Director, Regional Transit Planning & Performance

Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA); Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Transit benefits

Pension/401(k)

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Flexible Spending Account

PSLF

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) seeks a Director of Planning and Performance for the Capital Programming and Planning department. The role leads planning, analytics, and regional coordination with CTA, Metra, Pace, and other partners to advance a unified transit system.

Ideal candidate brings 10+ years in transit planning, strong leadership, and hands‑on experience with capital programs and performance management.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree required in Planning, Public Administration, Engineering or Operations Research, etc.
• 10+ years of transit or transportation planning experience in public or private sector.
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory/management experience.
• Familiarity with metropolitan transportation planning environments and modeling/forecasting tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Planning department, coordinating with CTA/Metra/Pace and other partners.
• Develop, implement and monitor regional transit strategic plans and performance‑based policies.
• Oversee data services/analytics and GIS capabilities; manage capital programs.
• Prepare reports and presentations for the Agency Board and stakeholders.
• Foster interagency collaboration and ensure compliance with regulations.

Skills

Policy development

Strategic leadership

Collaboration

Communication

Multi‑tasking

Education

Master’s degree in Planning/Public Administration/Engineering/Operations Research or related field

Job description

Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) seeks a Director of Planning and Performance for the Capital Programming and Planning department. The role leads planning, analytics, and regional coordination with CTA, Metra, Pace, and other partners to advance a unified transit system.

Ideal candidate brings 10+ years in transit planning, strong leadership, and hands‑on experience with capital programs and performance management.