Director of Transportation, Planning, & Engineering

NOACA•Cleveland, OH

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Lead the Region Forward — Director of Transportation, Planning, & Engineering The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) is seeking a visionary, people-centered executive to serve as Director of Transportation, Planning & Engineering (TPED). This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the most comprehensive and influential regional transportation planning programs serving 2.1 million residents across Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. As the regional planning agency, NOACA has responsibility for transportation, environmental and economic development planning and is the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). NOACA brings together data, planning, engineering, and collaboration to deliver impactful transportation programs to the communities we serve. The Director of TPED plays a critical role in advancing that mission. NOACA’S VISION: We STRENGTHEN regional cohesion We PRESERVE existing infrastructure We BUILD a sustainable, multimodal transportation system We SUPPORT economic development We ENHANCE quality of life in Northeast Ohio POSITION OVERVIEW: The Director of Transportation, Planning & Engineering is an executive leadership role reporting directly to the Executive Director & CEO. This position provides strategic direction, operational leadership, and professional stewardship over NOACA’s full transportation planning and engineering portfolio. The incumbent will lead a highly skilled, multidisciplinary team responsible for all aspects of regional transportation planning, engineering, data analysis and modeling, focusing on shaping mobility and access, including the advancement of safety, sustainability, and livable communities for the region. WHAT YOU’LL LEAD: The Director is responsible for setting and delivering a shared vision, advancing innovation, and ensuring excellence across all TPED functions, including: • Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) development and implementation • Transportation Scenario Planning • Active transportation planning • Transit-oriented development program • Traffic engineering, congestion management, and operations • Transportation safety programs • Transportation Asset Management Program (TAMP) • Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI) program • Street Supplies Program • Workforce Access and Mobility Planning • Transportation Demand modeling and forecasting • Data collection, integration, analytics, and visualization • Corridor, systems, and freight planning The incumbent will also serve as NOACA’s senior transportation planning representative to regional partners and agencies, including ODOT, FHWA, FTA, Ohio EPA, USEPA, and local governments, while leading engagement with NOACA’s Board of Trustees, policy boards, committees, and advisory councils. LEADERSHIP EXPECTATION; SERVANT LEADERSHIP ACCOUNTABILITY: At NOACA, leadership is grounded in service, trust, and accountability. The Director of TPED is expected to model, teach, and institutionalize NOACA’s Servant Leadership Accountability approach by: • Leading with humility, empathy, and purpose • Creating a culture of psychological safety, collaboration, and excellence • Developing, mentoring, and preparing staff at all levels for growth and succession • Communicating clearly, consistently, and productively with staff, peers, leadership, and stakeholders • Holding self and others accountable for results, behavior, and professional integrity • Building trust internally and externally through transparency and reliability This role is as much about growing people and culture as it is about delivering exceptional technical work.

Requirements

10+ years of progressively responsible experience in transportation planning, engineering, traffic operations, or related fields
Strong knowledge of multimodal planning principles
Expert ability to communicate complicated concepts to diverse audiences
Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline
10+ years of experience leading, managing, and developing professional staff
Demonstrated success building strong teams and high-performing organizations
Experience with or commitment to Servant Leadership, Radical Candor, and accountability-based management
Training or demonstrated excellence in productive, trust-building communication

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree strongly preferred
Professional certification such as AICP, PE (Ohio), or equivalent preferred

Responsibilities

Provide executive leadership, development, and strategic direction to TPED, including 3 direct-report managers and a diverse team of planners and engineers
Advance cutting-edge transportation planning and engineering practices across all program areas
Guide the development of new and emerging transportation strategies and technologies
Ensure high-quality, timely delivery of studies, plans, and analyses
Foster strong collaboration across NOACA divisions and with external partners
Represent NOACA confidently and effectively at regional, state, and federal levels
Strengthen internal systems, processes, and use of technology
Champion staff development, training, and succession planning