Chief of Planning and Programming & Executive Director of Council of Mayors

General Summary: Under the direction of the Assistant Director, the Chief of Planning and Programming is responsible for the oversight of the Planning and Programming staff and the Kane Kendall Council of Mayors (KKCOM) program. Responsibilities are concentrated on transportation improvement programming, asset management program integration, and long-range multimodal transportation planning at the local and regional levels. Key activities include directing the County"s Long Range Transportation Plan, leading the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to link asset priorities to capital planning, managing corridor and sub-area studies, and administering the Five-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). This position also provides vital technical support and research assistance to the Assistant Director and Director/County Engineer for Transportation Committee, County Board, and public information meetings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepares and maintains the County"s Five Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
• Develops and updates County"s Long Range Transportation Plan on a periodic basis through transportation studies and planning efforts.
• Tracks and identifies federal, state and other potential fund sources for Kane County transportation projects.
• Leads the development of grant applications for KDOT projects pursuing federal or state funding.
• Leads the development of program Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and workflows to integrate the asset management program, ensuring data-driven asset priorities are seamlessly linked to capital planning and budgeting.
• Acts as the primary liaison between regional transit partners (NITA, Metra, Pace), local municipalities, and county teams to support successful transit operations and champion the cross-agency coordination and implementation of infrastructure improvements, like sidewalks, within highway projects.
• Directs the preparation of annual contract, budget, and amendments for the Council of Mayors program.
• Supervises the Kane Kendall Council of Mayors staff as the Executive Director of the Council of Mayors. Provides technical assistance, assists in the review of regional and local transportation programs and plans; performs field observation and maintains project management records for the Council of Mayors.
• Coordinates and collaborates with regional transportation/land use planning agencies, including Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. Attends meetings and Serves actively on regional planning committees (such as CMAP) on behalf of the county and the Council of Mayors to steer regional transportation policy and funding models.
• Implements and administers Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) policies and procedures for projects with federal aid. Coordinates with KDOT staff to meet IDOT requirements for projects with and without federal aid including kickoff meetings, coordination meetings, and required training.
• Attends public hearings, open houses, and other meetings on behalf of KDOT and KKCOM.
• Prepares documentation and reports for monthly Transportation Committee meeting.
• Prepares or manages the preparation of transportation plans, designs, maps, reports, studies, and programs; Acquires traffic and roadway data for studies.
• Collaborates across departments and partners with the Information Technology (IT) department to coordinate regular content updates and ensure the Division of Transportation website remains accurate and accessible.
• Directly supervises the KKCOM Council Director, Kane County Bicycle Pedestrian Coordinator, and Transportation Planner, and GIS/IT Systems Manager.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Strong verbal, written, analytical and computer skills required.

• Working knowledge of and experience with modern principles and practices of civil and traffic engineering as applied to construction of various highway and public works projects.

• Strong presentation and public speaking skills.

• Working knowledge of financial and accounting principles.

• Strong MS Excel and Word skills

• Flexibility and competence to manage staff from different programs.

• Effectively manage complex tasks and multiple projects simultaneously.

• Ability to interpret, use, and enforce IDOT, AASHTO, NACTO, and other agency manuals.

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.

• Effectively present information to management, public groups, and appointed/elected boards.

• Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

TRAINING, EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor"s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related field preferred.
• 10 years of progressively responsible experience in transportation, planning, public works, or a related field, including progressive management experience.
• On-going education in transportation planning and programming. Engaged in lifelong learning to maintain knowledge of contemporary issues.
• Valid Illinois Driver"s License

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Prolonged periods of sitting, talking, listening, working on a computer = 75%

Lifting up to 15 pounds at a time, reaching, bending, walking = 5%

Involves some travel within the Chicago region, approximately 20% of time.

EQUIPMENT USED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Computer, printer, scanner, telephone, fax, copier, county vehicle, equipment and supplies.

WORKING CONDITIONS WHILE PERFORMING ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Field review of existing and proposed conditions are required approximately 5% of the time. This entails exposure to elements during all seasons, and danger from exposure to moving vehicles under traffic conditions.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to: Assistant Director - Planning and Programming

Directs Work of: Planning and Programming Section staff