Strategic Transit Planning Director

GRTC; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

GRTC is seeking a Director of Planning & Scheduling to lead the development, design, and optimization of public transportation services for the Richmond region. This senior role drives strategic planning, network redesigns, and performance analytics to advance equity, reliability, and innovation in mobility.

The position oversees fixed-route scheduling, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration with executive leadership, local governments, and planning agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, transportation planning, engineering, public administration, geography, or a related field.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in transit planning, scheduling, transportation planning, or related disciplines.
• Three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.
• Demonstrated experience with transit scheduling systems and planning software.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop short-range, mid-range, and long-range transit service plans.
• Lead transit network redesign initiatives and service optimization efforts.
• Evaluate emerging mobility trends and recommend innovative service strategies.
• Support development and implementation of BRT, regional transit, and mobility expansion projects.
• Identify opportunities to improve ridership, accessibility, equity, and customer experience.
• Direct all fixed-route scheduling activities.
• Oversee run-cutting, blocking, service changes, and schedule implementation.
• Monitor route performance and service reliability using performance metrics and data analytics.
• Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance teams to ensure effective service delivery.
• Ensure schedules maximize efficiency while maintaining excellent customer service.
• Guide the use of planning and scheduling technology platforms.
• Lead analysis of ridership trends, travel demand, demographic changes, and service performance.
• Develop data-driven recommendations for service investments and operational improvements.
• Advance the use of predictive analytics, GIS mapping, AI-enabled tools, and business intelligence solutions.
• Represent GRTC with local governments, MPOs, transportation agencies, developers, consultants, and community organizations.
• Lead public engagement efforts associated with service changes and planning initiatives.
• Serve as a key partner in regional transportation planning and funding discussions.
• Present recommendations to executive leadership, governing boards, and public stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor, and develop planning and scheduling staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, continuous improvement, and collaboration.
• Manage departmental budgets, consultant contracts, and project resources.
• Support succession planning and professional growth opportunities for team members.

Skills

Analytical skills

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Communication

Public transit planning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Transit scheduling systems

Planning software

GIS platforms

Job description

GRTC is seeking a Director of Planning & Scheduling to lead the development, design, and optimization of public transportation services for the Richmond region. This senior role drives strategic planning, network redesigns, and performance analytics to advance equity, reliability, and innovation in mobility.

The position oversees fixed-route scheduling, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration with executive leadership, local governments, and planning agencies.