** Please apply on the Mountain Line website at: https://mountainline.az.gov/employment/

** Job posting will close on Sept 9th

Safety Statement

This is not a safety-sensitive position. The incumbent is required to fully comply with all safety rules and regulations established by Mountain Line.

Job Purpose of a Planning Director

The Planning Director is responsible for the planning and development of Mountain Line&'s transit service program, including regional coordination, leading strategic transit planning initiatives, and overseeing the development of long-range and short-term transportation plans. This role ensures the integration of public transportation into the region's mobility framework while aligning with environmental, economic, and equity goals. The Director supervises a team of planners and collaborates with the Mountain Line General Management Team and departments, local governments, community organizations, and other transportation agencies.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Direct the development of long-range Capital Improvement Program; collaborating across departments and divisions to ensure the varying needs of agencies are captured and that needs are captured in grant strategies.
• Identify and research grant opportunities and make recommendations for applications based on the Strategic Plan and capital priorities. Oversee and monitor grant programs, including development of applications, reporting, compliance, and budget tracking.
• Implement the Strategic Plan and track and report on key performance indicators to measure success. This also includes service changes, service plans, and capital improvement plans.
• Prepare, implement, and manage the budget for the Planning department.
• Collaborate with external partners to create and revise local and regional plans and projects.
• Prepare and present reports, briefings, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership, board members, and public forums.
• Represent transit matters and concerns in various community conversations, including committees and commissions, or our partners agencies. Provide comments and input as necessary to recognize and advance transit policies and plans.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, and regulations within Mountain Line and at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Oversee data analysis, modeling, and forecasting to inform service planning and performance evaluations.
• Manage public outreach and stakeholder engagement to incorporate community input into transit planning.
• Direct policy development related to transit service, sustainability, equity, and innovation.
• Supervise and mentor planning staff, ensuring professional development and project accountability.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, and regulations within Mountain Line and at the Federal, state, and local levels.

Attendance

Attendance must be consistent and predictable. General employment policies regarding vacation, sick leave, and unpaid leave apply. There may be occasional requirements to report to work on a day off or weekends for community outreach or public hearings.

Confidentiality

This position deals with sensitive internal information and data. The incumbent is required to keep a high level of discretion in handling confidential information and is required to maintain knowledge of rules and regulations governing employees&' private information and customer confidentiality.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of transit systems, land use planning, and transportation policy.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills.
• Effective collaborator and relationship builder, persuasive, sensitive to situations and individuals, knows how to work within the organization and political structure to achieve transit goals.
• Thinks and plans strategically, visualizes and communicates a vision, models desired behavior, and drives

organizational change.

Working Conditions, Exposure to Risks, and Physical Dangers

The incumbent works in an office environment with minimal exposure to risk or physical dangers. Occasional site visits and public meetings with the potential exposure associated with the work, incumbents in this job are required to follow all Mountain Line safety procedures, manuals, and guidelines. Additionally, incumbents are required to properly wear safety-related clothing, protective hard hats, gloves, footwear, tools and equipment, and other safety-related gear.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field is required. A master's degree in a relevant field is preferred.

Similar Work Experience:

• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in transit or transportation planning is preferred, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• 3 + years project management experience, including public outreach.

Licenses, Training, and/or Certifications Preferred:

• AICP or PE certification.

Substitution:

Any combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills to perform the duties of the position.

This job description does not create an employment contract. It is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position.

This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management.

Mountain Line is an equal employment opportunity employer.