Director, Planning Programs (7292)

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA); Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 126,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Pension plan and 457B

Generous paid time off and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

SEPTA, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, is seeking a Director of Planning Programs to lead advanced planning for major transformation initiatives, manage planning studies, and align long-range planning with capital and operating budgets across the 2,200-square-mile service region. This senior role requires strong leadership and extensive PM expertise.

The position reports to the Planning leadership, oversees staff, and fosters collaboration with PennDOT, DVRPC, and other

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Engineering, Architecture, or Public Administration with extensive project management experience including ten years in public transportation.
• Experience managing large and complex projects for diverse industries with project management.
• PMP principles for scoping, WBS, scheduling, and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Directs advanced planning for SEPTA’s major service transformation initiatives (Trolley Modernization, Reimagining Regional Rail).
• Oversees planning studies and concept development to meet needs of SEPTA and stakeholders.
• Coordinates long-range planning with capital and operating budgets.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Engineering, Architecture, or Public Administration

PMP certification

Tools

e-Builder PMIS

Job description

Secure Your Future with SEPTA – A Leader in Transportation!

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the sixth-largest transportation system in the U.S., connecting communities across a 2,200-square-mile service region. SEPTA is at the forefront of innovation in the transit industry, ensuring reliable and efficient services while driving economic growth in the Philadelphia region.

Only candidates who are authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship, will be accepted at this time.

We Are Proud To Be Recognized As

2023 FORBES Best in State Employer

Philadelphia Employer of Choice for 2024

We are seeking to hire candidates for our Director, Planning Programs (7292).

Opening Date: 10/28/2026

Closing Date: 11/11/2026

Job Grade: SAM 43

Salary Range: $125,762.00-$157,196.00

Overall Description

Directs advanced planning for the Authority's major transformation initiatives associated with Accelerate, SEPTA’s vision for Best-in-Class transit, including Trolley Modernization and Reimagining Regional Rail. Initiates and oversees planning studies, including alternatives analysis and concept development, to meet the needs of SEPTA and other transportation stakeholders in the service region. Directs efforts to integrate the Authority's long-range planning with the capital and operating budget development processes. Provides oversight and project management for specific planning projects and major capital investment projects. Consults and acts as liaison with external agencies, committees, and other interested parties regarding changes in how SEPTA provides service. Manages day-to-day activities of Planning staff, ensures staff are adequately trained, and develops a succession plan for departmental personnel.

Specific Responsibilities

• Directs advanced planning work for the Authority’s major service transformation initiatives, including Trolley Modernization and Reimagining Regional Rail.
• Initiates and oversees planning studies as required to meet needs of SEPTA and other transportation stakeholders in the service region, including alternatives analysis and concept development.
• Directs efforts to support integrating the Authority’s long-range planning efforts with the capital and operating budget development processes.
• Supports SEPTA related Planning efforts as provided by the Metropolitan Planning Organization - DVRPC.
• Coordinates planning efforts and transit policy development with other Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO’s) in States of Delaware and New Jersey.
• Represents the Authority’s interactions with PennDOT, DVRPC, and other governmental agencies and bodies, including the Citizens Advisory Committee, on planning and service matters.
• Provides oversight and project management for the activities of Consultants in the development and preparation of specific planning projects and major capital investment projects as determined by SEPTA and other partner organizations.
• Consults and acts as liaison with various external agencies, committees, groups, and other affected or interested parties with respect to changes in the way SEPTA provides services.
• Manages day-to-day activities of Planning staff. Ensures staff is adequately trained to perform assigned duties.
• Develops succession plan for departmental personnel.
• Directs, prepares and maintains data and data analysis tools to support SEPTA and stakeholder projects and activities.
• Performs other assignments, as required, to ensure that the Authority’s limited resources are allocated and managed efficiently and effectively.

Qualifications And Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Engineering, Architecture, or Public Administration with extensive project management experience including ten (10) years significant progressively responsible management experience in public transportation.
• Experience in managing large and complex projects for diverse industries and utilizing Project Management
• Professional (PMP) principals in terms of scoping, work breakdown structure, scheduling, and budgeting.
• Must possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to deal effectively, with a wide range of professional, supervisory, and management personnel at all levels of the organization.
• Must possess strong analytical skills with a proven ability to handle and resolve complex problems related to engineering, construction, project management, and contract administration issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to organize and present technical information and project presentations to various levels of management required.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Ideal Qualifications And Experience

• Registered Professional Engineer, Registered Architect in Pennsylvania, Certified Planner (AICP), or Certified Project Manager Professional (PMP), preferred.
• Knowledge of e-Builder Project Management Information System (PMIS) preferred, or equivalent capital project management information system.

Why Join Our Team? Enjoy Outstanding Benefits!

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage – Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums.
• Retirement Security – Participate in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 457B Deferred Compensation Plan to build your financial future.
• Work-Life Balance – Enjoy paid parental leave, generous vacation time, and paid holidays to recharge and spend time with loved ones.
• Employee Wellness – Access wellness programs and resources to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Invest in Your Growth – We offer tuition reimbursement to support your education and career advancement.
• Student Loan Assistance – Our positions qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, helping you manage and reduce student debt.
• Free Travel Perks – Receive a FREE SEPTA Transportation Pass, giving you unlimited access to all SEPTA services!

Have Questions?

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SEPTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SEPTA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.