Vice President of Systemwide Accessibility

Vice President of Systemwide Accessibility

This opportunity is a hybrid opportunity allowing for flexibility between virtual and in-person work subject to the Authority's telework policy.

Marketing Statement:

Metro is seeking an innovative and safety-focused Vice President of Systemwide Accessibility. Reporting to the Executive Vice President & Chief Safety & Readiness Officer, this role will direct the implementation, management, interdepartmental coordination, and policy discussions related to Metro's goal to improve accessibility to public transportation; and to carry out responsibilities as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

You will bring industry-leading techniques as you lead the system-wide accessibility organization charged with enhancing accessibility throughout Metro's operations. As Metro's expert authority on the legal compliance of Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act, you will shape the scope of accessibility, including digital accessibility and policy requirements, at Metro. You will serve as the primary liaison with the Accessibility Advisory Committee, attending all meetings and working collaboratively with Metro management. You will lead policy initiatives to support Metro's legal accessibility requirements and compliance with state and federal law. You will also work with various oversight agencies, including but not limited to the FTA, DOT, and various state agencies, reviewing architectural drawings and overseeing site inspections to assess compliance with accessibility standards. Your leadership abilities with both a union and non-union workforce will be essential as you develop the Systemwide Accessibility organization. Apply today if you are ready to lead Metro in becoming a global model of transit accessibility.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering or related field

Experience

• Ten (10) years of experience in management, accessibility and compliance issues, to include at least five (5) years in a supervisory capacity

Certification/Licensure

• N/A

Preferred

• Experience with or at a Public Transit Agency that improved ADA compliance & access including but not limited to operations, planning, design and construction

Medical Group

Satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodations.

Job Summary

The Vice President of Systemwide Accessibility will report directly to the Executive Vice President & Chief Safety & Readiness Officer and direct the development, implementation, interdepartmental coordination and management of the Authority's efforts to carry out its goal to improve accessibility to public transportation for customers of all abilities and to carry out responsibilities as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The incumbent will lead the system-wide accessibility organization charged with enhancing accessibility throughout Metro's operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Direct and implement the Authority's legal accessibility requirements and develop further means to improve accessibility to WMATA services compatible with state and federal law
• Ensure that all departments and components of the WMATA, as part of their regular duties and responsibilities, understand and comply with all disability access requirements as mandated by, state and federal law, and any other accessibility policies and programs established by the WMATA
• Serve as Metro's primary liaison with the Accessibility Advisory Committee, attending all meetings and working collaboratively with Metro management to enhance accessibility
• Recommend and approve internal/external programs and initiatives to ensure that accessibility needs are being met
• Coordinate all Accessibility efforts with Human Capital, Infrastructure, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Legal, Labor Relations, Operations, Infrastructure, and other departments to ensure that the WMATA's goals of Accessibility are being met
• Attend various committee meetings to keep abreast of issues, provide construction updates and coordinate presentation material for access projects
• Assist in the review of plans and proposals by other divisions of the Authority, or by outside consultants, involving access improvements to WMATA facilities, to ensure consistency with Authority standards and compliance with applicable codes
• Review architectural drawings and oversee site inspections to assess compliance with the ADA as well as building codes. Work collaboratively to resolve any issues identified with Metro staff.
• Act as a liaison with state and federal agencies to keep appraised of revised regulations and interpretation of codes
• Develop strategies to prevent costly oversight of any accessibility issues during design and construction; acquire code interpretations and support applications for variances when needed
• Keep abreast of new products/techniques and evaluate current work processes to develop recommendations for improvements
• Assist in identifying projects, defining scope of work, estimating project costs, preparing Request for Proposals (RFP) and monitoring the selection of outside design consultants to enhance accessibility
• Ensure that appropriate presentation materials including construction reports are sent to the National Braille Press for Braille copies
• Work with Human Capital, Labor Relations and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to ensure compliance with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination against qualified persons with disabilities in all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, pre-employment screening, hiring, benefits, promotions, layoff and termination
• Prepare progress reports for executive review on Accessibility and ADA activities
• Ensure that all Federal and State Accessibility and ADA reports are generated according to prescribed guidelines and timelines
• Assist oversight agencies including but not limited to FTA, WMSC and their consultants with site inspections, ensuring that any identified deficiencies are corrected in a timely manner by following up with appropriate WMATA departments
• Assist in the management of a workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment and Anti-Retaliation policies; and perform related duties and projects as assigned

The essential duties listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Evaluation Criteria

Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.

Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:

• Skills and/or behavioral assessment
• Personal interview
• Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
• Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
• Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
• Review of a current motor vehicle report

Closing

WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.

This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.