The Bus Transformation Office (BTO) oversees the Better Bus Project, a portfolio of activities at the MBTA aiming to make bus an easy first choice for more travelers. We implement the Bus Network Redesign and Transit Priority Vision, we “tell the story” of what’s happening across the full spectrum of activities, we cast a vision for what a transformed bus network would look like, we measure and share progress against that vision, and we advocate for resources and drive progress across all projects—some of which we directly manage, some of which we don’t. We are building a team culture of mutual respect and trust, centered on a passion for improving bus service at the MBTA.
The Better Bus Project Management Office (BB PMO) implements BTO-led initiatives, most notably the Bus Network Redesign (BNR). The team’s portfolio includes identifying infrastructure needs critical to implementing service changes, generating conceptual designs for capital projects, advancing design and plan sets through municipal and community processes, and driving alignment and progress across all participating and stakeholder MBTA departments to meet project milestones and goals on-time, on-budget. The BB PMO is the main proponent for Bus Transformation, and leads through influence based on trust of our expertise and ability to deliver results.
The Assistant Project Manager of Bus Transformation directly supports the Project Manager through every aspect of project lifecycle, including driving and tracking progress, leading planning and design phases, supporting interdepartmental coordination to completion in engineering and construction phases, reporting results and lessons learned. The Assistant Project Manager of Bus Transformation will help identify bus stop improvement needs, design solutions, and deliver better bus infrastructure across MBTA’s 6,000+ bus stops. The Assistant Project Manager will learn how to plan and deliver small capital projects, and how we drive change at the MBTA across infrastructure, processes, and people. The Assistant Project Manager will receive day-to-day supervision by the Project Manager of your shared portfolio. This role offers an exciting opportunity to kick off a career in project management in service of transforming the MBTA’s workhorse: the bus!
Responsibilities
- Assist Bus Network Redesign (BNR) implementation and bus stop improvement projects by collaborating with various internal MBTA departments, external stakeholders, and municipalities, ensuring project and program requirements are fulfilled, and that cost and schedule requirements are met.
- Assist stakeholder management in support of the Better Bus Project, including Safety, Bus Operations, Capital Delivery, Service Planning, Systemwide Access, Customer and Employee Experience, Technology Innovation Department, Vehicle Engineering, and others to ensure that all projects align with Bus Transformation Office (BTO) priorities and goals.
- Analyze operational and survey data to evaluate the effectiveness, public perception, and success of Bus Transformation efforts in topics such as bus stop accessibility, trip planning, transfers between other transit modes, safety, and service quality.
- Consult planning studies and processes that inform and/or impact bus service and policy, including related transit plans, bus technology, proposed changes to bus infrastructure and facilities, Transit Action Plans, development projects, roadway maintenance, and other initiatives.
- Represent the BTO through clear, concise, and timely communications, including in public forums such as commission meetings, public engagement events, and presentations (often occurring in evenings after regular work hours).
- Assist in coordinating with municipal officials, the public, and other outside parties for projects that require collaboration and coordination for project development and delivery.
- Attend, organize, and document project meetings, including agenda and minutes when required.
- Engage with and make presentations to BTO leaders and other internal stakeholders such as Service Planning, Operations, and Capital Delivery, and external MBTA stakeholders such as municipalities, other public agencies, and vendors.
- Assist in the development of project scopes, budgets, and schedules as part of the capital planning process under the direction of a project manager or director.
- Assist preparation of presentations to senior management, elected officials, community groups, as well as progress updates related to projects.
- Assist and participate in Project Design Group meetings, value engineering sessions, constructability reviews, and risk workshops as needed.
- Prepare project-related correspondence, reports, charts, and presentations utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel, Database, and PowerPoint.
- Conduct site visits and other field work.
- Drive a company vehicle to visit work sites, including associated coordination.
- Assist in the procurement of consultants and contractors, as required.
- Organize and prioritize workload, be pro-active identifying project needs/requirements.
- Work independently in addressing complex tasks in a time-sensitive environment.
- Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.
Supervision
- May task and manage work by third-party contractors.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, or a related field.
- Zero to three (0-3) years of experience in transportation planning, engineering, project management, construction management, architecture, or a related field.
- Ability to effectively communicate with customers, employees, vendors, contractors, designers, public officials, and/or municipal, state, and federal agencies.
- Effective organizational, analytical, quantitative, and time management skills.
- Proficiency with office productivity software such as Microsoft Office, Slack, and similar applications.
Substitutions for Bachelor's Degree
- 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.
Preferred Experience and Skills
- Proficiency rendering design plans to guide planning decisions ahead of design.
- Proficiency using geospatial mapping software, such as ArcGIS, Remix, etc.
- Familiarity with NACTO standards.
- Master’s Degree in civil engineering, construction management, facilities management, urban planning, public policy, public administration, or a related field from an accredited institution.
- Two (2) years experience with managing public engagement, planning, and/or infrastructure projects including planning studies, design and construction, and public agency coordination.