Director, Policy

Chicago Transit Authority•Chicago, IL

About The Position

In coordination with Planning and Innovation staff and cross-departmental CTA leadership, manages the development of policy, policy research and initiatives that support transit-friendly communities; drive agency adoption of new mobility strategies and tools; and support the vitality of CTA as a public service agency and mobility leader. Initial areas of focus include, but are not limited to, equitable transit-oriented development, mobility services integration, open data, transportation demand management, climate and sustainability, and zero-emission fleet transition. Represents the agency with sister agencies, external stakeholders and the public, and establishes partnerships with private sector, academia, subject matter experts and community stakeholders necessary to achieve project goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Political Science, Business Management, Technology or a related field, plus seven (7) years of experience in policy development, process improvement, strategic planning with the transportation industry or an applicable public sector industry, or an equivalent combination of experience and education relating to this position.
Ability to understand implications of federal, state and local policy for CTA riders and identify and assess policy changes for the benefit of CTA riders, including policies with requiring multi-party action.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally both orally and in writing.
Strong research, analytical and complex problem-solving skills with the ability to translate impacts and opportunities to the human scale.
Familiarity with transportation, planning, economic and urban policy concepts.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Ability to analyze and synthesize complex quantitative data into easy to understand and actionable recommendations through a consulting mind set.
Ability to manage multiple projects and balance multiple priorities, deadlines and budget constraints.
Ability to identify areas of opportunity based on general parameters with limited direction.
Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders, internally and externally.
Strong computer skills, including knowledge of Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint.
Experience with effective design and delivery of presentations.
Demonstrated ability to work and produce finished work products within a short time frame.
Ability to work independently with limited direction.
Working knowledge of data analysis techniques with an understanding of basic statistical concepts informing policy development and strategic planning.
Working knowledge of city of Chicago and state of Illinois transportation policy, policies related to micro-mobility options (e.g. Divvy) and ride-hail industry, policies related to human services and urban development concepts relevant to CTA riders and stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree and at least two (2) years in a management role are preferred.

Responsibilities

Supports development and implementation of agency policy initiatives, especially as it relates to transit supportive development, sustainability and resiliency, mobility integration and new CTA strategic initiatives.
Works directly with Planning and Innovation and Agency-wide staff to lead the scoping, development and implementation of agency policy priorities.
Coordinates with third-party stakeholders to execute policy research, initiatives and strategies.
Develops project plans, strategic documents, peer reviews, analyses and cross-functional working teams relevant to advance policies, programs and initiatives.
Produces clear, compelling proposals summarizing policy/project goals and benefits.
Builds and coordinates internal and external relationships necessary to understand key issues in the mobility policy landscape and develop and assess the feasibility and impact of new policy initiatives relevant to the CTA.
Establishes working relationships with other CTA departments, city and regional governmental agencies, service boards and community stakeholders to guide the development of CTA policies and programs.
Engages directly with policy and community groups, transit advocacy organizations and riders.
Identifies gaps in mobility policy landscape impacting CTA and defines appropriate role for CTA (leader, supporter, impacted).
Leads efforts to implement further open data policies, practices and procedures to build rider trust and strengthen two-way relationships with stakeholders.
Participates in the development and administration of the Planning and Innovation Department’s programs, policies, goals, and objectives, as directed by Vice President, Strategy and Innovation and the Chief Planning and Innovation Officer.
Management of employees and projects, along with the supervisory administration (payroll, hiring, performance agreements/reports, performance evaluations/reports, etc.) in support of CTA projects, programs, and employment requirements.
Assigns or delegates responsibility for specific projects or functional activities to section supervisory personnel as relevant.
Reviews, approves, and/or evaluates scoping studies, RFP’s, and LIQ’s for projects that require consulting or other professional services.
Hires, trains, develops, monitors, and evaluates performance of staff. Reviews and recommends personnel actions for approval.
Performs related duties as assigned.