Chief Operating Officer

Background:

Established in 1968 through an act of the State legislature, the Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) is a public benefit corporation dedicated to managing and sustaining a vibrant, balanced community on the Lower West Side of Manhattan. BPCA transformed a deteriorating section of the Hudson River, where abandoned piers once stood, into a mixed residential and commercial space that includes 36 acres of public parks and hosts hundreds of arts, cultural, recreational, and educational programs annually. The Battery Park City Authority also oversees major capital projects, including climate adaptation initiatives to protect the neighborhood’s waterfront, and manages a portfolio of ground leases and other real estate assets to ensure the long-term vitality of the community.

Led by its President and CEO in collaboration with a seven-member Board of Directors, BPCA remains responsive to the evolving needs of its nearly 17,000 residents and thriving commercial sector. BPCA serves as a model of environmentally responsible urban development and has partnered with 100 Resilient Cities and local stakeholders to develop its first Resilience Action Plan. This plan promotes inclusivity, advances innovative climate resiliency and sustainability practices, and upholds the highest standards in stewardship of public spaces and resources. As remaining development projects are completed and the neighborhood dynamics evolve, BPCA continues to modernize its operational systems, emphasizing long-term stewardship, financial oversight, and operational excellence to support increasingly complex initiatives.

The Position:

The Chief Operating Officer oversees park operations, information technology, procurement, auditing, permitting, office management, and public safety to sustain and enhance Battery Park City’s built and natural environments.Working closely with the President & CEO, the Board, and department leaders, the COO will play a central role in implementing BPCA’s five-year strategic plan, establishing clear performance benchmarks across departments, and strengthening the Authority’s finance function, budgeting, and financial reporting. The Chief Operating Officer will ensure that BPCA’s long-term goals are reflected in its systems, processes, and day-to-day operations.

The ideal candidate will be an exceptional manager who motivates and develops teams, fosters collaboration across departments, and communicates effectively with senior leadership. They will be strategic, data-driven, and attentive to key performance indicators, using metrics to guide decision-making and ensure accountability. They will possess exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills, as well as experience balancing multiple priorities and managing complex operations. The COO will champion high-performance standards across the public sector, proactively leverage technology, and uphold BPCA’s mission to create a thriving, sustainable, and equitable urban environment for its residents and visitors.

The COO will also possess excellent communications skills and work effectively with a complicated and layered set of stakeholders that include the local community, property owners, local businesses, City and State agencies, elected and appointed officials, and private sector institutions. A background in real estate or construction is highly valuable, given the COO’s active engagement in capital projects and development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic and Operational Leadership

• • Lead execution of strategic priorities, translating goals into actionable plans and ensuring timely follow-through.
  • Collaborate with departments to align operations with BPCA’s five-year strategic plan.
  • Establish performance benchmarks and monitor organizational effectiveness using key metrics and indicators.
  • Oversee departmental operations, including parks, technology, procurement, auditing, permitting, public safety, and finance.
  • Ensure successful project execution and completion, persevering even when faced with barriers and focusing on delivering projects on schedule.
  • Proactively assess and improve maintenance practices, procedures, and planning to ensure sustainability in building systems, facilities, and equipment.
  • Seek innovative ways to improve operations, processes, and service delivery.

Budget and Financial Oversight

• Oversee management of budgets, ensuring that expenditures and maintenance are cost-effective and on target with financial goals and planning.
• Communicate anticipated costs as well as any adjustments/alterations in the budget with senior management on a regular basis.
• Assist in drafting quarterly reports on department projects and updates for the Board of Directors.

Information Technology

• • Oversee IT plans and maintenance for all computer, phone, maintenance and security systems, as well as equipment, software, and programs.
  • Plan for and oversee purchase of new equipment and upgrade systems when needed and ensure technical support is provided upon request.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communications

• • Represent BPCA in a variety of settings, including with elected officials, government partners, and community stakeholders.
  • Build relationships that advance organizational goals and reinforce BPCA’s reputation for excellence.

Organizational Culture & Change Management

• • Champion a culture of operational excellence, sound financial stewardship, and superior public service.
  • Lead change management efforts to ensure successful implementation of new strategies, systems, and processes.
  • Foster a high-performing team environment that encourages innovation, accountability, and professional growth.
  • Apply strong analytical skills, monitor key performance indicators, and make informed decisions that drive organizational results.

Qualifications

• • Bachelor’s Degree is required. Advanced degrees in business, public administration, finance, or urban planning preferred.
  • Minimum 15 years of leadership experience managing teams and driving operational and financial improvement.
  • Strong experience with budget oversight, financial reporting, and compliance with procurement laws.
  • Proven ability to manage large, multi-functional teams, including overseeing public space maintenance, programming, and security services.
• Proven experience with vendor management and contract negotiation.
• Experience with facility-related software (e.g., building management systems, work order systems, project management tools).
• Ability to support evolving organizational goals and to align departmental efforts with long-term vision.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage relationships across all levels of the organization and with external partners.
  • Proven track record in strategic planning, process improvement, and use of metrics to guide decisions.
  • Experience in real estate, capital project delivery, finance, or urban development strongly preferred.

Comprehensive benefits package.