Department Manager - Modeling

Southern California Association of Governments; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 149,000 - 216,000; Full time

Job summary

The Southern California Association of Governments is seeking a Department Manager for Modeling, responsible for overseeing modeling projects and leading a team in urban planning. This role requires strong leadership, technical skills, and experience in modeling projects, offering a competitive salary within a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• 7 years of experience in urban planning, modeling, or related field.
• 4 years of management or supervisory experience.
• Proven track record of managing large teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of department goals and policies.
• Oversee modeling department operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Manage department staff and budget effectively.

Skills

Leadership

Statistical Analysis

Problem Solving

Data Analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration or related field

Tools

GIS

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Department Manager - Modeling | Government Jobs page has loaded.

Southern California Association of Governments

$149,422.92 - $215,169.00 Annually

Location

At-Will

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

00569

Division

Planning

Modeling

Opening Date

06/03/2025

6/24/2025 at 5:00 PM Pacific Time (US & Canada); Tijuana

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a seasoned planner with a combination of "big picture" vision, on the ground modeling experience, and strong leadership skills to fill the role of Department Manager of Modeling. Under general direction of the Deputy Director of Regional Planning Policy & Analysis, this position will assume full responsibility for the Modeling department including leading the development and implementation of department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities. This position plays a critical role in our agency, ensuring through modeling of transportation and air quality emissions that SCAG demonstrates transportation conformity to federal air quality plans and standards, and other state and federal requirements. The successful candidate will possess experience identifying, researching, and resolving technical issues related to modeling projects, modeling operation, and output analysis with a proven track record of managing large teams.

The Modeling Department provides essential modeling services to support the analysis of SCAG's key plans and projects. It updates transportation, air quality, and scenario planning models for each Connect SoCal cycle, ensuring accurate outputs for both internal and external analyses. The department is also responsible for the Scenario Planning Model (SPM) and its various analytical components to support scenario creation and performance analysis. There are three business units within the Modeling Department that the Department Manager will oversee:

• Model Enhancement: Develops and refines modeling tools and data to support both internal and external needs
• Activity-Based Model & Travel Survey: Develops and enhances the SCAG travel demand model to support the analysis of SCAG’s key plans and projects, including collecting travel survey data
• Heavy-Duty Truck & Air Quality Modeling: Maintains and enhances the Heavy-Duty Truck (HDT) model while coordinating and providing air quality model support for Connect SoCal.
  
  

The Modeling Department resides in the Regional Planning Policy & Analysis (RPPA) subdivision of the Planning division, which focuses on the alignment of planning research, analysis, technical tools and capacity with regional planning and policy needs. The subdivision is responsible for fulfilling several key state and federal requirements for metropolitan planning organizations, including the development and analysis of the Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy, environmental clearance of the plan, and transportation conformity to state implementation plans for meeting national ambient air quality standards. The Subdivision is comprised of three departments: Planning Strategy, Modeling, and Forecasting and Spatial Analytics.

WHO WE ARE

As a mission-driven organization, SCAG is committed to attracting and retaining talent who embody SCAG’s values. SCAG's workforce is passionate and committed to innovation that improves the quality of life for all Southern Californians. When you join SCAG, you can expect a culture where collaboration and teamwork is fostered.

As part of our Work@SCAG policy, employees are eligible for two work models: in-office and hybrid. Eligibility for these models will depend on the department, position, responsibilities, and duties, as determined by management. All work models require employees to be based within the SCAG region. This position is expected to follow the hybrid model and be in the office 2 days per week.

WHAT WE BELIEVE
MISSION
To foster innovative regional solutions that improve the lives of Southern Californians through inclusive collaboration, visionary planning, regional advocacy, information sharing, and promoting best practices.

VISION
Southern California's Catalyst for a Brighter Future.

SCAGCORE VALUES

• Be Open: Be accessible, candid, collaborative and transparent in the work we do.
• Lead by Example: Commit to integrity and equity in working to meet the diverse needs of all people and communities in our region.
• Make an Impact: In all endeavors, effect positive and sustained outcomes that make our region thrive.
• Be Courageous: Have confidence that taking deliberate, bold and purposeful risks can yield new and valuable benefits.
• Cultivate Belonging: Embrace differences, foster equity, champion inclusion, and empower all.

In this role you can expect to

• Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work plan for the Modeling department to ensure the effective and efficient development, maintenance, and operation of SCAG transportation models including necessary calibration, validation, and state/federal review and approvals
• Identify, research, and resolve technical issues related to modeling projects, model operation, and output analysis for the SCAG’s main plans and projects
• Lead problem-solving efforts, evaluate alternative solutions, and provide technical direction to ensure effective and timely resolution
• Advise the Deputy Director and Chief Planning Officer and coordinate with Planning Division departments to provide modeling and analysis support for key SCAG plans and projects including air quality modeling and transportation conformity analysis
• Provide models and data on request to external stakeholders
• Manage department staff including providing direction, assigning and reviewing work, providing coaching and guidance, providing opportunities for professional development, and conducting performance evaluations
• Establish performance measures, monitor progress and provide feedback to staff members
• Develop and administer department annual budget, forecast department resource needs (staffing, data, equipment, etc.), seek external grant and partnership opportunities, and direct the monitoring and approval of department expenditures
• Collaborate and advise SCAG executive management in the development and coordination of regional planning and policy proposals/strategies
• Collaborate with policy and regional council members and represent the agency at local, regional, state, and federal meetings
• Lead the development and coordination of planning initiatives, serve as a liaison with the public and private sector, and engage in relevant forums
• Ensure SCAG’s compliance with policies and contracts, as well as Federal, State, and local regulations
• Perform other duties as assigned

What you'll bring to this role

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 7 years of experience in urban planning, modeling, forecasting or related field, 4 years of management or direct supervisory experience, and a Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, or a related field.

Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be considered.

We’ll be a great match if you also have:

• Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of managing large teams
• Experience with travel demand, activity demand, and air quality models
• Knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal laws, policies, and planning practices
• Knowledge of research methodologies and survey design
• The ability to perform data and statistical analysis
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to develop and/or review clear, concise communications and reports
• The ability to synthesize technical information for a broad audience
• The ability to communicate effectively and build strong relationships with staff, management, SCAG board members, and stakeholder
• The ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments
• Strong problem solving skills with the ability to identify and proactively respond to issues and resolve challenges
• Experience with budget development and administration
• Knowledge of GIS and the ability to use intermediate features of Microsoft Office Suite

Supplemental Information

Please note, this posting will remain open until June 24, 2025 with the first application review taking place on June 9, 2025. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply prior to that date. We anticipate interviews for this position will be held in five weeks.

The information you provide on the application and supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and used to determine your eligibility to participate in the next phase of the hiring process. Please be advised that failure to provide complete and accurate information in the application and supplemental questionnaire may result in disqualification of your application even if you possess the qualifying experience or education. Please be as specific as possible and include all information as requested. Comments such as "see resume or application" will not be considered as a sufficient response. Please note that all information is subject to verification at any time in the hiring process. Falsification of any information may result in disqualification or dismissal.

Southern California Association of Governments is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, mental condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provision contained in this job announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

Employer Southern California Association of Governments Phone [phone]
213-236-1800 Website http://www.scag.ca.gov