Assistant Director of Design
Role summary
The Assistant Director of Design will lead and manage all design activities for the new Midtown Bus Terminal project, a high-profile capital initiative. This role involves providing oversight across all design phases, leading and mentoring a multidisciplinary team, and ensuring the development of high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective design solutions. The position requires managing design resources, consultant teams, schedules, and budgets, and serving as a primary liaison for coordination with stakeholders. A Bachelor's degree in Architecture and 10 years of experience in transportation facility design, with at least five years managing consultant teams, are required. Professional certification as a Registered Architect is desired.
## Description
About the Role
Major Capital Projects (MCP) has overall responsibility for the design and construction delivery of the new Midtown Bus Terminal and the construction management of the core and shell of the new Hudson Tunnels for the Gateway Development Commission.
Reporting to the Deputy Chief of MCP, the Assistant Director of Design will:
Responsibilities
- Serve as a key leader responsible for directing and managing all design activities for the new Midtown Bus Terminal project, one of the agency’s highest-profile capital initiatives.
- Provide oversight across all phases of the design lifecycle, including planning, conceptual design, design development, final design, and post-award construction support and review.
- Lead, supervise, and mentor a multidisciplinary team of professional and technical design staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performance work environment and ensuring alignment with project objectives and agency standards.
- Lead and manage the Port Authority Bus Terminal Replacement Project Architect team, providing strategic direction, technical guidance, and quality assurance throughout all phases of design and construction support.
- Ability to distill complex design goals into graphic representations for presentation to Port Authority Leadership and external parties.
- Ensure the development of high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective design solutions that meet operational needs, align with agency goals, and comply with all applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Review and approve design deliverables, ensuring consistency, technical accuracy, and adherence to project scope, schedule, and budget requirements.
- Manage design resources effectively, including consultant teams, schedules, and budgets, to ensure efficient delivery of design milestones and optimal use of available resources.
- Serve as the primary liaison for coordination with community stakeholders, elected officials, and New York City agencies, facilitating communication, addressing concerns, and ensuring alignment on project goals, regulatory approvals, and public engagement efforts.
- Direct the development, evaluation, and implementation of value engineering initiatives for the Port Authority Bus Terminal Replacement project, including the assessment of redesign options to enhance cost efficiency, functionality, constructability, and long-term operational performance.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from an accredited college or university.
- Minimum of 10 years' experience in the design of transportation facilities with at least five years managing a consultant team of architects and engineers.
Desired Qualifications
- Professional certification as a Registered Architect (RA).
- Strong conceptualization, problem solving and decision-making skills as evidenced from experience in directing conceptual design and design development of large-scale transportation programs and projects.
- Working knowledge of applicable building codes and laws governing design in the Port Authority of NY & NJ region.
- Demonstrated leadership, creative problem solving, and conflict resolution skills with a collaborative approach to issue resolution.
- Strong emotional intelligence, with the ability to lead diverse teams effectively.
- Passion, vision, and a proactive approach to tackling challenges and solving problems efficiently.
- Sound judgment and the ability to distill complex information for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to produce clear, well-structured memos and presentations.
- Effective listening skills to facilitate collaboration and informed decision-making.
- Experience managing high-pressure environments, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated proficiency in negotiation and influence, effectively engaging individuals at all levels of the organization to achieve desired outcomes.
- Superior oral and written communication and presentation skills including experience making technical or architectural presentations in front of large groups and executive level staff members.
Selection Process
The application process varies by position but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check.
Compensation, Benefits & On-Site Collaboration Requirements
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement. Click here for more information about benefits, our culture, and career development opportunities.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey anticipates that the actual salary offered to a successful candidate will depend on aspects such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and internal factors. The expected compensation range for this role is:
Minimum: $170,820 Maximum: $230,000
In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits employees to work remotely a maximum of one day per week, subject to operational and business needs.
