The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a seasoned planner with a combination of "big picture" vision, on the ground modeling experience, and strong leadership skills to fill the role of Department Manager of Modeling. Under general direction of the Deputy Director of Regional Planning Policy & Analysis, this position will assume full responsibility for the Modeling department including leading the development and implementation of department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities. This position plays a critical role in our agency, ensuring through modeling of transportation and air quality emissions that SCAG demonstrates transportation conformity to federal air quality plans and standards, and other state and federal requirements. The successful candidate will possess experience identifying, researching, and resolving technical issues related to modeling projects, modeling operation, and output analysis with a proven track record of managing large teams.

The Modeling Department provides essential modeling services to support the analysis of SCAG's key plans and projects. It updates transportation, air quality, and scenario planning models for each Connect SoCal cycle, ensuring accurate outputs for both internal and external analyses. The department is also responsible for the Scenario Planning Model (SPM) and its various analytical components to support scenario creation and performance analysis. There are three business units within the Modeling Department that the Department Manager will oversee:

• Model Enhancement: Develops and refines modeling tools and data to support both internal and external needs
• Activity-Based Model & Travel Survey: Develops and enhances the SCAG travel demand model to support the analysis of SCAG's key plans and projects, including collecting travel survey data
• Heavy-Duty Truck & Air Quality Modeling: Maintains and enhances the Heavy-Duty Truck (HDT) model while coordinating and providing air quality model support for Connect SoCal.

The Modeling Department resides in the Regional Planning Policy & Analysis (RPPA) subdivision of the Planning division, which focuses on the alignment of planning research, analysis, technical tools and capacity with regional planning and policy needs. The subdivision is responsible for fulfilling several key state and federal requirements for metropolitan planning organizations, including the development and analysis of the Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy, environmental clearance of the plan, and transportation conformity to state implementation plans for meeting national ambient air quality standards. The Subdivision is comprised of three departments: Planning Strategy, Modeling, and Forecasting and Spatial Analytics.

In this role you can expect to:

• Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work plan for the Modeling department to ensure the effective and efficient development, maintenance, and operation of SCAG transportation models including necessary calibration, validation, and state/federal review and approvals
• Identify, research, and resolve technical issues related to modeling projects, model operation, and output analysis for the SCAG's main plans and projects
• Lead problem-solving efforts, evaluate alternative solutions, and provide technical direction to ensure effective and timely resolution
• Advise the Deputy Director and Chief Planning Officer and coordinate with Planning Division departments to provide modeling and analysis support for key SCAG plans and projects including air quality modeling and transportation conformity analysis
• Provide models and data on request to external stakeholders
• Manage department staff including providing direction, assigning and reviewing work, providing coaching and guidance, providing opportunities for professional development, and conducting performance evaluations
• Establish performance measures, monitor progress and provide feedback to staff members
• Develop and administer department annual budget, forecast department resource needs (staffing, data, equipment, etc.), seek external grant and partnership opportunities, and direct the monitoring and approval of department expenditures
• Collaborate and advise SCAG executive management in the development and coordination of regional planning and policy proposals/strategies
• Collaborate with policy and regional council members and represent the agency at local, regional, state, and federal meetings
• Lead the development and coordination of planning initiatives, serve as a liaison with the public and private sector, and engage in relevant forums
• Ensure SCAG's compliance with policies and contracts, as well as Federal, State, and local regulations
• Perform other duties as assigned

What you'll bring to this role:

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 7 years of experience in urban planning, modeling, forecasting or related field, 4 years of management or direct supervisory experience, and a Bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, or a related field.

Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be considered.

We'll be a great match if you also have:

• Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of managing large teams
• Experience with travel demand, activity demand, and air quality models
• Knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal laws, policies, and planning practices
• Knowledge of research methodologies and survey design
• The ability to perform data and statistical analysis
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to develop and/or review clear, concise communications and reports
• The ability to synthesize technical information for a broad audience
• The ability to communicate effectively and build strong relationships with staff, management, SCAG board members, and stakeholder
• The ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments
• Strong problem solving skills with the ability to identify and proactively respond to issues and resolve challenges
• Experience with budget development and administration
• Knowledge of GIS and the ability to use intermediate features of Microsoft Office Suite

Supplemental Information

Please note, this posting will remain open until June 24, 2025 with the first application review taking place on June 9, 2025. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply prior to that date. We anticipate interviews for this position will be held in five weeks.