Job Description

Posting number: 26-20291

Department: MBTA - Bus Transportation

Division: 441-Bus Transportation - Admin

Job classification: Senior Project Manager, Better Bus Network

Posting type: Open/External and Promotional/Internal

Categories: Project Management

Summary

The Better Bus Network, a core component of the MBTA’s Better Bus Project, leads the multi-year Bus Network Redesign to make bus service a more reliable and accessible choice for travelers. The team develops and advances service improvements by building internal consensus, managing change-management efforts, and coordinating the planning of bus-supportive infrastructure such as busways, bus stops, and intersections. Working closely with Municipal and State roadway owners, the team reshapes streets to improve bus operations, enable service changes, and support a safer and more equitable transportation system.

Within this effort, the Senior Project Manager, Better Bus Network is responsible for implementing critical outstanding elements of the redesign by initiating design and engineering work, engaging municipalities and partner agencies, securing required approvals, leading public outreach, and guiding internal operational changes. They oversee a varied and often complex portfolio of projects—from major roadway corridor reconstructions and busway redesigns to accessibility upgrades and transit-priority initiatives—serving as lead Project Manager during the 0–15% design stage and supporting project delivery in collaboration with Capital Delivery, Service Planning, Operations, and Safety.

Examples of duties

• Lead conceptual design activities, advancing transit priority designs for bus lanes, busways, traffic signals, and changes to streets and intersections that put bus riders’ needs first and enable service changes.
• Manage design and engineering consultant contracts to ensure project and program requirements are fulfilled and that contract cost and schedule requirements are met.
• Lead the development of project scopes, budgets, and schedules as part of the capital planning process.
• Manage the procurement of consultants and contractors, as required.
• Negotiate project assignments, task orders, amendments, change orders, and make recommendations for approval.
• Coordinate project tasks with MBTA Capital Delivery Department colleagues, including contract administration, field staff, and other project coordinators, as required.
• Coordinate project activities with colleagues across the MBTA, including but not limited to Bus Operations, Systemwide Accessibility, Information Technology, and others.
• Manage reporting of activities in compliance with FTA/FHWA requirements.
• Manage coordination of activities with outside entities (e.g., institutions, residents, abutters) as required.
• Lead the approvals process, including but not limited to environmental permits and approvals, real estate actions, and other permits and approvals
• Lead the creation, negotiation, and execution of interagency and municipal agreements (e.g., MOUs) and other third-party agreements.
• Organize and prioritize workload and be proactive in identifying project needs/requirements. Prepare project-related correspondence, reports, charts, and presentations utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel, Database, and PowerPoint.
• Prepare for and make project presentations to elected officials, community groups, and others as necessary.
• Work independently in addressing complex tasks in a time-sensitive environment. Follow up on actions required to complete tasks and projects, seeking guidance as needed.
• Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor, or co-worker, in a courteous and professional manner consistent with the Authority's Customer Service quality standard.
• Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
• Visit work sites and/or attend off-site meetings, occasionally outside of usual workdays and hours as necessary.
• Assist in the management of a workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the Authority, including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment, and Anti-Retaliation policies.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Additional responsibilities may include a focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location-specific functions.

Supervision

• None.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, City and Regional Planning, Architecture, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Five (5) years of experience in the planning, design, and/or construction of infrastructure, roadway, or transit projects.
• Two (2) years of experience leading the activities of staff, consultants, or a cross-functional team.
• Strong communication, analytical, organizational, time-management, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively, act with transparency, and apply sound problem-solving approaches.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, databases, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service, resolve conflicts, and communicate professionally with customers, employees, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce and foster positive working relationships.
• Ability to comprehend and respond to instructions, notices, and inquiries clearly and efficiently.
• Ability to participate in local boards, committees, or municipal meetings—often during evening hours—as needed.
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively as part of a team, or in a supervisory capacity.
• Commitment to upholding the rights and interests of the MBTA while maintaining constructive relationships with colleagues and partners.

Substitutions

• 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 and an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitute 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.

Supplemental information

• Seven years of experience in the planning, design, and/or construction of infrastructure, roadway, or transit projects.
• Demonstrated experience leading multi-jurisdictional construction projects in the public realm, such as street modifications or public infrastructure improvements.
• Demonstrated experience working on municipal or state-level projects.
• Familiarity with MBTA and MassDOT project delivery processes, environmental requirements, and permitting procedures.
• Familiarity with NACTO, MassDOT, AASHTO, and MBTA engineering and construction standards.
• Demonstrated ability to read engineering plan sets from 15% through 100% design and interpret their implications for transit operations.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple complex projects with diverse stakeholders.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Civil Engineering, Traffic Engineering, City/Regional Planning, or Architecture.
• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Engineering or City and Regional Planning (preferred).
• Registered Professional Engineer (PE) in Civil or Traffic Engineering.
• Familiarity with NearMap, BlueBeam, and/or Trimble (E-Builder) software.