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 Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is, behind the Commonwealth of Massachusetts itself, the second largest landholder within the Commonwealth. MBTA properties and assets primarily serve operational needs, but also are an important source of revenue and are sometimes used for transit-oriented development opportunities. The Chief Real Estate Officer manages the Authoritys revenue-generating real estate assets, and leads property redevelopment, acquisition, and leasing activities. The Chief oversees acquisitions of property for Right of Way and other MBTA operations; manages an extensive portfolio of leases, licenses and management agreements for retail concessions, utilities, telecommunications, land and train/bus facilities; oversees ground leasing or sale of property and air rights for residential and commercial redevelopment; issues new licenses for use of the MBTAs property; and manages the Authoritys Parking, Advertising, street furniture and station access facilities and programs. This position also identifies opportunities to realize non-fare revenue and cost savings from the use of its real estate assets, including identifying, planning, permitting, and offering MBTA real estate for potential development opportunities, and negotiating development agreements with selected developers, all while ensuring that the operational needs of the Authority are considered and met. The Chief will work collaboratively with other state agencies in the pursuit of the Governors housing and economic development goals while continuing to ensure the necessary asset capacity required for all MBTA operations.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Oversee management of the Authoritys parking garages and lots, the commuter rail passenger concourses at Back Bay, North and South stations, the South Station Headhouse and Bus Terminal, through management contracts or leases.
- Generate non-fare revenue by utilizing the Authoritys real estate assets for parking, advertising, telecommunications, concessions, utilities, and third-party land use including housing and commercial development.
- Manage the acquisition of property to meet the MBTAs operational and capital needs, whether by temporary or permanent easements or fee acquisition.
- Oversee identification of real estate assets to meet the MBTAs operational goals, and efficiencies in the use of existing assets to realize cost savings and operational improvements.
- Manage the MBTAs portfolio of leases, licenses and management agreements for retail concessions, utilities, telecommunications, and land use.
- Oversee the MBTAs Advertising and Street Furniture programs, including billboards, fixed and digital advertising in stations and on transit vehicles, bus shelters and kiosks.
- Review requests for use of the MBTAs property, negotiate and issue new leases, licenses, and easements pursuant to a canvassing review process.
- Identify MBTA real estate appropriate for development through lease or outright sale by understanding the value of each location and the opportunities for growth that these sites create; work with operating
- departments and communities to plan and permit appropriate uses of the sites consistent with the Authoritys operational needs.
- Develop Requests for Proposals and Invitations to Bid for identified properties. Select developers and negotiate development agreements, leases and/or other legal agreements as appropriate.
- Oversee the MBTAs Station Access program to encourage last-mile connections such as bikes, shuttles, and pedestrian amenities.
- Maintain current market knowledge and provide data driven input to inform the strategic decisions and direction of the MBTA.
- Effectively manage staff and contracted real estate consultants.
- Work with municipal partners to maximize effective use of existing MBTA property, acquire new property, and plan for appropriate development. Work with communities to address concerns.
- Work with Finance and others to identify potential revenue opportunities for the MBTA.
- Refine and elaborate the Authoritys Transit Oriented Development policy.
- Work with government affairs, local markets and legal team as needed.
- Represent the Authority and Administrations goals to impacted communities, developers, brokers, and other interested parties.
- Perform outreach to internal and external stakeholders. Work collaboratively with other state agencies in the pursuit of the Governors housing and economic development goals while continuing to ensure the necessary asset capacity required for all MBTA operations.
- Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
- Perform related duties and projects assigned.
Supervision
- Real Estate Team which includes a Deputy Chief and three (3) Senior Directors.
Minimum Requirements & Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in real estate, urban planning and/or development, economics, business finance, engineering, architecture, public administration, or a related field.
- Fifteen (15) years of experience in real estate, planning, economic development, or related field.
- Seven (7) years of senior management experience.
- Knowledge of finance and budgeting, and experience negotiating real estate related business deals.
- Ability to develop and implement business plans.
- Excellent communication skills including public speaking skills.
- The ability to use Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint.
- The ability to pass background screenings and the MBTAs drug and alcohol screening.
- The ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in an appropriate manner.
- Excellent customer service, interpersonal, presentation and conflict resolution skills.
Substitutions Include
- A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelors degree requirement.
- An associate degree from an accredited institution an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelors degree requirement.
- A masters degree in a related subject substitute 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
- Masters degree in real estate, urban planning and/or development, economics, business finance, engineering, architecture, public administration, or a related field.
- Public sector experience and knowledge of state processes.
- Senior management experience in a large organization.
- Experience with real estate related database, property management and GIS software.
Job Conditions:
- Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English
- 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 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 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
Disclaimers and Definitions:
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. Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established. 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. 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. 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. 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. Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing. 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. 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. ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTAs ADA Unit at 617-###-#### or ...@mbta.com. 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. PDN-9da2202d-4794-4e79-aec9-13bf8a5650dd