Senior Manager of Transit Planning & Mobility on Demand

Reporting to Senior Director of Transit Development and Innovation, the Senior Manager of Transit Planning is responsible for the management of all short and long-range planning activities at SORTA Metro. Additionally, this position will lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of MetroNow SORTAs Mobility on Demand MetroNow service.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Contribute to the development of Metros corporate strategy by providing input and plans in line with the overall business objectives. Oversee the development of Metros Short-Range Service Plan and all related activities, including service improvements, bus stop infrastructure enhancements, and future phases of Reinventing Metro.

Lead and manage all long-range planning activities, including preparation and updating the SORTA Metro Long-Range Transportation Plan. Continuously improve planning processes and procedures. Develop plans to bring transit innovations to SORTA Metros service area.

Forge and lead a team of local officials to work on urban planning initiatives to make the region more conducive to transit service. Assist in the development of SORTAs Bus Rapid Transit system. Serve as an Essential Employee to continue the Authoritys operation during an emergency or weather-related event.

Assist in the preparation of grant applications for state and federal funding for grants to study or construct transportation projects. Represent SORTA at various city, county, state, federal, and public meetings. Interact with and make presentations to community organizations, non-profits, and private businesses to support SORTAs Public Outreach Programs.

Lead coordination with internal stakeholders, customers, and external entities to communicate SORTAs long-range goals, understand stakeholder needs and concerns, and seek consensus in design solutions while working within defined budget and schedule. Responsible for coordination on all aspects of MetroNow service.

Coordinating scheduling and reviewing work assignments for planning projects when acting as a technical and policy advisor to assigned staff or consultants. Stimulate subordinates and contribute to the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement of the Metro Network, monitoring operations, processes, and practices, taking into account best practices, improvement of business processes, cost reduction, and productivity improvement.

Brief members of the public and representatives from the community on MetroNow as community development matters. Assist in the development of SORTAs strategy development by providing input and plans on planning and community priorities, challenges, and requirements in line with overall strategic objectives.

Assist in the development of scopes of work for planning & engineering services for MetroNow service. Administer contract changes, including scope revisions, amendments, and maintain project control, manage scope, schedule, and budget of MetroNow contracts.

Monitor performance of MetroNow service against plans during execution to deliver the performance targets and achieve the departmental objectives. Assist in the update of the department budget. Monitor financial performance versus budget to keep track of costs, ensure areas of unsatisfactory performance are identified, rectified promptly, and improvement opportunities are acted upon.

Based on service demands and requirements, provide input and support the long and medium development of transit networks, capacity expansion plans, and capacity review to determine requirements in terms of capacity changes and bus fleet requirements.

Collect, analyze, and interpret transportation data for short and long-range planning timeframes to provide a sound basis for demand and capacity planning. Ensure constant review of network performance and recommendation plans to improve the network performance.

Liaise, coordinate, and negotiate with different public and private entities, e.g., Engineering and Planning departments at the City, local MPO, OKI, local municipalities, and developers, to ensure alignment on all transport plans and initiatives.

Establish and maintain relationships with local and regional planning and economic development entities to coordinate SORTAs planning goals and devise strategies that will support SORTAs long-range planning initiatives and assure their effectiveness in meeting the regions public transportation goals.

Work closely with local and regional entities to help improve the viability of transit in Hamilton County through effecting local zoning and land use laws. Assist department staff with Transit Oriented Development (TOD) projects.

Contribute to the identification of opportunities and enforce a culture of change for continuous improvement of systems, processes, and practices, considering best practices. Ensure that all department reports are prepared timely and accurately and meet SORTAs and the departments policies and standards.

Develop positive relationships, maintain ongoing communication, and meet regularly with SORTA staff to provide support and oversight for project tasks, remove barriers to progress, and ensure accountability for project goals.

Generate work plans for multiple projects and phases to define capital project budgets. Review and assist in state and federal grant applications and funding that support Strategic Planning, Development, and Innovation department goals and objectives.

Provide monthly updates to SORTAs Board through monthly reports and presentations. Provide a positive work environment that does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran.

Develop and implement standards and strategies to meet or exceed organization, department, and staff performance goals and objectives, monitor results, recognize accomplishments, and oversee continuous improvement.

Lead staff in inter-departmental and inter-agency collaboration and cooperation. Implement programs to train and prepare all long-range planning staff to advance professionally.

Discuss, inform, and advise management on department operations and special projects. Manage public outreach meetings and public hearings related to transit services and long-range plans.

Respond or direct responses to inquiries and complaints from community members, regulatory agencies, and the business community. Ensure, in collaboration with other departments as appropriate, that applicable business systems are implemented and operated in a manner that provides the maximum potential of business intelligence.

Monitor and develop staff. Model, facilitate, and encourage exemplary internal and external customer service, open communication, collaboration, participation, and professional development of staff.

Complete special projects as assigned. Ability to work in compliance with Metros safety and security policies. Develop presentations for conferences and attend conferences.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Competency Statements:

• Communications: Excellent oral and written communication skills. Persuasive consensus builder.
• Customer Focus: Excellent problem-solving skills and a desire to exceed customer expectations.
• Employee Development: Competent in assessing employee skills, coaches, delegates, and supports employee development, provides constructive feedback.
• Leadership: Energetic, innovative, self-starter, committed to continuous improvement and creative problem-solving.
• Professional Integrity: Exhibits and values commitment, leadership, accountability, diversity, honesty, fiscal responsibility, and the ability to maximize resources.
• Proficiency: Able to multi-task, plan, and measure results, create and analyze data, excellent computer skills, accuracy, and attention to detail, excellent project management skills.

Education:

• Bachelors degree, 4-year college or university in planning, public administration, or related field.

Experience:

• Six years or more years of experience in planning and development in transit transportation planning. Masters degree may account for two years of experience.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Computer Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft work environment, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, internet, and email. Working knowledge of GIS and data-related applications.
• Other Requirements: Proficiency in zoning and land use laws as they pertain to transit, working knowledge of transit planning principles and requirements, leadership and staff management experience, excellent public speaking, writing, and presentation skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Office atmosphere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Metro is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, termination, promotions, or any other condition of employment or career development.