Chief of Staff - Budget and Capital Program Management

About the Role

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) is searching for a seasoned, strategic professional to become the Chief of Staff reporting to the Associate Commissioner of Budget and Capital Program Management (BCPM). This role supports oversight of a division responsible for managing DOT's Ten-Year Capital Program valued at roughly $34 billion, alongside a $1.6 billion operating budget. The Chief of Staff will influence capital financial planning, project performance, grants administration, and overall budget and capital strategies for the agency.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise the Associate Commissioner on strategic priorities including capital program management, budgeting, operations, and organizational matters.
• Manage oversight of the Capital Program, including the Ten-Year Capital Strategy, Commitment Plan, and cash flow forecasting.
• Track progress of major capital initiatives, identify risks in funding, schedule, scope, and delivery, and devise mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with divisions such as engineering, construction, finance, procurement, and planning to enhance project delivery and program performance.
• Coordinate with external agencies, including the Office of Management and Budget, Mayor's Office, Department of Design and Construction, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and Economic Development Corporation.
• Support the development and implementation of DOT's budget, Financial Plan, and agencywide fiscal strategies.
• Lead in-depth executive analyses to inform strategic decision-making related to capital, financial, and operational matters.
• Prepare briefing materials, reports, presentations, testimonies, and correspondence for leadership, City Hall, and key stakeholders.
• Facilitate cross-divisional initiatives spanning Budget, Capital Program Management, Grants & Fiscal Management, Procurement, Engineering, and Finance.
• Monitor progress on strategic initiatives and executive priorities, ensuring accountability and timely communication organization-wide.
• Create performance metrics, management processes, and reporting mechanisms to improve oversight of capital and operating programs.
• Represent the Associate Commissioner in meetings with city officials, external agencies, elected representatives, consultants, and other stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with at least five years of full-time supervisory or administrative experience within the last 15 years, including two years in a managerial or executive role centered on business promotion or urban economic planning; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that includes at least two years managerial/executive experience.
• Graduate studies can substitute for general experience on a year-for-year basis.
• A high school diploma or equivalent approved by an accredited organization is required.

Preferred Expertise

• Strong knowledge in capital program management, infrastructure planning, capital finance, engineering, construction management, public administration, or municipal budgeting.
• Proven track record managing complex, interdisciplinary projects involving multiple stakeholders across organizations.
• Understanding of capital planning, commitment tracking, project controls, financial forecasting, and performance evaluation.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with an aptitude for synthesizing financial, operational, and capital data into strategic recommendations.
• Exceptional communication skills for preparing executive-level reports, presentations, and briefings.
• Robust project management and organizational skills capable of handling multiple priorities in dynamic environments.
• Skill in building consensus and fostering collaboration among technical, operational, financial, and executive teams.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and data analysis software.
• Experience in municipal government, transportation infrastructure, or capital project delivery is highly desirable.

Additional Information

• This position is also open to individuals eligible under the 55-a Program for persons with disabilities; applicants should indicate interest accordingly on their application materials.
• New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of employment, with some exceptions for certain titles.
• The City of New York is committed to equal opportunity employment, embracing diversity and prohibiting discrimination on any protected basis.
• Federal loan forgiveness and state repayment assistance programs may be applicable for prospective employees.

Salary Range

The salary for this role ranges from $68,214 to $160,000 annually.