Assistant General Manager, Strategy & Planning (E037)

Septa • Philadelphia, PA

23h

About The Position

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the sixth-largest transportation system in the U.S., connecting communities across a 2,200-square-mile service region. SEPTA is at the forefront of innovation in the transit industry, ensuring reliable and efficient services while driving economic growth in the Philadelphia region.

We are seeking to hire candidates for our Assistant General Manager, Strategy & Planning (E037). The Assistant General Manager, Strategy and Planning is a high-impact executive role responsible for modernizing SEPTA's diverse transit network. This leader drives the SEPTA strategic plan, focusing on recovery, connectivity, and addressing structural budget deficits to ensure a seamless transit network across the Greater Philadelphia region.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Engineering, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related technical or analytical field required. 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in public transportation, with at least 5 years in a senior executive leadership capacity.
• An equivalent combination of experience and education may be substituted for the degree requirements and preferences. (Two years of relevant, progressively responsible work experience may equate to one year of formal post-high school education.
• Proven ability to navigate complex relationships with the SEPTA Board, Philadelphia City Council, and state legislative bodies.
• Demonstrated success in leading large-scale organizational change and planning within severe budgetary constraints.

Nice To Haves

• Deep familiarity with the unique operational challenges of the Broad Street Line, Market-Frankford Line, and the Regional Rail system preferred.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Professional Engineer (PE), Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred.
• Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Business Administration, or Public Policy preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the strategic and long-range planning processes of SEPTA. Directs development of planning approaches that reflect the strategic direction and vision of senior management as related to system expansion, new modal development, and core capacity improvements.
• Guides coordination of planning efforts, grant applications related to planning, and transit policy development with Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), Philadelphia City Planning Commission (PCPC), Office of Transportation Infrastructure (OTIS), Bucks, Chester, and Montgomery County Planning Commissions, Delaware County Planning Department and PennDOT. Directs all SEPTA related Planning efforts as provided by the Metropolitan Planning Organization - DVRPC.
• Directs and oversees the development of short-range planning activities, including the development of operating schedules for all vehicle modes and routes, and the preparation of statistical data used for budgeting purposes.
• Supervises the development of intermediate range planning activities, which includes the development or modification of routes and services.
• Directs the advancement of the Authority’s joint planning efforts involving other jurisdictions, private developers, and business owners.
• Directs and oversees the development of short-range planning activities, including the development of operating schedules for all vehicle modes and routes, and the preparation of statistical data used for budgeting purposes.
• Supervises the City Transit and Regional Railroad Service Planning groups including the development of intermediate range planning activities, which includes the development or modification of routes and services.
• Directs the coordination and establishment of Authority vision and associated strategic priorities and initiatives.
• Manage institutions of policies and strategic priorities, implementation of structured approaches to performance management, and pilot policies to support improved Authority practices.
• Drive the development and implementation of the 2027-2031 SEPTA Strategic Business Plan and Vision Document.
• Oversee major initiatives including New Bus Network, Metro branding unification, and Reimagining Regional Rail.
• Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): Collaborate with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) and local municipalities to foster transit-centric community growth.
• Develop and implement an updated Sustainability Playbook.
• Coordinate with local, state and federal partners to secure funding for infrastructure renewal, state of good repair backlog reduction and ADA upgrades.
• Advance "lifestyle transit" through promotion of institutional fare programs and adjustments to fare policy that promote increased transit usage.
• Performs other duties as required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage – Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums.
• Retirement Security – Participate in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 457B Deferred Compensation Plan to build your financial future.
• Work-Life Balance – Enjoy paid parental leave, generous vacation time, and paid holidays to recharge and spend time with loved ones.
• Employee Wellness – Access wellness programs and resources to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Invest in Your Growth – We offer tuition reimbursement to support your education and career advancement.
• Student Loan Assistance – Our positions qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, helping you manage and reduce student debt.
• Free Travel Perks – Receive a FREE SEPTA Transportation Pass, giving you unlimited access to all SEPTA services!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees