSO on policy, process, management, and personnel matters.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Work closely and collaboratively with the CSO and DCSO and participate in decision-making, program management, and initiative implementation and tracking.
• Take and follow directions from the CSO.
• Serve as a member of the MBTA Safety Senior Leadership Team and work closely with fellow senior leaders to implement key initiatives and projects.
• Oversee activities of the Administrative Team within Safety including budget, facilities, and workforce needs.
• Manage coverage scheduling and planning for special events and holidays.
• Lead identified projects and initiatives on behalf of the CSO to:

Ensure successful completion within established timelines.

Facilitate communication and collaboration across Operations departments to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.

Report project updates and recommendations for improvement to the CSO/DCSO and Executive and Senior Leadership Teams, as needed.

• Assist in preparing and reviewing Safety materials for the Board meetings and other public presentations to guarantee effective and accurate communication.
• Act on behalf of the CSO to ensure that appropriate Safety Personnel are identified and participating in required meetings and planning discussions related to various initiatives and safety activities.
• Identify and address opportunities for improvement related to business processes to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
• Supervise the Executive Assistant to the CSO to ensure successful completion of day-to-day operational tasks in support of the CSO's calendar, travel, and communication while working together to streamline CSO's workload and enhance productivity.
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to work sites and/or events as needed.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned

Supervision

• Direct supervision of one Director level position

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Seven (7) years' experience in roles related to administration, including project and/or program management, policy development, planning, and leading strategic initiatives.
• Five (5) years of leadership, management, and/or supervisory experience.
• Valid Class D driver's license.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to think strategically and develop creative solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to think critically and independently
• Ability to work productively and proactively without constant, direct supervision.
• Excellent project management skills, with demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize and utilize staff members to accomplish assigned work objectives in a timely and professional manner in order to meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain and exercise discretion and sound judgment in handling confidential information at all times.

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 degree from an accredited institution 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.

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 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

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an 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

Employment Benefits at the MBTA

Full-Time Employees:

The MBTA offers comprehensive benefits packages to full-time employees. Types of benefits offered at the MBTA are subject to the union affiliation / Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) of the position to which you apply. Benefits that may apply to your position include the following:

• Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life (basic and supplemental), and Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation, Personal Days, Sick Leave, and Holidays
• Retirement: Pension or deferred compensation 401(a), plus MBTA contributions
• Complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system (bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail)
• Tuition Reimbursement (up to $10,000 per year)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for student loans
• Commuter Choice Parking Program: Pre-tax benefits for parking
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax benefits for healthcare-related expenses
• Discounted tickets for concerts, movies, travel / vacation, etc. via TicketsAtWork.com
• Shopping discounts via GovX.com
• Verizon and AT&T service discounts
• And more...

Internships:

Internship positions are not eligible for most MBTA Benefits. However, paid sick time may be incurred. Each intern also receives a complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system (bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail) to use throughout the duration of their internship. Please contact the assigned Recruiter directly or email internships@mbta.com for more information.

Disclaimer:

The above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the MBTA, which may or may not apply to a specific position. This summary is not a contract andis not meant to change the provisions of union contracts or Authority policies and does not establish a binding practice. Please contact the assigned Recruiter directly or email hrstaffing@mbta.com for more information.

The MBTA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
01

Which of the following best describes your education and experience?

• I did not attain a high school diploma or equivalent / GED.
• A High School Diploma/ equivalent with a minimum of fourteen (14) years' experience in roles related to administration, including project and/or program management, policy development, planning, and leading strategic initiatives.
• An Associates Degree from an accredited institution with a minimum of ten (10) years' experience in roles related to administration, including project and/or program management, policy development, planning, and leading strategic initiatives.
• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution with a minimum of seven (7) years' experience in roles related to administration, including project and/or program management, policy development, planning, and leading strategic initiatives.
• A Master's Degree or higherin a related subject with a minimum of five (5) years' experience in roles related to administration, including project and/or program management, policy development, planning, and leading strategic initiatives.

02

Do you have at least five (5) years of leadership, management, and/or supervisory experience?

• Yes
• No

03

Please rate your current proficiency level using Microsoft Office Suite.

• No experience
• Beginner
• Proficient
• Advanced
• Expert

04

Do you have a valid U.S. Class D Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

05

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status)?

• Yes
• No

Required Question