Director Internal Investigations - Operations

Summary

 

The MTA Construction & Development (C&D) Director, Internal Investigations, will lead a centralized investigative function overseeing sensitive, complex, and high-impact matters across the agency. The investigations may include, but are not limited to, Employee Misconduct, Time and Attendance, Workplace Conflict, Fraud, Theft, Workplace Violence, Computer Misuse, and non-compliance with the Respectful Workplace Policy. In this role, the Director exercises significant independent judgment in conducting and overseeing complex workplace investigations, determining findings, and recommending disciplinary or corrective actions in accordance with MTA policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable laws. The Director works in collaboration with various key business stakeholders and advisors, including MTA Legal, Labor, People, EEO, and Safety. Oversee and provide strategic guidance in resolving complex operational program support requests, addressing challenges related to employee conduct, policy, or procedures. The incumbent in this position will develop, implement, and execute investigative strategies, supervise a team of investigators, ensure consistency and legal compliance across all matters, and serve as a key advisor to management and senior leadership. This role is critical to maintaining integrity, due process, employee safety, and a respectful workplace.

 

Responsibilities

 

Supports the Assistant Vice President, Operations Program Support of Labor and Employee Relations, Senior Leadership, and Business Unit Leads with internal workplace investigations. 

 

Direct the end-to-end investigation process, ensuring adherence to MTA Policy and Procedures, New York State Labor laws, Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA), and New York State Civil Service Rules.

 

Conduct investigations into allegations of wrongdoing, such as employee misconduct, theft, fraud, payroll, time and attendance, procurement policy (i.e., credit card), respectful workplace policy, internet usage, workplace violence, including investigating alleged violations identified in inter-agency and external workplace investigations.

 

Gather information, interview witnesses, analyze data, and prepare high-level, high-profile reports and make appropriate recommendations to senior management.

 

Directly prepare data analysis, reporting, and presentations related to project management, business unit, and/or departmental operations.

 

Manage and direct the timely resolution of employee complaints.

 

Ensure effective coordination and liaise with C&D business units and leadership on issues such as training requests, audit responses, internal controls, EEO, workers' compensation, Safety, legal, and leave management.

 

Coordinate with related parties throughout C&D and the MTA agencies as necessary.

Provide advice and guidance regarding employee/labor relations matters.

 

Partner with union leaders, department heads, the People Department, and Labor Relations to ensure fair resolution of disputes and compliance with CBAs.

 

Participate in mediations, conflict resolution, and grievance procedures as needed.

 

Identify patterns and make recommendations to update workplace policies relative to trends identified based upon the results of an investigation.

 

Maintain oversight of case tracking systems and confidential documentation.

 

Provide executive-level reports, dashboards, and analysis on Labor/Employee relations trends, risks, and outcomes.

 

Advise senior leadership on risk areas, policy changes, and training needs with the goal of effectuating a more respectful workplace culture.

 

Supervise staff and administer work. Select, develop, and motivate personnel within the department. 

 

Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling.

 

Education and Experience

 

Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice Administration, Political Science, Human Resources, Labor Relations, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field.

 

Must have a minimum of ten (10) years of related experience.

 

Must have a minimum of five (5) years in a managerial or supervisory role and/or project manager role in a large, multi-faceted organization.

 

Master's Degree and/or JD preferred.

 

Competencies:

 

Demonstrated ability to work in a large, complex construction, transportation, or operating environment with multiple work locations and a large employee population.

 

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

 

Demonstrated experience in managing diverse administrative functions supporting the operations of a large organization.

 

Demonstrated ability and understanding of how to conduct and utilize investigative techniques.

 

Ability to draft thorough and concise investigative reports.

 

Ability to manage complex, sensitive issues with high confidentiality and judgment.

 

Ability to analyze complex problems and come to direct solutions through independent decision-making.

 

Ability to interface effectively with senior management, staff, MTA affiliates, and various internal/external stakeholders and organizations.

 

Knowledge of the overall capital program and how operational business solutions are positioned, deployed, and supported within MTA Construction and Development and throughout the MTA.

 

Knowledge of MTA's policies, procedures, and guidelines, specifically labor, employment, EEO, and Safety.

 

Knowledge of MTA's labor relations, unions, and collective bargaining agreements.

 

Possess excellent team building, listening, problem-solving, and prioritization skills.

 

Possess excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.

 

Proficient knowledge and ability to create, maintain, and update SharePoint lists, databases, MS Excel, MS PowerApps, MS Power BI, and MS Forms, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Teams, or similar applications.

 

Other Information

Pursuant 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").

Selection Criteria

Based on the evaluation of education, skills, experience, and interview.

 

How to Apply

MTA employees must apply via My MTA Portal. You can submit an online application by logging into My MTA Portal, clicking the My Job Search ribbon, and selecting the "Careers" link. Logging in through My MTA Portal will link your BSC ID number to your job application to identify you as an internal applicant.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are equal opportunity employers, including those with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

 

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