Director Arts & Design

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.

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.”

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…