Chief of Staff

Assists the Chief Operating Officer (COO) in managing the overall daily functions of the MBTA Operations department. The Chief of Staff will manage, coordinate, track, and support projects and initiatives within Operations that advance MBTA strategic priorities. Additionally, the Chief of Staff will oversee 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 COO on policy, process, management, and personnel matters.

This position must have the ability to think critically and independently, while possessing the ability to work productively and proactively without constant, direct supervision. Must be able to maintain and exercise discretion and sound judgment in handling confidential information and must possess excellent project management skills, with demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, and utilize staff members to accomplish assigned work objectives in a timely manner to meet deadlines.

• Serve as a member of the MBTA Operations Senior Leadership Team and work closely with fellow senior leaders to implement key initiatives and projects.
• Lead and influence the entire workforce into the next chapter of the MBTA.
• Collaborate with the COO and participate in decision‑making, program management, and initiative implementation.
• Steer identified projects and initiatives on behalf of the COO, to achieve the following:
• Ensuring successful completion within established timelines.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration across Operations departments to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
• Provide project updates and recommendations for improvement to Executive and Senior Leadership Team as needed.
• Serve as liaison from Operations to the other division leadership teams, including Capital, Administrative teams, Safety, and QCOO.
• Assist in preparing and reviewing Operations materials for the Board meetings and other public presentations to guarantee effective and accurate communication.
• Attend both internal and external meetings on behalf of the COO, including mandatory DPU and FTA meetings.
• Act on behalf of the COO to ensure that accurate Operations Personnel are identified and participating in required meetings and planning discussions related to Capital initiatives and Oversight activities.
• Identify and address opportunities for improvement related to business processes to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
• Supervise the Executive Assistant to the COO to ensure the successful completion of day‑to‑day operational tasks in support of the COO’s calendar, travel, and communications while working together to streamline the COO’s workload and enhance productivity.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

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

• Direct supervision of a director‑level position, Project Manager, and two Project Coordinators who help facilitate the day‑to‑day as well as long‑term strategy of the office of the COO and execute cross‑functional initiatives.
• Supervision of the COO’s Executive Assistant.

• 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, preferably in a large or complex organization.
• Five (5) years of experience managing staff and/or large‑scale, enterprise‑wide programs and projects.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to think strategically and develop creative solutions.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information in an appropriate manner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

• 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 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 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.

• None