Director of Intelligent Transportation Systems

Date Posted:

05/13/26

Applications Due:

05/24/26

Vacancy ID:

216037 Position Information NY HELPNo AgencyThruway Authority TitleDirector of Intelligent Transportation Systems Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences Salary GradeNS Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented) Salary RangeFrom $138704 to $167996 Annually Employment TypeFull-Time Appointment TypePermanent Jurisdictional ClassNon-competitive Class Travel Percentage10% Schedule WorkweekMon-Fri Hours Per Week37.50 Workday From8 AM To4 PM Flextime allowed?

No Mandatory overtime?

No Compressed workweek allowed?

No Telecommuting allowed?

Yes Location CountyAlbany Street Address200 Southern Boulevard CityAlbany StateNY Zip Code12209 Job Specifics Duties DescriptionThe Director of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSM) provides strategic leadership, program oversight, and operational direction for the Authority's ITSM and Cashless Tolling programs. This position is responsible for ensuring the reliability, safety, and performance of critical tolling and transportation technologies across a statewide network. The Director leads all aspects of ITSM operations, including maintenance, capital planning, contract and vendor management, inventory control, and interagency coordination. This role ensures consistent standards across divisions and drives innovation, system integration, and long-term infrastructure resilience. Duties may include but not be limited to the following:

• Provide overall direction for the Cashless Tolling programs, including system maintenance and performance
• Establish and enforce statewide standards, policies, and procedures to ensure consistency across divisions
• Lead and support division staff through regular coordination, communication, and technical guidance
• Promote a strong safety culture in partnership with Engineering and the Safety Bureau
• Develop and manage annual operating budgets and capital program inputs
• Oversee reserve-funded projects, including approvals, work orders, and completion tracking
• Monitor expenditures and ensure fiscal accountability across all ITS-related functions
• Develop long-range capital plans for infrastructure, device replacement, and upgrades
• Define project scopes and provide technical input for design, procurement, and construction
• Review engineering plans, specifications, and construction documents for ITSM impacts
• Support major initiatives including cashless tolling deployments, system upgrades, and communications projects
• Develop, negotiate, and oversee contracts related to tolling systems, ITS devices, and services.
• Prepare procurement documentation including sole source and justification memoranda
• Monitor vendor performance, invoicing, and deliverables
• Oversee ITSM systems including tolling equipment, traffic management devices, communications infrastructure, and data systems
• Ensure compliance with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Systems Engineering requirements and Regional ITS Architecture
• Support emerging technologies such as active traffic management, data fusion platforms, and connected vehicle systems
• Coordinate with NYSDOT, FHWA, TRANSCOM, NITTEC, and other regional partners
• Participate in regional committees and initiatives related to transportation systems and operations
• Ensure collaboration on federally funded projects and shared systems
• Monitor and assess internal controls and risk factors related to tolling revenue and ITS operations
• Lead disaster recovery and business continuity planning for critical systems
• Ensure audit readiness and compliance with applicable policies and regulations
• Directly supervise technical and managerial staff, including engineers, project managers, and maintenance supervisors
• Oversee a large, complex portfolio of tolling contracts (Kapsch, TRANSCOM, Daktronics, IRD, etc.)
• Manages contract lifecycle activities (renewals, extensions, replacements, and new procurements)
• Provides program level support for procurement actions (OGS, IFB, RFQ, sole source, bid processes, OSC alignment)
• Tracks contract performance, invoices, and approvals (e.g., Unifier workflows)
• Coordinates spare parts supply chains, depot repair programs, and vendor sourcing issues
• Monitors technology obsolescence and vendor changes/substitutions
• Oversees inventory strategy tied directly to contracts and system uptime
• Leads development of technical specifications for procurements and bid evaluations
• Handles audit readiness and documentation tied to contracts and inventory
• Oversee staffing, performance management, and workforce development
• This position operates in both office and field settings and requires occasional travel to field locations, project sites, and partner agencies Minimum QualificationsEleven years of progressively responsible experience in ITS, transportation systems, tolling operations, or related infrastructure technology.

At least two years of management experience leading technical teams and large-scale programs. A bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Technology, Transportation Systems, or a closely related field may substitute for four years of specialized experience. A master's degree in these fields may substitute for five years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in a related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE), Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE), PMP, or ITS-related certifications.
• Experience with public-sector operations, FHWA requirements, or electronic toll systems.
• Strong knowledge of ITS systems, cashless tolling technologies, and transportation operations.
• Experience managing complex budgets, capital programs, and vendor contracts.
• Understanding of FHWA systems engineering processes and ITS architecture.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and coordinate across multiple regions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.

This position operates in both office and field settings and requires occasional travel to field locations, project sites, and partner agencies. Additional CommentsThis is a Management Confidential position. The NYS Thruway Authority offers an extensive benefits package, including but not limited to paid time off, sick leave incentive, membership to the NYS Retirement System, and 90% tuition assistance. We offer FREE onsite employee parking. Our telecommuting program offers up to 20% (two days per pay period) upon completion of at least three months of satisfactory performance and appropriate approvals. Additional policy guidelines and work hours may be discussed during the interview.

ADDITIONAL PAY INFORMATION

The salary range for this position includes all applicable annual components of pay which are: Base Pay Range from Hiring Rate $131,704 up to Job Rate $160,996.

Recruitment & Retention Pay:

$7,000.

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT

All potential candidates for this position must be legally eligible to work in the United States at the time of appointment and throughout your employment with the New York State Thruway Authority. If appointed, you will be required to produce documents that verify your identity and authorization to work in the United States, as required by the Federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, and the Immigration and Nationality Act. Please be advised, the New York State Thruway Authority does not use eVerify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT). The New York State Thruway Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All individuals including women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. New York State Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination based on age, race, creed, color,?national origin, sexual orientation, military status, familial status, citizen or immigration status, sex, disability, marital status, gender identity or expression, prior arrests, prior conviction records, predisposing genetic characteristics or domestic violence victim status. The Thruway Authority is committed to a workplace free from discrimination based on the referenced characteristics and other federal and state protected characteristics. The New York State Thruway Authority provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Bureau of Accessibility, Equity, Diversity and Employee Engagement at accommodations@thruway.ny or call (518) 471-4321. Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity. How to Apply NameChristina Telephone5184362725 Fax5184715076 Email AddressCanvassReply@thruway.ny Address Street200 Southern Boulevard CityAlbany StateNY Zip Code12209 Notes on ApplyingIf interested in this vacancy, please submit a resume and any other documents for proof of eligibility to the contact information in this announcement. You must include the Vacancy ID and Title of the position you are applying for in your email.