Director, Arts & Design

Job ID: 11464

Business Unit: MTA Headquarters

Location: New York, NY, United States

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Department: Office of Policy & Ext Rel

Date Posted: Apr 21, 2025

Description

POSTING NO.

11464

JOB TITLE:

Director, Arts & Design

DEPT/DIV:

Office of Policy and External Relations

WORK LOCATION:

2 Broadway

FULL/PART-TIME

FUL L

SALARY RANGE:

$165,000 - $180,000

DEADLINE:

Until filled

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

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation's largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Position Objective:

The Director of Arts & Design oversees the development and delivery of all art-related activities for the MTA and its constituent agencies. Arts & Design runs an ambitious Permanent Art program, as well as several temporary art programs, including Music Under New York, Poetry in Motion, photography exhibitions, a Digital Art program, a Poster program, as well as special projects.

The Director also advises MTA agencies, on an as-needed basis, on architectural/industrial design and customer interface design. The Director maintains liaison with the art community in New York and beyond

Responsibilities:

Improve Stations with Permanent Art

Major station rehabilitation projects are typically eligible to receive new permanent art.

The Director:

• Negotiates the scale, budget, and location of the new art
• Oversees the management of a community-oriented process to identify and select artists, help them develop art that creates a unique identity for each station.
• Oversees fabrication into a durable material that meets architectural and safety needs, and delivers projects per C&D specs and timeline.
• Promotes the installation of new art projects with external stakeholders.

Maintain the MTA's Vast Permanent Art Collection

The Arts & Design program has installed more than 425 permanent art projects since its founding in 1985. Such a vast collection requires a comprehensive conservation program. In addition, there are situations in which a station construction project impacts an existing art project.

The Director:

• Develops and maintains appropriate guidelines for the long-term care of art. Works with appropriate agency personnel to ensure proper implementation of maintenance guidelines.
• Oversees the process to prioritize repair/replacement needs and assigns budget. Ensures that the work is done properly and cost-effectively.
• Oversees protection and modifications to existing artwork impacted by capital construction projects.
• Oversees the documentation of all permanent and temporary artwork in the system and at MTA Headquarters.

Advise on the Architectural Design of Stations

Construction & Development occasionally calls on Arts & Design to advise on the design of stations or elements of stations.

The Director:

• Provides design review in an advisory capacity for station design, architectural finishes, and/or industrial design elements.
• Serves on or organizes design charettes as needed.

Manage a Dynamic Program of Live Performance Art in the System

Commuters and other visitors in the transit system delight in moments of joy provided by live performance art in stations.

The Director:

• Oversees the management of the Music Under New York program, which includes a dynamic and a dynamic roster of talented musicians playing music in the transit system.
• Oversees annual auditions and special musical events as needed.
• Develops and oversees the implementation of a calendar of other special performing arts projects, including dance, theater, and other impromptu opportunities .

Promote Other Special and Temporary Art Projects and Programs

Arts & Design provides art content for hundreds of digital screens, lightboxes, and traditional poster frames in trains and stations. The team also provides art for special projects as requested by MTA agencies (e.g., special anniversaries or other milestones/celebrations) to promote individual agencies or the Authority as a whole.

The Director:

• Oversees the successful delivery of art for the poster program, digital art, Poetry in Motion, and the photography lightbox program.
• Initiates and implements new special projects in cooperation with MTA operating agencies as opportunities present themselves.
• Oversees collaboration projects with MTA Marketing, the Transit Museum, and other internal entities to develop MTA promotional materials.

Represent the MTA and Arts & Design to Outside Stakeholders

The success of the Arts & Design program depends on effective communication with a wide range of public agencies and nonprofit organizations with a stake in New York City.

The Director:

• Participates in professional forums and elevates the MTA brand in public art circles.
• Publish materials on the program's successes and practices.
• Maintains a network of artists and other leaders in the field of public art.
• Represents the MTA in conversations with local community stakeholders, including community-based organizations, Community Boards, and elected officials, about the value that art brings to New Yorkers and New York neighborhoods.

Oversee Staff

A talented and motivated team is key to the success of Arts & Design.

The Director:

• Selects, develops, and motivates personnel within the department.
• Provides career opportunities, effective coaching, and counseling for subordinates.
• Reviews the performance of staff and is responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary.
• Creates a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in arts, arts management, or design, or a degree in public or business administration with emphasis on arts management in an urban environment.
• A minimum of 8 - 10 years of experience in public or private sector administration in the field of art and/or design. Knowledge and sensitivity to urban planning.
• A minimum of 6 - 8 years supervising staff under direct authority and experience in gaining cooperation of staff not under authority.
• A minimum of 3 - 5 years of budget experience.
• Excellent writing, oral communications, and presentation skills. Excellent negotiation and conflict management skills. Architectural/Industrial design background essential.

Other Information

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites .

According 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").

Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MNR drivers, or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

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