Senior Project Manager - Sustainable Transportation and Land Use

South Bay Cities Council of Governments; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senior Project Manager at the South Bay Cities Council of Governments leads transportation and regional planning initiatives, guiding staff and consultants through complex projects that support the SBSS and mobility strategies.

You will coordinate with member cities, agencies, and community partners, develop budgets, respond to RFPs/RFQs, monitor legislation, and ensure deliverables meet contracts and grants.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, public policy, urban or regional planning, or closely related field.
• Five (5) years of professional experience in transportation, technology, public policy, public administration, or related field.
• Knowledge of public sector project management principles, contract and grant administration, and compliance monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Sets project goals, reviews work products, provides guidance, and supports communication between senior management and employees.
• Oversee the work of staff, consultants, interns, and volunteers assigned to specific project tasks.
• Help develop subregional plans and contribute to regional strategies.
• Manage complex projects, contracts, and grants from planning through implementation and reporting.
• Prepares and responds to RFPs/RFQs and grant applications; identifies new grant opportunities.

Skills

Public sector PM

Contract administration

Grant administration

Data collection

Public engagement

Budget management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in public admin/policy/planning

Tools

Microsoft Office

Web-based systems

Project management tools

Job description

About the SBCCOG

The SBCCOG is a joint powers authority of 16 cities and the County of Los Angeles that share the goal of maximizing quality of life and productivity for the South Bay community in Los Angeles County. The SBCCOG mission is to provide a leadership forum for South Bay local governments to act collaboratively and advocate for regional issues with a focus on improving transportation, quality of life, the environment and strengthening economic development. More information about the SBCCOG can be found at https://www.southbaycities.org.

Job Summary

Under direction of the Executive Director, the Senior Project Manager shall have experience in both transportation planning and land use planning (especially with local government) and will be responsible for overseeing the transportation and regional planning programs of the SBCCOG, which implement the South Bay Sustainable Strategy (SBSS). Key components of the SBSS include the micro-mobility ecosystem (including the expansion of the Local Travel Network), complete neighborhoods, how land use is affected, and the digital economy/equity. SBCCOG programs are sub-regional in nature and require coordination with city staff, elected officials, and agencies.

The Senior Project Manager will demonstrate innovative ideas, develop and direct projects in sustainability and resilience. Their approach should be dynamic and ready to reach ‘out of the box.’

Essential Job Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities

• Sets project goals, reviews work products, provides guidance, and supports communication between senior management and employees.

• Oversee the work of staff, consultants, interns, and volunteers assigned to specific project tasks.
• Help develop subregional plans and contributes to regional strategies.
• Manage complex projects, contracts, and grants from planning through implementation and reporting.
• Leverage other SBCCOG programs with Transportation/Land Use where synergies exist.
• Prepares and responds to Request for Proposals/Quotes (RFP/RFQ) and grant applications; identifies new grant opportunities.
• Collects and analyzes data and integrates findings into plans, recommendations, and strategies.
• Prepares project budgets and ensures expenditures meet contract, grant, and organizational requirements.
• Develops relationships with member agencies, partners, chambers of commerce, community groups, non-profits, community based organizations, and regional organizations.
• Works with consultants and contractors to meet project deliverables and performance expectations and verifies invoice accuracy.
• Develops and coordinates project-related training and presentations.
• Advises South Bay cities and agencies on strategies, plans, and project-specific approaches.
• Responds to project inquiries; attends City Council, commission, and committee meetings as required.
• Develops and supports implementation of project management and quality control systems.
• Monitors and advises on legislation, regulations, and policy trends affecting assigned areas.
• Monitors the agendas and participates as required at Metro and SCAG meetings as well as providing updates on issues that the SBCCOG should be aware of.
• Liaisons with AQMD, and state agencies, specifically Caltrans, CARB, CPUC, Strategic Growth Council as required.
• Attends conferences, off-site events, and general workshops, beyond committee/Council/public meetings.
• Assists with resolving difficult or sensitive project issues, using judgment and tact.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Current Projects include:

• Measure M & RSubregional Programs
• Local Travel Network(LTN)& Micromobility
  • CaltransCarson to the SeaGap Study
  • Safe StreetsForAll(SS4A) Micromobility Safety Action Plan
  • MicromobilityIntersection Analysis
  • LomitaLTNCommunity Engagement
• REAP2.0Mobility Hubs
• South Bay Fiber Network (SBFN)as a policy tool affecting VMT and land use

Classification

The position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

A Bachelor's degree in public administration, public policy, urban or regional planning, or a closely related field. A degree related to the assigned functional area is highly desirable; plus five (5) years of professional experience in transportation, technology, public policy, public administration, or related field.

Knowledge of Public sector project management principles; transportation, planning, technology, and public engagement strategies; contract and grant administration, procurement requirements, and compliance monitoring; legislative and regulatory frameworks affecting regional transportation and planning initiatives; data collection, evaluation, and reporting techniques; employee performance management practices such as goal setting and reviewing work products; public meeting protocols; research and analytical methods; business writing standards; Microsoft Office, web-based systems, and project management tools.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge and understanding of theory, principles, policies and practices across an interdisciplinary range of policy and planning areas including mobility, housing, economic development, commercial real estate, broadband network applications, sustainability practices, and climate resilience. This position should not operate inside any one policy silo.

Skill to

Lead complex projects and contracts and oversee consultants; develop work plans and strategies; prepare grant applications, RFPs, RFQs, scopes of work, and reports; interpret and apply regulations, grant provisions, and project requirements; analyze data and develop recommendations; prepare communication materials, newsletters, and presentations; guide the work of staff, interns, and volunteers on project tasks; collaborate effectively with member agencies, regional partners, businesses, and community groups; manage multiple deadlines; track project budgets and review invoices; represent the agency in meetings, presentations, and events; and use digital tools, databases, and communication platforms effectively.

Ability to:

Work independently and exercise sound judgment; plan, organize, and prioritize assignments; interpret policies, procedures, and contract requirements; resolve sensitive or complex issues; develop professional written materials; represent the agency in public and technical forums; maintain cooperative working relationships; support limited performance management functions such as goal setting and reviewing work products; adapt to changing program needs; maintain accuracy in documentation and reporting; communicate clearly in written and verbal form; and work collaboratively or independently while supporting organizational goals.

Licenses and/or Certifications

Must possess a valid California Driver’s License.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and talk or hear and use a telephone and a personal computer with a VDT screen for extended periods of time. The employee is required to drive to various locations, may be required to work outdoors and be exposed to variable weather conditions and noise levels. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and use arms, legs, and back to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Job description statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees and are not intended as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.