Rail Project and Property Manager (Administrator VII)

Position Summary

The Rail Project & Property Management Manager leads the planning, execution, and oversight of rail infrastructure projects and rail-adjacent real estate assets. This role integrates transportation project delivery, property acquisition and disposition, contract administration, and real estate development strategy to advance operational, financial, and policy objectives for MassDOT Rail & Transit. 

The position is cross-functional, working with engineers, planners, legal counsel, finance teams, public agencies, developers, and community stakeholders to ensure rail projects and real estate initiatives are delivered on time, on budget, and in compliance with state, federal, and contractual requirements. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Lead the development and oversight of comprehensive capital investment strategies for rail programs and properties, including long-range capital planning, portfolio prioritization, and executive-level performance reporting to ensure strategic alignment, fiscal stewardship, and measurable program outcomes.

• Lead the formulation and advancement of enterprise-wide policy frameworks governing rail asset management, real estate strategy, and infrastructure investment, ensuring alignment with long-term system performance objectives, regulatory requirements, and sustainable capital planning priorities.

• Provide executive oversight of consultant-led due diligence efforts associated with rail property transactions and strategic initiatives, ensuring comprehensive coordination of title analysis, environmental review, valuation, and survey activities to mitigate risk and protect Commonwealth interests. Direct ongoing portfolio performance evaluation and establish data-informed strategies to enhance asset value, strengthen long-term returns, and advance systemwide real estate objectives.

• Provide strategic leadership in the development and stewardship of multi-year capital and operating budgets for rail projects and property portfolios, ensuring disciplined fiscal management, accurate forecasting of expenditures and encumbrances, and alignment of funding strategies with long-term infrastructure investment priorities and organizational objectives.                                                                                      

• Lead program-level management across complex rail initiatives, driving accountability and delivery outcomes. Oversee contract governance, including scope management, change control, and financial stewardship, to ensure alignment with project objectives, schedules, and budgets. Establish and enforce robust oversight frameworks for compliance monitoring, evaluation of amendments, and approval of payments in accordance with fiduciary and statutory requirements.

A finalist for this position must be able to pass a comprehensive background check including a criminal record check, Department of Revenue (DOR) check, and employment references. 

About MassDOT 

The 4,000+ employees of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) take great pride in connecting the Commonwealth’s residents and communities. MassDOT is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating transportation policies and projects for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to efficiently plan, design, construct, and maintain a safe statewide transportation system which effectively meets the transportation needs of the Commonwealth. Information about MassDOT’s  culture and career opportunities can be found at mass.gov/massdot-careers. 

MassDOT’s divisions include Highway, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Aeronautics, and Rail & Transit. Headquarters (Planning & Enterprise Services) provides business and administrative support and policy leadership for each of the four (4) divisions.