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Chief Operations Officer / Deputy Commissioner of Ferries

Faststream Recruitment·📍 New York City·Posted 4 Sept 2026

Faststream Recruitment is partnering with the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) to identify its next Chief Operations Officer / Deputy Commissioner of Ferries. This is a rare opportunity to take executive leadership of the Staten Island Ferry, one of the world’s most recognized passenger ferry operations. Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the Staten Island Ferry carries 17M+ passengers annually. You will lead an organization of around 600 employees, with responsibility for 10 vessels, two major ferry terminals and a complex marine operation where safety is the overriding priority. The Role Reporting to the First Deputy Commissioner of NYC DOT, you will provide executive leadership across ferry operations, engineering, maintenance, facilities, safety, security, administration and customer service. You will ensure the safe and reliable operation of the ferry system while providing visible leadership to employees across the vessels, terminals and wider Ferry Division. Responsibilities will include: Providing executive leadership for a complex 24/7 passenger ferry operation. Maintaining the highest standards of safety and ensuring the continued effectiveness of the Ferry Division’s Safety Management System. Leading and developing a workforce of approximately 600 employees, including around 450 mariners. Overseeing vessel operations, engineering, maintenance, repair and dry-docking. Working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard and other regulatory and government bodies. Managing relationships with unions, elected officials, private ferry operators and other key stakeholders. Supporting the introduction of new technology and the future development of the ferry fleet and infrastructure. Providing senior leadership during operational incidents, emergencies and service disruption. The position carries significant financial responsibility, including an annual expense budget exceeding $100 million and oversight of an approximately $450 million 10-year capital plan. Who are we looking for? We are looking for an accomplished maritime leader who has held significant responsibility within a substantial and complex marine operation. Experience within passenger ferry operations would be highly advantageous, but we are also interested in speaking with senior leaders from the wider maritime industry who can demonstrate the operational, technical and people leadership required for an organisation of this scale. You will have a strong understanding of vessels and be comfortable engaging with both deck and engineering teams on operational and technical matters. This appointment requires much more than technical maritime knowledge. You should be a visible and approachable leader who enjoys spending time onboard vessels, in terminals and with the people responsible for delivering the service. At the same time, you will need the authority, judgement and diplomacy to operate effectively with senior government stakeholders, regulators, unions and a large, diverse workforce. We would particularly welcome experience of: Leading a substantial passenger ferry or similarly complex marine operation. Safety Management Systems and a strong safety-led operating culture. Managing large maritime workforces and multiple operational functions. Vessel maintenance, repair and dry-docking programes. Working within a unionized maritime environment. Vessel technology, alternative propulsion, hybridization or electrification. A USCG Merchant Mariner Credential as Master (Unlimited Tonnage) or Chief Engineer (Unlimited Propulsion Power) is strongly preferred. A maritime academy background would also be highly regarded. The Opportunity The Staten Island Ferry is an essential part of New York City’s transportation infrastructure. This is an opportunity to lead an established operation with a strong focus on safety while helping shape its next chapter. The successful candidate will inherit an experienced leadership team and will be expected to provide continuity while identifying opportunities for thoughtful innovation and improvement.It requires someone who is present, engaged and ready to lead when the operation needs them. Location: New York City Salary: $250,000 – $280,000 per annum New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment, subject to applicable exemptions. The successful candidate will also be required to obtain and maintain a TWIC.

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