Accessibility Grants Manager

The Accessibility Grants Manager will identify, secure, and administer state and federal grants (and seek additional revenue sources) for projects and programs that enhance accessibility across the subway, bus, commuter rail, and paratransit systems. Initiatives supported by these grants will make it easier for all customers – including but not exclusively those with disabilities – to use transit, increasing customer satisfaction/ridership while simultaneously bringing needed funds to the agency.



RESPONSIBILITIES:



Help drive MTA’s accessibility strategy, priorities, and approach based on available and potential funding opportunities, in consultation with departmental management and/or HQ Senior Management.
Make recommendations for accessibility policy and procedural changes with final approval from department management and support implementation of such changes.
Meet regularly with Federal Policy and Grants Management teams to develop and execute a strategy for balancing accessibility initiatives with current and potential future funding opportunities.
Seek out and build relationships with other NYS/local agencies to identify and secure non-federal grant sources.
Convene and facilitate regular meetings with operating agencies (e.g., NYCT Department of Subways, NYCT Department of Buses, LIRR, Metro-North) to build both buy-in for accessibility projects and an understanding of operational barriers to prospective project implementation.
Ensure operating partners are prepared to administer grants upon receipt, to timely and successful execution.
Develop reports for upper management to demonstrate progress on awarded grants and succinctly convey labor, material, and political needs.
Work closely with new Bike, Pedestrian, and Mobility Strategic Action Plan (BPM SAP) Coordinator to identify, secure, and administer funding sources that would simultaneously advance shared accessibility and micro mobility goals in the action plan.
Other duties as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS:



Navigating internal needs, strategically matching grant opportunities with appropriate existing or future accessibility initiatives. Within this challenge, there is also a need to balance grant availability with project prioritization based on the potential to offset costs the agency would otherwise incur as part of its capital or operating budget. Project eligibility varies by grant and project importance largely depends on the agency’s financial/accessibility situation in a given period.
Timing – the person in this position must be able to write and secure grants while simultaneously working with a range of internal stakeholders to ensure we are able to implement funding if awarded. There is also a need to figure out team and agency capacity, including what we can realistically apply for now, next month, next year, etc. The person in this position must balance these risks and opportunities, for the short- medium- and long-term, all simultaneously.
Making accessibility a priority for the agencies so we can execute the grants we do get (i.e., ensuring human resources are aligned and ready to do the work, when funded). This includes building internal buy-in for accessibility initiatives, fostering agreement on ever evolving operational constraints and conditions needed for implementation, balancing existing commitments and priorities of operating agencies.
Working in close collaboration with the Grants Management, Federal Policy, and Transit Oriented Development teams, while being outside those teams and with a specific charge around accessibility. These collaboration issues also exist for external agencies such as NYC DOT, where accessibility priorities and funding may differ from the MTA.
Has some level of authority for the decision making, staffing, and budget for their functional area of responsibility, subject to approval regarding the most significant Business and Policy issues by the departmental management and/or Senior Management.
Decision-making authority over their functional area of responsibility is within well-defined, somewhat diversified procedures and precedents.
Analyzes and makes recommendations for policy and procedural changes with final approval from departmental management and/or Senior Management and supports implementation of such changes.
May provide input into overall strategy and approach in consultation with departmental management and/or HQ Senior Management.
Strong knowledge of State and local transportation accessibility regulations and requirements.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, particularly writing skills.
Experience writing successful grant applications, in transportation or a related field, or similar writing experience.
Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization, including both analysts and equivalent, and leadership-level positions.
Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with internal/external stakeholders. External stakeholders may include the Governor’s Office for New York State, New York City government, elected and other public officials, staff located at other federal or state agencies or authorities, or transportation or accessibility advocates.
Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively.
Must have strong managerial skills to effectively direct a staff of professional and technical employees in implementing the short- and long-term goals and direction for the area of responsibility.
Demonstrated ability to manage projects effectively by completing short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible, effectively prioritizing many tasks to deliver results based on external timelines.
Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Interest and excitement around making transit more accessible for all.
May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends) based on external deadlines around grant application submission and administration.
Periodic travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.



EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:



REQUIRED:

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Finance, Transportation, Political Science/Public Policy or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience from an accredited college may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Minimum 5 years related experience (in fields including transportation, accessibility, public finance, grant administration).
Demonstrated supervisory and/or leadership abilities.



PREFERRED:

Master’s degree in a related field.
At least 3 years in a managerial and/or leadership role.
Prior experience working in a large, multi-faceted, fast-paced organization or governmental body.
Experience applying for and administering local, state, and/or federal grants.
Proficiency in Adobe Create Cloud (e.g., InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) or comparable application.
Attainment of or in the process of attaining specific functional licenses or certifications in area of specialty if applicable.
Familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures.



OTHER INFORMATION:

Pursuant 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”).



HOW TO APPLY:

MTA employees must apply via My MTA Portal. You can submit an online application by logging into My MTA Portal, clicking the My Job Search ribbon, and selecting the “Careers” link.



Logging in through My MTA Portal will link your BSC ID number to your job application to identify you as an internal applicant.



Equal Employment Opportunity

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



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