Director, Diridon Stations Program

Caltrain; Millbrae (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltrain is seeking a Director for the Diridon Station Program in San Jose/Millbrae. This limited 3-year term role reports to the Chief Officer and leads contract management, staff oversight, and stakeholder coordination for a major transit hub redevelopment.

The position requires CEQA/NEPA project management experience, strong leadership, and the ability to guide environmental clearance, planning, and design efforts with partner agencies and the public.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, engineering or related field.
• Seven (7) years of full-time progressively responsible management experience including CEQA/NEPA project management.
• Three (3) years of supervisory or management experience
• Experience with large-scale, multimodal transportation projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multidisciplinary studies advancing the Diridon Station Program.
• Manage planning and engineering consultants for environmental clearance and design.
• Coordinate with program partners and stakeholders.
• Direct staff to align with program goals and standards.
• Oversee phasing to meet Steering Committee goals.
• Present studies and policy recommendations to the Steering Committee and the public.
• Manage external communications and input from stakeholders.
• Supervise staff, hire and mentor, enforce policies, and evaluate performance.

Skills

CEQA/NEPA

Project management

Supervisory leadership

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban planning, engineering or related field

Master’s degree

Job description

General

The Director, Diridon Station Program will report to the Chief Officer, Diridon Station Program and is responsible for contract management, stakeholder and partner agency coordination, and staff oversight for projects and activities associated with the Diridon Station Program.

The redevelopment project will transform the historic Caltrain Diridon Station into a major central transit hub for the city of San Jose, CA, enhancing connectivity for all transit systems. This mega project will improve accessibility, reduce travel time, and support economic growth by creating a more efficient and integrated transportation network for the community.

Required in office days minimally 3 days a week, work location in Millbrae and San Jose.

This is a limited 3-year term position.

Essential Functions & Duties

• Oversee multidisciplinary technical studies that are related to the advancement of Diridon Station Program.
• Managing planning and engineering consultants that conduct technical studies related to environmental clearance, transit planning and operations and engineering design
• Managing coordination and communication with program partners and other stakeholders
• Directing Diridon Station Program staff that support technical studies and stakeholder coordination to ensure alignment with program goals and standards
• Oversee management of Diridon Station Program phasing to ensure alignment with Steering Committee goals and policies
• Make presentations to the Diridon Station Steering Committee and to the public about studies and policy recommendations related to the Diridon Program
• Manage communication with external stakeholders, partner agencies, and the public. Obtain input, collaborate, build consensus and resolve issues if needed
• Supervise staff. Hire, mentor and take appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action. Ensure EEO policies and procedures are followed. Participate in selection of staff. Coordinate staff training and professional development. Establish performance objectives. Monitor and evaluate employee performance.

Examples of Essential Duties

• Provide directions to program staff, consultants and agency partner staff and provide oversight of program scope and schedule.
• Directs the environmental clearance process for the program, including developing a funding and financing plan, stakeholder outreach and completing program planning.
• Leads the coordination of partner agency Program Liaisons to ensure consistent communication and messaging with partner agency Executives and the Diridon Station Steering Committee
• Provide oversight into the negotiation and resolution of Program issues between partner agencies
• Direct the evaluation of Diridon Station Program phasing to promote early actions to advance the Program
• Supports the Chief Officer in the development of a long-term governance entity and help navigate transition from environmental compliance to project delivery.
• Evaluate job performance of staff which also includes the professional development of staff through the identification of on-the-job and other professional development opportunities.
• Performs all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect one’s self, fellow employees and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient experience, training and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, engineering or related field.
• Seven (7) years of full-time progressively responsible management experience including CEQA/NEPA project management.
• Three (3) years of supervisory or management experience
• Experience with large-scale, multimodal transportation projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree
• Three (3) years of CEQA/NEPA project management.
• Five (5) years’ experience with large-scale, multimodal transportation projects.
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Experience with transitioning projects from environmental clearance to preliminary and final design
• Experience with developing and securing state or federal legislation to support transportation projects

The selection process may include a panel interview, written and skills test assessments, or supplemental questions. Only those candidates who are the most qualified will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to continue in the process.

• We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment. We are an Affiliation Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Persons with Disabilities and Veterans are encouraged to apply.