Principal Planner - Transit Program Manager

Sacramento Area Council of Governments•Sacramento, CA

5h•Hybrid

About The Position

SACOG is seeking an experienced transit and transportation professional to serve as Transit Program Manager (Principal Planner). The position provides creative and technical leadership for the agency’s transit planning work, with a focus on implementing the region’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy (Blueprint) and advancing transit fiscal sustainability, regional connectivity, and service improvements. The role requires big-picture understanding of transit’s place in the broader transportation network and knowledge of state and federal transit programs and requirements. The Transit Program Manager supervises staff and manages transit planning activities on SACOG’s Transportation Team, including funding programs and special planning projects. The position collaborates with transit operators, federal and state agencies, municipalities, regional partners, SACOG teams, elected officials, and other stakeholders. It reports to SACOG’s Director of Transportation and is the agency’s highest non-management classification. The role is one of three Principal Planner positions on the Transportation Team and works closely with colleagues focused on transportation funding, grants, and strategic corridor planning. SACOG is the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the six-county Sacramento region, governed by a board representing the region’s counties and cities. The agency has a staff of 60 and takes an integrated approach to transportation, housing, economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and air quality. The position is hybrid: employees may telework up to three days per week, with the remainder of the work week in person and additional office attendance as needed. Employees must live within 200 miles of Sacramento. The position is primarily sedentary and based in an office environment with moderate noise and controlled temperatures. It involves travel to meeting sites and interaction with staff, government and business representatives, partner agencies, and the public. Employees must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Requirements

Experience in transit and transportation planning, including modes such as rail, bus rapid transit, fixed-route bus, paratransit, and microtransit.
Strong understanding of state and federal transit programs and transportation planning regulations.
Experience facilitating projects involving numerous organizational stakeholders and an interest in finding compromise among conflicting perspectives.
Ability to make effective, concise presentations before boards and committees.
Ability to provide leadership and technical guidance as a subject matter expert and adviser.
Experience supervising multiple staff or a team.
Education equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, with major coursework in Transportation/Urban Planning, Public or Business Administration, Political Science, or a related field; equivalent qualifying training and experience may be considered.
Three years of full-time, progressively responsible program management work in transportation planning, transportation funding, and/or transportation grants, including at least one year of project lead and/or supervisory experience.
Possession of, or ability to obtain by appointment, a valid California Driver’s License.
Ability to work with external partners and manage multiple stakeholders, including developing trust and relationships.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, ability to set priorities, and ability to anticipate critical deadlines.
Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced environment with competing requirements and deadlines.
Ability to collaborate across SACOG teams and with elected officials and regional stakeholders.
Ability to work independently, think critically, and make effective decisions amid uncertainty.
Ability to work in an office setting, use standard office equipment and a computer, operate a motor vehicle, and visit meeting sites.
Ability to read printed materials and computer screens; communicate in person and by telephone; use finger dexterity to operate a keyboard, calculator, and standard office equipment; and bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull.
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Strong knowledge of the Capital region’s transit network, including its operators and key transit corridors.
Ability to understand and convey changes in state and federal transportation policy, legal regulations, and processes.
Master’s degree in a related field.
Five years of progressively responsible program management experience, including two years of project lead and/or supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Guide, manage, and oversee implementation of transit program elements related to fiscal sustainability, technology improvements, service efficiency, and special planning projects.
Oversee required transit program activities, including technical assistance to transit operators and the unmet transit needs process.
Oversee Federal Transit Administration funding to regional transit agencies and related federal grant management processes and requirements.
Lead and coordinate existing committees with transit operators and leadership.
Coordinate transit team work with Blueprint/MTP updates, funding programs, and major regional initiatives across SACOG teams.
Manage and oversee transit data collection, monitoring, and reporting for regional transit activities.
Provide recommendations to SACOG management and executive leadership on transit project priorities.
Lead development of the transit team workplan, including prioritizing work products and related budgeting activities.
Supervise staff and oversee technical work products produced by SACOG staff, partner organizations, and consultant teams.
Exercise direct and general supervision over assigned team members.
Represent SACOG at external meetings with partner agencies, state agencies, elected officials, and regional stakeholders.
Maintain consistency of transit programs with the agency’s Blueprint and federal and state transit regulations and requirements.