GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK:
The Manager of Strategic Planning is responsible for long-range planning projects, long-term service design for fixed route service, strategic planning, environmental documents for the capital projects, and grant writing and research studies. The manager also leads social, economic, and environmental policy analysis and participates with the Metropolitan Planning Organization, Texas Department of Transportation, City of San Antonio, and other agencies. The manager may assist with special projects and short-range planning.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Assists Major Capital Program Officer in achieving the agency’s goals and objectives, preparing the departmental budget.
Oversees project identification and initiation, planning, feasibility, and environmental phases of VIA projects, including development of new transit service, passenger or operating facilities, and other technological enhancements or improvements.
Oversees updates to the VIA vision document/strategic plan, including long-range transportation system planning, Regional Transit System Plan, Rapid Transit Plan, Major Investment Studies, preparation of environmental documents, and other tasks associated with these plans, and studies in collaboration with the other VIA departments.
Collaborates with other VIA departments to advance transit-oriented development and joint development projects.
Responsible for expeditiously researching and analyzing grant opportunities for feasibility and viability to include alignment with project objectives, budgets, timelines, grant requirements such as data capture, reporting requirements, or special terms and conditions, before recommending pursuit to management.
Oversees, develops, and manages timelines and activities performed by all internal staff and external consultants to ensure all critical deadlines are met during the projects, tasks or planning process.
Formulates scopes of work, develops cost estimate/budget, coordinates contract requirements and other procurement documents, and monitors and directs planning consultant team(s) once awarded contract(s) for the agency.
Works with partner agencies such as the Metropolitan Planning Organization, the City of San Antonio, and other regional organizations to formulate complimentary transportation policies, projects, plans, and provides input to their plans
Provides status updates to the VIA Board of Trustees/ATD Board, the President/CEO, and VIA Leadership on strategic planning projects, plans and studies through written reports or correspondence, formal presentations and/or informal discussions.
Reviews results of applicable industry research papers, studies, models, and forecasts to provide recommendations to the group leadership .
Develops and maintains a network of contacts with partner entities related to the transportation and transit industry, and innovative project development and delivery, such as the City of San Antonio (CoSA), Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Bexar County, Regional Mobility Authority, etc.
This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job. Other duties may exist.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Planning or related field and seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in transit, transportation planning, and policy analysis. Five (5) years of management experience within a public agency.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s Degree
Professional Certificate or License (e.g. PE or AICP).
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must have ability to communicate ideas effectively and persuasively in writing and in oral presentations using graphics and statistics.
Must have knowledge of transit and transportation theory and best practices.
Must be familiar with the social, economic, and environmental impacts and benefits of public transportation.
Knowledge of federal, state and local rules and regulations that relate to transit and transportation policies and planning.
Must be able to organize and direct the technical work of other analysts and planners.
Must be familiar with and be able to use transportation and urban planning, urban design methods.
Must have familiarity with Geographic Information System software.
Must be able to collect and analyze data and make recommendations. Requires considerable initiative and independent judgment.
Must be able to maintain effective communications with persons both inside and outside the VIA organization.
Must be able to perform research, reach independent judgments, and advise staff of the most advantageous course of action.
Requires the ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information
Must have ability to use MS Office to include working knowledge of Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Project.
Must have the ability to read and understand complex materials such as reports, reference manuals and instructions.
Must be able to maintain good work attendance.
Safety Accountability Statement:
- Employees must consider safety in all tasks performed, as well as demonstrate safe judgment and decisions that not only maintain their own safety; but that of fellow employees and customers.
- Demonstrate a professional commitment to assure compliance with all organizational policies, practices, and programs related to safety, health, and system security.
- Employees have a responsibility to identify and report hazards, as well as potentially unsafe conditions, to your immediate supervisor or Safety Department.
- Employees are responsible, and required, to stop a job/task to prevent an unsafe incident or act from occurring. This acknowledges the threat of potential injury, property damage and the opportunity for better judgment to be used.
Must comply with and support all applicable VIA EEO Policies and Procedures.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Physical ability required to be mobile, bend, stoop, stand, reach and lift objects weighing 5-25 pounds such as files, supplies, equipment and large heavy reference manuals and books.
WORK ENVIRONMENTS:
Works in a normal office environment.
Work involves deadlines, multiple priorities and the cooperation of others.
Work involves unusual and extended work hours including evenings and occasional weekends.
Occasional off property travel required including overnight.
VIA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal opportunity to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.
