TRANSPORTATION PLANNING PROGRAM MANAGER

Texas Association of Regional Councils; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

The Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) seeks a motivated, well organized, detailed-oriented TRANSPORTATION PLANNING PROGRAM MANAGER. This senior role leads the planning staff and oversees the development of MTP, TIP, and related planning activities.

The TPPM will coordinate with the deputy director, TAC, TPB, and state/federal agencies, guiding staff, managing consultant services, and engaging the public in transportation decisions with a focus on compliance and continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, transportation, public administration or related field.
• 7+ years in transportation planning with supervisory experience is preferred.
• Experience with MPO processes and federal/state transportation funding is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of MTP, TIP, UPWP, APER and CMP.
• Coordinate with TAC, TPB, and partner agencies for plan approvals.
• Manage Planning Staff and consultant workflows; oversee procurement.
• Support public outreach and ensure compliance with regulations.

Skills

Transportation planning

Program management

Supervision/leadership

Public engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, transportation, public admin

Tools

Esri ArcGIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) seeks a motivated, well organized, detailed-oriented TRANSPORTATION PLANNING PROGRAM MANAGER.

The ideal candidate has proven experience providing program management, including technical expertise in Transportation Improvement Program administration and multifaceted transportation planning for governments. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical benefits, retirement, and tuition reimbursement.

EOE.

The position is federally funded through the U.S. and Texas Departments of Transportation.

Position Summary

The transportation planning program manager (TPPM) is a senior-level management position under the general guidance of the deputy director in meeting metropolitan planning organization (MPO) responsibilities to local, state, and federal entities. Responsibilities include leading or facilitating the development of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), Congestion Management Process, Transportation Conformity, the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) consistent with the Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan (SLRTP), and Annual Performance and Expenditure Report (APER). The TPPM directly leads and manages the workflow, development, and training of Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (AAMPO) Planning Staff charged with developing and completing regional transportation plans and studies, staffing transportation advisory committees, procuring consultant services, coordinating work with local and state agencies, and engaging the public in planning and funding decisions. The TPPM is expected to exercise a high degree of independent thinking, creativity, and initiative in performing duties.

Essential Job Functions

• Managing, in collaboration with the deputy director, the training development of Planning Staff in meeting MPO local, state, and federal requirements, including, but not limited to, developing or managing the MTP, TIP, UPWP, APER, Congestion Management Process (CMP), and Transportation Conformity.
• Overseeing the development, maintenance, and implementation of the Transportation Improvement Program, including providing technical and coordination training with all stakeholders
• Supervising staff lead (e.g., Regional Transportation Planner) in steering the region’s multi-agency CMP workgroup in implementing the adopted CMP (e.g., using data sources in evaluating corridors)
• Developing, coordinating, and maintaining the MTP in consultation with staff, the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), and partner agencies or consultants, including its timely submittal or presentation to the TAC, the Transportation Policy Board (TPB), and state and federal agencies for their review and approval
• Performing administrative duties such as preparation or editing of MTP chapters, scopes of work for planning studies, grant application, or aiding the director or deputy director as requested
• Assisting with managing the procurement of consultant services related to the MTP and other programs or studies as assigned, including training others to perform this function
• Managing a planning department that consistently increases 1) the skillset of direct reports, 2) flexibility within the organization by having crossed-trained direct reports, and 3) understanding of how the organization operates on all levels
• Executing planning responsibilities of the director or deputy director in their absence
• Managing the support of short and long-range planning of the organization, including overseeing special projects or studies as assigned to meet the overall direction and objectives of the organization, including training others to perform this function
• Preparing reports covering complex technical analyses on various planning issues, including policy recommendations
• Presenting study results and recommendations to technical advisory and oversight committees and the TPB
• Managing and coordinating the functions (e.g., performance-based planning, Congestion Management Process, and freight) and deliverables of the Planning Staff, the consultants retained by AAMPO related to the MTP development, and other parties as assigned, including training others to perform this function
• Developing and evaluating data needs to support transportation planning activities, including providing updates to AAMPO’s contact database
• Maintaining current knowledge in transportation planning developments and strategies, public policy, and legislation related to regional transportation planning issues and holding direct reports to the same standards
• Assisting in the creating, conducting, monitoring, evaluating, and revising of community relations and outreach programs or initiatives or public meetings to maximize the early to-end engagement of diverse AAMPO populations in influencing transportation planning decision-making while complying with the organization’s Public Participation Plan, Title VI, Environmental Justice, and federal and state regulations or goals
• Assisting in monitoring AAMPO’s website, providing beneficial content that’s easy to read, and offering ways to improve and optimize our website content
• Providing full supervision over direct reports with collaborative responsibility for hiring, promoting, transferring, assigning, evaluating performance, initiating salary action, handling grievances, disciplining, and discharging direct reports
• Participating in the Director’s Supervisors Workgroup to collaborate in the identification, implementation, or resolution of organizational initiatives, problems, goals, and objectives
• Supervising direct reports, including but not limited to 1) providing visionary direction, regular feedback on work products and team participation, training, problem resolution, and coaching, 2) conducting performance evaluations or meetings, 3) establishing staffing priorities and an accountability environment, 4) ensuring availability of information resources needed to complete tasks, 5) proofreading and approving deliverables, 6) motivating and developing individuals towards excellence in a continuous organizational learning environment, and 7) performing related administrative and compliance tasks
• Assisting in the preparation of a budget for assigned areas, including the monitoring of expenditures and adjusting as appropriate
• Working with other departments to identify common objectives and develop cross departmental solutions
• Managing multiple complex projects and consultant services
• Establishing, implementing, and monitoring policies and procedures for the effective, efficient operation of assigned areas
• Displaying honest, trustworthy, and ethical behavior when dealing with internal and external customers
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Other Duties Include

