Assistant Director of Design

Port Authority of NY & NJ•New York, NY

19h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Port Authority of NY & NJ 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 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. This role provides oversight across all phases of the design lifecycle, including planning, conceptual design, design development, final design, and post-award construction support and review. The Assistant Director will 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. They will also 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. The role requires the ability to distill complex design goals into graphic representations for presentation to Port Authority Leadership and external parties, and to 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. The Assistant Director will review and approve design deliverables, ensuring consistency, technical accuracy, and adherence to project scope, schedule, and budget requirements. They will manage design resources effectively, including consultant teams, schedules, and budgets, to ensure efficient delivery of design milestones and optimal use of available resources. Additionally, the role serves 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. The Assistant Director will 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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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.