JOB DESCRIPTION

Program Management and Leadership

• Provide leadership and direction for agency planning programs, including development and implementation of short- and long-range initiatives aligned with Commission goals and objectives
• Plan, supervise, and evaluate the activities and performance of planning and GIS staff, interns, and consultants
• Conduct performance evaluations in coordination with the Executive Director and support staff development through coaching and mentoring
• Lead in developing the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and assist with work program budget
• Coordinate with the Executive Director and staff to analyze work programs and revenue to support recommended staffing levels
• Apply project management principles to develop scopes of work, including budget estimates, schedule, and staffing levels
• Identify funding opportunities and prepare grant applications to support Commission goals and objectives
• Serve as project manager for complex projects and programs as needed

Program Oversight and Compliance

• Oversee development, maintenance, and implementation of the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
• Support performance-based planning, including target setting and reporting
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, including 23 CFR part 450
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local partners on transportation planning and programming activities
• Oversee Commission’s policies and procedures, specifically the procurement policy, to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements
• Ensure that planning programs and projects operate within contractual, regulatory, and budgetary constraints.
• Scope and review technical work prepared by consultants and partner agencies
• Monitor emerging federal and state legislation, policies, and best practices affecting transportation, land use, environment, community development, and other related planning areas.

Coordination and Public Engagement

• Communicate and collaborate with policymakers, partner agencies, stakeholders, and the public
• Participate in intergovernmental committees and working groups
• Advise Commissioners on transportation and public policy issues
• Provide staff support to Commission, Technical Committee, and other related boards and committees
• Prepare and present reports, plans, and technical information to the Commission, Technical Committee, other related boards and committees, and the public
• Develop and oversee robust public outreach for planning projects and programs
• Respond to the most sensitive or complex inquiries or complaints

Other Job Functions

• Perform other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, urban or regional planning or related field such as geography, economics, political science, or environmental studies.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in planning or public administration
• At least four years of project management and/or supervision must be included in the five years of experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in public administration, planning or related field
• Direct experience with MPO processes and federally funded transportation programs

Knowledge of:

• Supervisory principles and public sector employment practices
• Strong understanding of MPO processes, including LRTP, TIP, UPWP, and other related activities
• Federal and state transportation planning regulations, including 23 CFR Part 450
• Budgeting and financial management principles
• Project management practices
• Planning principles across transportation, land use, environment, community development, and other related disciplines
• Governmental and political decision-making processes.
• Comprehensive and regional planning processes
• Research methods and data analysis techniques
• Common office and analytical software applications

Ability to:

• Effectively supervise, lead, and develop staff across multiple disciplines
• Manage complex projects And multiple concurrent projects
• Anticipate and resolve organizational and operational issues in a timely and effective manner
• Evaluate and motivate staff and resolve conflict in an open and inclusive manner
• Develop and implement policies and procedures
• Prepare clear, data-driven plans and reports
• Prioritize tasks, manage budgets, and meet deadlines
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, on complex issues
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with policymakers, partner agencies, staff, and the public

BENEFITS

Salary is based on experience and capabilities, with a starting range of $88,340 to $127,000 for a 35-hour work week (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with a one-hour lunch). Excellent benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, with optional health savings account; life insurance; short-term disability insurance; IMRF pension plan; 457b deferred compensation; and paid time off, including holiday, vacation, personal, and sick leave.