JOB DESCRIPTION

An Overview

The Strategy and Planning Program Manager for Transportation (Principal Planner) will be a highly motivated, versatile, and responsible candidate with strong public communication skills to work within the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services. This position will represent the City of Alexandria on a wide range of technical, non-technical and policy issues that will require broad vision and expertise in urban planning, communications, transportation, data analysis and interpretation, and operations. The selected candidate will be responsible for managing strategic initiatives, long range planning activities, and using data to develop city-wide policies that support development of Alexandria's multi-modal goals.

This role leads the policy development and implementation of the Alexandria Mobility Plan (AMP) — turning strategies into projects, programs, and measurable outcomes. The Principal Planner will work across Transportation Engineering, Mobility Services, and Planning & Zoning to advance corridor and network improvements; coordinate closely with the Smart Mobility Program on data-driven pilots and digital infrastructure; and partner with GO Alex to align TDM initiatives and the AlexMoves survey with policy goals. Core responsibilities include staffing the Transportation Commission, managing complex cross-functional projects and serving on teams for transit investments, small area plans, and traffic engineering efforts. The position also oversees the Transportation Development Review Planner—ensuring private development supports the City's long-term, multimodal vision. Work is performed under general direction of the Division Chief, Deputy Director, and Director.

Please note this is a Principal Planner position.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be involved with a rapidly-urbanizing, semi-suburban city in a region that prioritizes multimodal transportation and innovation.

Opportunity

• Drive citywide mobility strategy — system planning, policy frameworks, and high-impact projects aligned with the AMP.
• Lead long-range plans from development through implementation and performance tracking (AMP, EAP, Citywide Parks Plan, etc.).
• Turn complex transportation/demographic data into clear narratives and decision tools (dashboards, maps, reports) — including AlexMoves — to show impacts, identify gaps, and support new policies.
• Partner with engineering, operations, legal, and other departments to update/create policies that advance safety, accessibility, sustainability, and equity.
• Shape and monitor the state/federal legislative agenda; provide technical analysis for advocacy and assess policy impacts.
• Represent Alexandria on regional/state working groups (VDOT, DRPT, VPRA, MPOs, neighboring jurisdictions).
• Integrate emerging mobility, curbside management, safety technologies, digital infrastructure, and resilience/climate adaptation into plans and projects.
• Lead the Transportation Development Review (TDR) program and supervise the TDR Planner.
• Prepare concise dockets, reports, and recommendations for the City Manager, Council, Boards/Commissions, and T&ES leadership.
• Assists the division with other project management activities as needed.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING:

Experience with:

• Urban planning, multi-modal transportation systems, capital planning, or regional coordination.
• Public agencies, stakeholder engagement, and interdisciplinary teams.
• State and regional agencies such as VDOT, DRPT, VPRA, or MPOs.
• Development review for transportation impacts.
• Policy development, data storytelling, and strategic initiatives.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and tools of transportation planning, land use integration, development review, and sustainability.
• Multi-modal planning, including transit, bicycle, pedestrian, and emerging mobility options.
• Quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods including GIS, modeling, and performance metrics.
• Principles of transportation equity, public engagement, and climate resilience.

Skills in:

• Using data to develop narratives that support planning recommendations and policy changes.
• Leading complex planning projects, strategic initiatives, and cross-functional teams.
• Communicating complex technical information clearly through written reports, visualizations, and public presentations.
• Building partnerships across jurisdictions and agencies to advance shared transportation goals.
• Crafting and evaluating transportation policies, programs, and strategies.
• Balancing flexibility and adaptability, capable of adjusting to changing priorities and unforeseen challenges while maintaining a commitment to achieving goals.

Ability to:

• Think strategically about long-term transportation futures, including the intersection of infrastructure, technology, and public policy.
• Adjust to changing priorities and unforeseen challenges while maintaining a commitment to achieving goals.
• Manage multiple high-profile projects with competing deadlines and stakeholders.
• Facilitate inclusive engagement processes that reflect the priorities of diverse communities.
• Represent the department and city in regional, intergovernmental, and legislative contexts.
• Collaborate effectively with executive leadership, elected officials, and the public.

About the Department

The Department of Transportation & Environmental Services (T&ES) is a community partner in shaping a livable, green, and prospering Alexandria. We plan, build, operate, and maintain transportation systems and infrastructure that improve mobility and provide people and businesses with core public services. The work we do keeps Alexandrians moving, growing sustainability, and thriving.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate embraces the core values of the City: Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and Continuous Improvement. This candidate is open minded and treats all people with dignity, embraces diversity and welcomes individual perspectives, backgrounds and opinions, listens well and always exhibits civility. They are honest and fair, strategic and transparent about how they make decisions, and value the public's trust. They are accountable for decisions and actions and follows through on commitments. They work well with others to achieve great things and are committed to learning and growing.

Beyond embodying the City’s core values, we seek a versatile, seasoned transportation planner with a passion for shaping Alexandria’s mobility future. The ideal candidate turns data into compelling stories, understands how transportation intersects with broader city functions and quality of life, and is a proactive problem-solver who takes initiative to deliver results.

Minimum & Additional Requirements: Four-Year College Degree; at least five years of progressively-responsible experience in urban or transportation planning and management of large-scale urban projects, and completion of college-level courses in urban planning, transportation or transit planning, public administration, engineering, geography, or a related field; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications: Master's Degree; more than five years of progressive planning experience, AICP certification; demonstration of progressive project management experience; experience implementing plan or study recommendations; and proven public engagement successes, including gathering feedback and translating into effective policy guidance and recommendations.

BENEFITS

Benefits

Click here to learn more about City of Alexandria Employee Benefits

Click here to learn more about the City's Employee Development Program

BENEFITS

Benefits

Click here to learn more about City of Alexandria Employee Benefits

Click here to learn more about the City's Employee Development Program