Assistant Director, Metro Integrated Command and Communications

Job Description
MARKETING STATEMENT
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as the
Assistant Director of the Metro Integrated Command and Communication Center (MICC) -
a pivotal role at the heart of Metro¿s mission to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient transit service to the region. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a strategic and decisive professional who thrives in complex, high-stakes environments and is motivated by the challenge of leading 24/7/365 operations that directly impact millions of passengers. The Assistant Director will oversee cross-functional teams that coordinate rail and bus operations, emergency responses, and real-time communication, ensuring seamless collaboration among operational groups and external partners. This leader will bring strong management acumen, deep knowledge of transportation systems, and the ability to unify teams under shared goals that elevate Metro¿s performance and customer experience.

WMATA offers a unique environment where leadership excellence meets public service, providing the platform to influence the operational heartbeat of one of the nation¿s largest and most visible transit systems. We are looking or an individual that experience working in a high-pressure, complex operations command and communication environment with the business acumen to thrive in this type of environment along with the ability to make sound, timely decisions under pressure. For the professional who is both operationally disciplined and visionary in leadership, WMATA offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of safe, integrated, and customer-centered public transportation in the nation¿s capital.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education

• Bachelor¿s degree in Transportation Management, or a related field

• In lieu of a Bachelor¿s degree, a High School diploma/GED and four (4) years of experience in rail, bus, aviation, emergency operations management, safety operations specific to oversight and coordination planning and execution, in addition to the experience below, will be considered

Experience

• A minimum seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience which includes three (3) years of supervisory/management of staff in an operational command center, or experience where command/control center responsibilities focused on handling emergency functions.

Certification/Licensure

• Roadway Worker protection (RWP) Certification, Level 2, within ninety (90) days of hire and maintained for the duration of time in role
• Valid Driver¿s License

Preferred

• Master¿s degree in Transportation Management, Business Management, or Business Administration or related field

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.

Mission Essential Designation
In accordance with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority¿s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) this job has been identified as critical to mission essential functions. Incumbents in this role may be required to report to or continue to work in the event of authorized office closings or service suspensions due to severe weather, natural disaster, fire, operational emergencies or related events.

Summary
The Assistant Director (METRO I), Metro Integrated Command and Communication Center (MICC) directs, plans, schedules, and manages designated staff within MICC, and leads the MICC¿s 24/7/365 operations, ensuring safe, transit movements (Bus & Rail), effective maintenance, clear communications, and on-time performance for Metro passengers. The incumbent ensures appropriate consideration for the license and function-related authorities exercised by other MICC shift leaders is factored into operational decisions, coordinates incident responses, bridges gaps across operational groups, ensures proper flow of information, coordinates resources across operational functions, makes decisions in accordance with Metro policies and procedures, and performs other duties as assigned. The Assistant Director also adopts strategies to cultivate an environment of shared purpose and facilitates collaboration within the MICC to promote and protect the customer experience and Metro¿s best interests.

Essential Functions

• Coordinates all operational functions within the MICC to ensure safe and reliable Metro service across all modes.
• Promotes a unified incident management response by all Metro groups and external first response agencies to ensure incidents are resolved effectively and in a timely manner.
• Ensures timely and accurate real time messaging to Metro staff and external stakeholders regarding service disruptions and service changes, in coordination with the Unified Communications Command Center (UCCC) to ensure accurate and timely communication with the public.
• Facilitates and renders final decisions in the event that the various MICC functional groups are unable to find consensus on an approach to a specific operational response strategy.
• Serves as MICC leadership¿s senior representative on each shift and acts on leadership¿s behalf during their absence to provide continuation of authority over operations in the MICC.
• Ensures MICC emergency and incident response procedures are in place, compliant with regulations, and rehearsed across all MICC teams and partners to ensure safe and effective execution of incident response.
• Ensures effective implementation of MICC operating plans and schedules. Establishes and promotes awareness of operating rules and regulations; assists in the planning and development, management, and implementation of policies; ensures compliance with safety policies and programs, reviewing problem or potential problem areas to ascertain the need for changes; and develops scheduling and control procedures to ensure MICC personnel possess the ability to competently execute the MICC, and Metro¿s mission.
• Ensures the operation of the Metro system is maintained to the highest standards and in accordance with all applicable safety and operational policies and regulations, in compliance with Metro¿s regulatory bodies, i.e., the Washington Metrorail Safety Council (WMSC), and protecting the customer experience.
• Manages hiring, staff development, training, succession planning and ensures performance evaluations of all staff align with Metro¿s Human Capital policies.

The functions 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, 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.