Performing other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Proficient knowledge of the principles, methods, and practices of regional transportation planning and the metropolitan planning organization processes
• Knowledge in areas such as federal, state, and local funding requirements, economic development, energy, engineering practices, environment, government management, housing, land use, recreation, and urban planning as they pertain to the function(s) of a metropolitan planning organization
• Proficient knowledge of management theory and the principles and practices of managing others and projects
• Knowledge of the legal requirements, regulations, and laws applicable to areas of assigned responsibility
• Knowledge of geographic information system mapping (e.g., ESRI ArcGIS) software
• Skill in problem definition, development of goals and objectives, evaluation of strengths, weaknesses, or alternatives, development of program recommendations, and policy formulation
• Skill in quantitative and qualitative analysis
• Skill in project and time management strategies necessary to develop and direct planning studies and staff
• Skill in generating interest and conveying messages through the development of graphic treatments and persuasive writing
• Skill in the effective application of interpersonal skills, including but not limited to verbal communication, non-verbal communication, negotiation, active listening, problem solving, consensus building, decision-making, and assertiveness
• Skill in the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar for effective proofreading of deliverables in assigned areas or of direct reports
• Skill in operating audio-visual and office equipment (e.g., laptops, projectors, printers, and plotters)
• Skill in the use of office software, including word processing, spreadsheet, statistical analysis, and presentation development (preferably Microsoft products: Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint)
• Skill in writing and presenting, including the proficiency to synthesize and demonstrate complex technical material in non-technical terms to a variety of audiences
• Skill in using principles of effective safety practices, including the use of equipment appropriately and safely, the use of preventative personal ergonomic techniques, and maintaining safe individual and common workplaces
• Ability to interact with internal and external individuals and groups to achieve goals through negotiation, motivation, problem-solving, and feedback
• Ability to prepare PowerPoint presentations with proper notes so that others may easily give the presentation
• Ability to work with a minimum of direct supervision and to meet assignment deadlines
• Ability to collect, research, analyze, and input data, make informed professional recommendations, and demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness while maintaining a results-oriented focus
• Ability to develop innovative approaches and ideas
• Ability to adapt to changes in the work environment, address competing demands, delays, or unexpected situations, prioritize multiple tasks, complete tasks on time, and respond promptly to requests for service and assistance
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, technical committees, policy boards, partner agencies, public officials, and the public
• Ability to work well in a group problem-solving environment, including sharing expertise and training others
• Ability to show respect and sensitivity for the diversity of thought, education, and cultural makeup of staff and community
• Ability to take the initiative for self-development and to expand skill levels

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, transportation engineering, public administration from an accredited college or university, or a related field and seven years of progressively responsible experience in transportation planning and at least three years of supervisory experience OR any combination of education and experience that provides the job holder with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job
• Skilled in utilizing Microsoft Office Suite
• Possession of a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s License, proper insurance, and reliable vehicle

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in urban planning, environmental studies/science, natural resource management, public administration, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience in the development and maintenance of a Transportation Improvement Program
• Demonstrated experience in the Congestion Management Process
• Bilingual (Spanish and English) is preferred

Work Conditions

The following are essential physical demands of the position: (1) mobility to work in a typical office setting (e.g., standing or sitting for prolonged periods) with occasional bending or squatting; (2) using standard office equipment (e.g., copier, computer, and printer) requiring repetitive hand movement, constant use of vision for reading and closeup work, exposure to computer screens, occasional color and depth vision, and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; (3) driving a motor vehicle to attend meetings outside AAMPO’s office; (4) reading printed materials and a computer screen; and (5) hearing and talking to communicate in person, over the telephone, or in a virtual environment. In addition, the incumbent needs to be able to move documents and other items weighing up to 25 pounds from one location to another and may be exposed to various unpleasant field conditions, including wet, rainy, cold, or hot weather, while performing the job functions.
Traveling independently to meetings and training events inside and outside AAMPO’s Study Area and attending evening and weekend meetings/functions as needed. Must be able to represent AAMPO and make presentations in meetings with local officials, transportation agencies, or other organizations. Accommodation may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation. This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between AAMPO and the employee, and it is subject to change as the needs of AAMPO and the requirements of the position change. In addition, the above statements are intended to summarize the nature and level of work and typical responsibilities and duties performed by the employee in this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities required of the position. This position's various responsibilities or assignments may be unevenly balanced and change from time to time based upon matters such as, but not limited to, variations in staff, work demands, service levels, and management’s decision on how to best allocate department resources. Any variations, emphasis, or rebalancing of duties, responsibilities, or assignments does not constitute a change in the job classification.