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Director Arts & Design

Job ID: 11807

Business Unit: MTA Headquarters

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Department: Arts & Design

Date Posted: May 20, 2025

Description

POSTING NO.

11807

JOB TITLE:

Director Arts & Design

DEPT/DIV:

Office of Policy and External Relations

WORK LOCATION:

2 Broadway

FULL/PART-TIME

FUL L

SALARY RANGE:

$180,000 - $205,000

DEADLINE:

Until filled

This position is eligible for teleworking , which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective hire date.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Position Objective:

The Director of Arts & Design oversees the development and delivery of all art-related activities for the MTA and its constituent agencies. Arts & Design runs an ambitious Permanent Art program, as well as several temporary art programs including Music Under New York, Poetry in Motion, photography exhibitions, a Digital Art program, a Poster program, as well as special projects.

The Director also advises MTA agencies, on an as-needed basis, on architectural/industrial design and customer interface design, and the impact that MTA facilities have on public space. The Director maintains liaison with the art community in New York and beyond.

This position directs and manages a division that presents the MTA in a positive light, often bringing joy and beauty to the daily commute. The position makes aesthetic decisions for and with MTA operating agencies, each of which has its own unique transit environment and aesthetic sensibilities. These decisions impact the built environment in ways that impact the quality of life for the customer in the Transit system. Arts & Design contributes to the creation of a cohesive architectural/industrial design image throughout all agencies. The team is also responsible for ensuring that the MTA positively impacts public spaces directly adjacent to our facilities, whether through station design or construction impact management. The Director is an important spokesperson for the MTA in reaching local, national and international audiences about the importance of art in the transit experience. The Director must be an effective communicator in the art world, as well as a constructive actor in the MTA “bureaucracy.”

Responsibilities:

Improve Stations with Permanent Art

+ Major station rehabilitation projects are typically eligible to receive new permanent art.

+ Negotiates the scale, budget and location of the new art

+ Oversee the management of a community-oriented process to identify and select artists, help them develop art that creates a unique identity for each station.

+ Oversees fabrication into a durable material that meets architectural, and safety needs and delivers projects per C&D specs and timeline.

+ Promotes the installation of new art projects with external stakeholders.

Maintain the MTA’s Vast Permanent Art Collection

+ The Arts & Design program has installed more than 425 permanent art projects since its founding in 1985. Such a vast collection requires a comprehensive conservation program. In addition, there are situations in which a station construction project impacts an existing art project.

+ Develops and maintains appropriate guidelines for the long-term care of art. Works with appropriate agency personnel to ensure proper implementation of maintenance guidelines.

+ Oversee the process to prioritize repair / replacement needs and assigns budget. Ensure that the work is done properly and cost-effectively.

+ Oversees protection and modifications to existing artwork impacted by capital construction projects.

+ Oversee the documentation of all permanent and temporary artwork in the system and at MTA Headquarters.

Advise on the Architectural Design of Stations and Public Spaces

+ Construction & Development occasionally calls on Arts & Design to advise on the design of stations or elements of stations

+ Provides design review in an advisory capacity for station design, architectural finishes and/or industrial design elements.

+ Serves on or organizes design charettes as needed.

+ Pays special attention to the impact that station design has on public spaces directly adjacent to stations and other MTA facilities.

+ Provides design review in an advisory capacity for construction management / public space disruption design. Works with Government and Community Relations to balance the needs of Construction & Development with those of community members at the street-level during capital construction.

Manage a Dynamic Program of Live Performance Art in the System

+ Commuters and other visitors in the transit system delight in moments of joy provided by live performance art in stations.

+ Oversee the management of the Music Under New York program, which includes a dynamic and a dynamic roster of talented musicians playing music in the transit system.

+ Oversee annual auditions and special musical events as needed.

+ Develop and oversee the implementation of a calendar of other special performing arts projects, including dance, theater and other impromptu opportunities.

Promote Other Special and Temporary Art Projects and Programs

+ Arts & Design provides art content for hundreds of digital screens, lightboxes and traditional poster frames in trains and stations. The team also provides art for special projects as requested by MTA agencies (e.g. special anniversaries or other milestones/celebrations) to promote individual agencies or the Authority as a whole.

+ Oversee the successful delivery of art for the poster program, digital art, Poetry in Motion and the photography lightbox program.

+ Initiates and implements new special projects in cooperation with MTA operating agencies as opportunities present themselves.

+ Oversee collaboration projects with MTA Marketing, the Transit Museum and other internal entities to develop MTA promotional materials.

Elevate the Visibility and Positive Impact of the MTA through Art

+ The Arts & Design program builds good will for the MTA by providing moments of beauty for transit customers and elevating the voices of artists and communities.

+ Serves as an ambassador for the MTA with community leaders and elected officials, highlighting MTA’s investment in permanent and responsive art programs in public transit – New York’s “town square”.

+ Lead efforts to use art as an opportunity to engage with MTA customers through in-person events and social media.

+ Launches a new marketing and merchandising initiative to disseminate MTA branding and Arts & Design branding.

Represent the MTA and Arts & Design to Outside Stakeholders

+ The success of the Arts & Design program depends on effective communication with a wide range of public agencies and nonprofit organizations with a stake in New York City.

+ Participates in professional forums and elevating the MTA brand in public art circles.

+ Publishes materials on the program’s successes and practices.

+ Maintains a network of artists and other leaders in the field of public art.

+ Represents the MTA in conversations with local community stakeholders, including community-based organizations, Community Boards and elected officials about the value that art brings to New Yorkers and New York neighborhoods.

Oversee Staff

+ A talented and motivated team is key to the success of Arts & Design.

+ Select, develops and motivates personnel within the department.

+ Provides career opportunities, effective coaching and counseling for subordinates.

+ Reviews performance of staff and is responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary.

+ Creates a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.

Is held accountable for overseeing and evaluating contractor performance, where applicable:

+ Observing the work performed by the contractor.

+ Reviewing invoices and approving them if the work has contractual standards.

+ Addressing performance issues with the contractor when possible; and

+ Escalating issues with other parties as needed.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

+ Attention to detail.

+ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

+ Excellent organizational and presentation skills.

+ Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization, including senior management.

+ Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies. External agencies may include the Governor’s Office for New York State, New York City government, elected and other public officials, as well as any staff located at other federal or state agencies or authorities.

+ Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively.

+ Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.

+ 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 complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.

+ Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills

+ Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Required Education and Experience:

+ Bachelor’s degree in arts, arts management, design, urban planning or a degree in public or business administration with emphasis on arts management in an urban environment.

+ A minimum of 12 years’ experience in public or private sector administration in the field of art and/or design and/or urban planning.

+ A minimum of 6 years’ supervising staff under direct authority and experience gaining cooperation of staff who are not under authority.

+ Excellent writing, oral communications, and presentation skills. Excellent negotiation and conflict management skills. Architectural/Industrial/urban design background essential.

P referred:

+ Master’s degree in a related field.

+ A minimum of 3 - 5 years budget experience.

+ Knowledge of conservation and fabrication techniques, as well as fundamentals of architecture and design.

Other Information

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites .

According 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”).

Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MNR drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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

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