Section Director, Funding Policy & Programs

Management & Training Corporation•San Francisco, CA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Section Director, Funding Policy & Programs is a senior member of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s leadership team and reports to the Deputy Executive Director, Metro Planning & Policy. The director leads and mentors staff, oversees performance and expectations, and manages a section of 26 staff organized into three units, each led by an Assistant Director. The role oversees policy development and investment decisions involving approximately $1.5 billion annually in federal, state, and regional transportation funds. These investments support implementation of the Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, a comprehensive blueprint for transportation, land use, and housing across the Bay Area. The director oversees work involving transit capital and operating funding, project delivery and timely use of funds, and asset management. The role works with regional transit operators, county transportation agencies, cities, and state and federal partners, and collaborates with other MTC directors and staff on the agency’s long- and short-term goals. The director leads assignments from initial concept through product development, public review, and Commission action. The position also leads MTC staff work supporting the Public Transit Revenue Measure District, established by Senate Bill 63 (2025). The legislation authorizes a regional transportation revenue measure for the November 2026 ballot. If voters approve the measure, the director will be responsible for much of MTC’s work supporting the District.

Requirements

An appropriate combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
At least six years of increasingly responsible experience leading and managing a division or department doing related work.
At least four years of senior management experience in regional or local transportation planning, transportation finance, public policy, or a similar position.
Experience may be from direct work at a government agency or from supporting a government agency, such as consulting to the public sector.
Demonstrated partnership with transit operators, county transportation agencies, cities and counties, and state and federal agencies.
Strong leadership and management skills, including a commitment to coaching and developing staff for future leadership roles.
Ability to collaborate with fellow Metro Planning & Policy Section Directors on work planning, strategic planning, and succession planning.
Political acumen and negotiation skills, including representing an agency in challenging settings and navigating a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.
Excellent communication, presentation, and listening skills, including explaining complex funding issues to the Commission, partners, and the public.
Strategic and analytical thinking, with a commitment to high-quality work products and services.
Commitment to continuous improvement through exploration of new tools, technologies, and approaches.
Commitment to advancing a fair, just, and inclusive Bay Area through policies, actions, and investments.
Transparency, accountability, and responsibility in providing information and making decisions, including timeliness in project schedules, budgets, and reporting.
Belief in MTC’s mission to advance shared local and regional priorities for transportation, housing, and the environment.
Applicants using a degree issued outside the United States to meet minimum qualifications must submit an academic credential evaluation and proof of equivalency with their application, unless one of the stated exceptions applies.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a master’s degree from an accredited college or university is desired; a master’s degree in Public Policy or a related discipline is preferred.
Deep familiarity with the metropolitan transportation planning and programming process, including federal and state requirements.
Ten or more years working in this subject area is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and mentor section staff, oversee performance, and clarify performance expectations for a section of 26 staff organized into three units.
Oversee policy development and investment decision-making for approximately $1.5 billion annually in federal, state, and regional transportation funds.
Lead regional policy and programming for transit capital investment, including the Transit Capital Priorities program and major regional transit projects.
Coordinate agency policies and approaches to major or competitive funding programs, including federal Capital Investment Grants, state SB1 programs, and bridge toll investment programs.
Translate Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy recommendations into funding implementation plans for key regional initiatives.
Develop guidelines and procedures for programming federal, state, regional, and local funds, including the One Bay Area Grant program and the federal Transportation Improvement Program.
Oversee regionwide federal grant and fund administration, project delivery, timely use of funds, and local streets and roads asset management.
Develop financial forecasts, strategies, policies, and packages for regional plans and programs, including Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy revenue forecasts and analysis of legislative proposals.
Oversee transit operating allocations and analysis of transit operating needs.
Lead programs advancing safety and Vision Zero, transportation access and equity, and mobility, including the Lifeline Transportation Program.
Prepare financial information to educate policymakers, staff, and the general public.
Lead MTC staff work supporting the Public Transit Revenue Measure District.
Work collaboratively with other MTC directors and staff on work planning, strategic planning, succession planning, and agency goals.