Principal Planner – Transit Program Manager

Counties; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 139,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

SACOG is seeking an experienced Transit Program Manager to lead transit planning efforts, supervise staff, and coordinate with partners across agencies and jurisdictions. The role focuses on integrating SB125 recommendations and funding programs while aligning with the Blueprint and MTP/SCS.

The position reports to the Director of Transportation and requires strong leadership, collaboration across SACOG teams, and the ability to balance big-picture strategy with day-to-day program management in

Qualifications

• Education equivalent to graduation from a four-year college with transportation/urban planning or related field.
• Experience in transit planning, transportation funding, and grants.
• Experience leading projects or supervisory responsibilities.
• Valid California Driver’s License or ability to obtain by appointment.
• Demonstrated collaboration with regional partners and elected officials.

Responsibilities

• Supervise staff and oversee transit planning activities within the Transportation Team.
• Manage state and federal funding programs and specialized transit projects.
• Collaborate with public transit operators, federal agencies, and local jurisdictions.
• Prioritize teamwork while supporting cross-group coordination and deadlines.

Skills

Visionary planning

Stakeholder management

Organizational skills

Adaptability

Collaboration

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree in related field

Job description

Sacramento Area Council of Government

Post Date

October 20, 2026

Closing Date

November 20, 2026

$139,296.00 - $153,564.00 Annually

Description

SACOG is seeking an experienced transit/transportation professional and visionary, personal connector, and self-starting team player who enjoys collaborating across the agency and with partners, as well as working on their own. The agency has just adopted the region’s updated Metropolitan Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy (MTP/SCS), commonly known as the Blueprint, and has identified the transit program as a key priority for policy and program implementation. In addition, implementation of SB125 recommendations will focus the transit program’s work on fiscal sustainability while strengthening regional connectivity and services. To advance this, the Transit Program Managerwill act as a creative and technical leader for SACOG’s transit planning work that requires both big-picture thinking for transit and its role in the broader transportation network, and a strong understanding of the state and federal transit landscape.

The Transit Program Manager (Principal Planner), will supervise staff and oversee and manage a variety of transit planning activities on the Transportation Team, including state and federal funding programs; special projects with a focus on transit planning; ; and performing other tasks as assigned. This position will be required to work collaboratively with a variety of external partners, including public transit operators, federal agencies, local municipalities, and other state and regional partners/agencies.

This position will report to SACOG’s Director of Transportation and is the highest non-management classification at SACOG. The Transit Program Manager will work across groups within SACOG that have roles in project development and support and must prioritize a team-oriented team environment.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

A visionary, creative, and innovative approach to transit planning and coordination with a regional lens

Ability to work with a network of external partners and manage multiple stakeholders, including a strong ability to develop trust and relationships

Strong organizational skills, including time management, ability to set priorities, and ability to anticipate critical deadlines

Adaptability and flexibility, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with competing requirements and deadlines

Dedication to collaboration across SACOG teams, elected officials, and key regional stakeholders

Ability to work independently and critical thinking skills, including the ability to make effective decisions amidst uncertainty

Education and Experience:

Required

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. We welcome applicants with non-traditional pathways to education and experience. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Transportation/Urban Planning, Public or Business Administration, Political Science or related field.

Three (3) years of full-time progressively responsible program management work in transportation planning, transportation funding and/or transportation grants, including at least one (1) year of project lead and/or supervisory experience.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment.

• Master’s degree in a related field
• Five years of progressively responsible program management experience, and 2 years of project lead and/or supervisory experience