Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s core values are built around safety, service, equity, and sustainability and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Director of Safety Data and Analytics (SD&A) oversees the collection, processing, and interpretation of data, leading a team that delivers actionable insights and supports data-driven decision-making across the organization. The Director of SD&A works with other MBTA departments to connect data science with strategic planning, ensuring complex data is understandable among diverse audiences. The Director is responsible for identifying key data relationships and performance improvement strategies that enhance the organization’s safety performance. The Director manages multiple diverse and complex data analysis projects and addresses structural data needs to achieve efficiencies and process improvements.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Work within the Safety Division and with external stakeholders from other divisions to identify data analysis opportunities, assess appropriate data analysis techniques, and optimize data visualization approaches.
• Develop and implement data collection, storage, analysis, and reporting strategies that improve the team’s overall efficacy while enhancing safety performance insights.
• Delegate responsibilities to SD&A staff and track productivity and quality by establishing expectations, providing guidance, and coaching performance.
• Effectively instruct team members in data mining, acquisition, analysis, and presentation skills.
• Ensure the team’s projects are adequately scoped, planned, and staffed; track, address and communicate project risks, deliverables, and milestones with relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure departmental programs, procedures, and guidance documents are created and revised as required to document SD&A processes, including but not limited to data collection practices, analysis methods, data presentation, and quality standards.
• Engage external stakeholders, and perform independent audits, to ensure the team’s reports and dashboards are effective; provide constructive feedback for staff when necessary.
• Oversee safety performance monitoring as prescribed by 49 CFR Part 673 through collection and analysis of data from across the MBTA.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Supervision

• Directly supervise a deputy director. Indirectly supervise a team of coordinators, analysts, specialists, and leads.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Business Administration, Statistics, Mathematics, Data Analytics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in transportation including data analysis, data science, operational performance management, statistical analysis, plan development, program auditing, or related field.
• Three (3) years’ relevant experience in data analytics.
• Five (5) years of leadership, managerial, and/or supervisory experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to drive a company or personal vehicle to visit/inspect work sites and to assist at emergencies and/or events twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
• Expertise in data processing and experience with SQL, Python, R, STATA, or similar tools and data analysis techniques.
• Expertise in data visualization and experience with Tableau, PowerBI, or similar tools.
• Excellent analytic, quantitative, and problem-solving skills with proven ability to deliver actionable insights.
• Working knowledge of technical systems as related to reporting data flows, programming development.
• Ability to assertively manage people and mediate any conflicts to resolution.
• Model and promote positive workplace behaviors and ethics.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to effectively communicate with all levels within the organization.
• Strong organization, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and coordinate collaboratively within a team.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and balance multiple priorities to meet deadlines.
• Flexibility to frequently transition from one project assignment to another.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders, including senior management, project managers, and subject matter experts.
• Ability to complete, apply, and adhere to concepts in safety training including but not limited to SMS Fundamentals and Incident Command Systems (ICS) 100, 200, 700, and 800 within one (1) month of employment.
• Ability to complete a Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP) within three (3) years of employment.
• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. A successful applicant must have English language skills required for the effective performance of the position.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experience.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team (or supervise, if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.

Substitutions Include

• 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's 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

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Business Administration, Statistics, Mathematics, Data Analytics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Transit Safety and Security Program (TSSP) Certification.
• Public Transportation Safety Certification (PTSCTP) Certification.
• Operational experience with Lean Six Sigma and DMAIC problem solving methods, or similar frameworks.
• Experience with statistical modeling or data science.
• Possession of a World Safety Organization (WSO) Certificate or equivalent.
• Working knowledge/understanding of 49 CFR Parts 672 (Public Transportation Safety) and 673 (Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan – PTASP).

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team (or supervise, if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting their positions and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

1. General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
2. Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. Recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
3. Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
4. Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
5. Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA, but a valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number are required prior to starting work. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
6. Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
7. Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
8. On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
9. Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
10. ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com.
11. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.
12. Intern / Co-Op / Fellow Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship, co-op, or fellowship at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns, co-ops, or fellows.

Employment Benefits at the MBTA

Full-Time Employees:

The MBTA offers comprehensive benefits packages to full-time employees. Types of benefits offered at the MBTA are subject to the union affiliation / Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) of the position to which you apply. Benefits that may apply to your position include the following:

• Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life (basic and supplemental), and Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation, Personal Days, Sick Leave, and Holidays
• Retirement: Pension or deferred compensation 401(a), plus MBTA contributions
• Complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system (bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail)
• Tuition Reimbursement (up to $10,000 per year)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for student loans
• Commuter Choice Parking Program: Pre-tax benefits for parking
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax benefits for healthcare-related expenses
• Discounted tickets for concerts, movies, travel / vacation, etc. via TicketsAtWork.com
• Shopping discounts via GovX.com
• Verizon and AT&T service discounts
• And more...

Internships:

Internship positions are not eligible for most MBTA Benefits. However, paid sick time may be incurred. Each intern also receives a complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system (bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail) to use throughout the duration of their internship. Please contact the assigned Recruiter directly or email internships@mbta.com for more information.

Disclaimer:

The above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the MBTA, which may or may not apply to a specific position. This summary is not a contract and is not meant to change the provisions of union contracts or Authority policies and does not establish a binding practice. Please contact the assigned Recruiter directly or email hrstaffing@mbta.com for more information.

The MBTA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer