Transportation Data Application Manager

Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG); Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 111,851 - 167,776; Full time

Job summary

MAG is seeking an experienced data-focused leader to head the Transportation Data Application team. You will maintain high-quality regional datasets, advance safety analytics, and manage large-scale transportation survey efforts supporting planning, modeling, performance evaluation, and policy development across the Phoenix region.

This role suits a data-forward professional who enjoys mentoring early-career staff, tackling complex problems, and shaping data-driven transportation decisions for

Qualifications

• Must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field and strong data visualization experience.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive, applicable experience with data analysis and large datasets.
• Experience with safety datasets (collision data or related safety programs).
• Prior management or staff mentoring experience.
• Demonstrated experience with data transformation tools beyond Excel (Python, R, SQL, PostgreSQL).
• Ability to present technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Experience managing consultant-led projects.
• Excellent attention to detail and ownership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the acquisition, processing and analysis of safety data to provide strategic insights.
• Develop and manage transportation survey projects for model development, validation and calibration.
• Continue developing a talented early-career team of planners and analysts.
• Track best practices, emerging tools and trends in transportation data.
• Analyze, interpret, and visualize data for performance-based planning and programming.
• Support MAG committees and partners with clear data storytelling.
• Maintain diverse geospatial data and ensure ongoing quality and utility.

Skills

Data visualization

Large-scale data processing

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Mentoring/leadership

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in data science, computer science, planning, engineering, math, or a related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Python

R

SQL

PostgreSQL

GIS (ESRI)

Job description

MAG is a great place to work. We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a hybrid work environment that supports flexibility, with a minimum of three days per week in the office, along with a collaborative culture where employee contributions make a real impact.

About MAG

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) is a group of local governments working together on issues that touch the lives of every resident. We are a regional planning agency that develops solutions in areas such as transportation, environmental and air quality, and human services. MAG serves a thriving region of 5 million people. Our members include 28 cities and towns, three Native nations, and Maricopa and Pinal counties. Our planning area encompasses more than 10,000 square miles. MAG is the council of governments and the designated metropolitan planning organization for transportation planning for the greater Phoenix metropolitan area.

Job Details

Closes: The position is open until filled.

Status: Full time

Pay Rate: Salary

Title Range: $111,850.77 - $167,776.15

About MAG Transportation – Data Management & Application

The MAG Transportation Data Management and Application Function is responsible for the collection, acquisition, and maintenance of data that supports initiatives across the spectrum of transportation programs. This includes the evaluation and prioritization of projects and programs, developing inputs for use in the region’s socioeconomic modeling, traffic data used for the validation of the regional travel demand models, and collection of various types of surveys that support calibration of the regional travel demand models. Its role as the data clearinghouse requires that it maintains high standards and a deeply collaborative approach.

The Position

MAG is seeking an experienced, and collaborative professional to lead the Transportation Data Application team. This position plays a critical role in maintaining high‑quality regional datasets, advancing safety analytics, and managing large-scale transportation survey efforts that directly support planning, modeling, performance evaluation, and policy development across the region.

This is an excellent opportunity for a data-forward leader who enjoys solving complex problems, mentoring early-career staff, and shaping impactful, data-driven transportation decisions.

Responsibilities

• Leading the acquisition, processing and analysis of safety data to provide strategic insights and guidance to end users.
• Develop and manage transportation survey projects to support model development, validation, and calibration.
• Continue developing a talented early-career team of planners and analysts.
• Track best practices, emerging tools and trends, in transportation data and incorporate relevant advancements into MAG’s strategies.
• Analyzing, interpreting, and visualizing data used in the implementation of performance-based planning and programming.
• Supporting MAG committees, technical work groups, and regional partners through clear, concise communication and accessible data storytelling.
• Maintaining a wide variety of geospatial information and ensuring the ongoing quality and utility of the data contained therein.

The Candidate

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, technically strong professional who enjoys breaking down complex concepts into clear insights. You thrive in a collaborative environment, value mentoring and team development, and are motivated by the role data plays in shaping regional policy.

You excel at working with large datasets, ensuring accuracy, identifying patterns, and translating analysis into actionable recommendations.

Experience And Education

• Bachelor’s degree in data science, computer science, planning, engineering, math, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Must have at least 7 years of progressive and applicable experience, including demonstrated experience with data visualization, large-scale data processing and analysis.
• Experience working with safety datasets (collision data, Road Safety Audits, or other ancillary related safety programs).
• Prior management experience, team leadership or staff mentorship experience.
• Demonstrated experience with data transformation tools outside of Excel (Python, R, SQL, PostgreSQL, etc.).
• Experience managing, interpreting, or analyzing large and complex datasets.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to present technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Experience managing consultant-led projects.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a strong sense of ownership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience presenting before policymakers and professional colleagues
• Experience working for an MPO, COG, DOT, or transportation consulting firm.
• Experience designing, managing, or analyzing large transportation surveys.
• Understanding of ESRI’s GIS tools and geospatial analysis workflows.

The Maricopa Association of Governments is an Equal Opportunity Employer. During the selection process any applicant requiring accommodation for a disability should advise the Human Resources Division by calling [phone].

302 N. First Ave., Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85003