Senior Client Advisor/ Local Agency Program Lead

GFT.•Schaumburg, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

GFT is seeking a highly experienced transportation leader to serve as a Senior Client Advisor and Local Agency Programs Leader. This role is ideal for an experienced AEC professional with deep expertise in local agency transportation programs, funding strategies, and interagency coordination. In this role, you will help strengthen GFT’s presence across Northeastern Illinois by serving as a trusted advisor to counties, municipalities, and partner agencies. You will focus on building relationships, guiding program strategy, and supporting business development, while providing valuable insight to internal teams based on real-world public agency leadership experience. What you’ll be challenged to do: In this highly strategic role, you will serve as a senior advisor to both clients and internal teams —helping shape transportation programs, guide funding strategies, and support successful project delivery. This position focuses on leadership and advisory contributions rather than day-to-day project or staff management. In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following: Client Leadership & Relationship Management Serve as a key client lead for county and municipal transportation agencies Build and maintain strong relationships with local agencies, elected officials, and key stakeholders Act as a trusted liaison between client organizations and GFT teams to ensure alignment with client priorities Program Strategy & Advisory Provide strategic guidance on capital programs, project scoping, and prioritization Advise on Phase I and Phase II engineering, public engagement, and stakeholder coordination Guide clients through IDOT BLR/BDE processes and federal-aid project requirements Support clients in identifying and pursuing funding Advise on project packaging, timing, and positioning to maximize funding success Local Agency Program Management Support Support the growth of GFT’s Local Agency Program Management services as an extension of client staff Provide guidance on program delivery, documentation, and coordination to help accelerate project timelines Assist in developing scalable solutions for agencies facing staffing and delivery challenges Business Development & Market Growth Support and lead pursuit strategies for local agency clients across the region for all GFT business groups Contribute to proposals, scope development, and client presentations Identify upcoming opportunities by tracking capital programs, budgets, and funding cycles Strengthen GFT’s presence and reputation in the local agency transportation market Work across business group to assist in aligning GFT growth areas with pursuits for local agency clients Engage with industry organizations such as ACEC and IRTBA Internal Advisory & Collaboration Provide strategic and technical advisory support across projects and pursuits Mentor teams by sharing public-sector insight on risk, coordination, and stakeholder expectations Support development of best practices and client delivery strategies Collaborate with planning and engineering teams to align solutions with client needs

Requirements

25+ years of experience in public-sector transportation, including leadership roles such as Engineering Manager, Director of Transportation, or similar
Deep knowledge of IDOT local agency processes, federal-aid project development, and funding programs
Experience overseeing county or municipal transportation programs
Strong relationships with agencies and stakeholders in northeastern Illinois
Proven ability to influence, advise, and build consensus across diverse groups
Experience supporting or leading business development efforts

Nice To Haves

Experience working with IDOT, Illinois Tollway, and regional planning organizations
Established presence in professional associations and local agency networks
Experience advising on multi-modal transportation programs and community-focused solutions

Responsibilities

Serve as a key client lead for county and municipal transportation agencies
Build and maintain strong relationships with local agencies, elected officials, and key stakeholders
Act as a trusted liaison between client organizations and GFT teams to ensure alignment with client priorities
Provide strategic guidance on capital programs, project scoping, and prioritization
Advise on Phase I and Phase II engineering, public engagement, and stakeholder coordination
Guide clients through IDOT BLR/BDE processes and federal-aid project requirements
Support clients in identifying and pursuing funding
Advise on project packaging, timing, and positioning to maximize funding success
Support the growth of GFT’s Local Agency Program Management services as an extension of client staff
Provide guidance on program delivery, documentation, and coordination to help accelerate project timelines
Assist in developing scalable solutions for agencies facing staffing and delivery challenges
Support and lead pursuit strategies for local agency clients across the region for all GFT business groups
Contribute to proposals, scope development, and client presentations
Identify upcoming opportunities by tracking capital programs, budgets, and funding cycles
Strengthen GFT’s presence and reputation in the local agency transportation market
Work across business group to assist in aligning GFT growth areas with pursuits for local agency clients
Engage with industry organizations such as ACEC and IRTBA
Provide strategic and technical advisory support across projects and pursuits
Mentor teams by sharing public-sector insight on risk, coordination, and stakeholder expectations
Support development of best practices and client delivery strategies
Collaborate with planning and engineering teams to align solutions with client needs

Benefits

Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

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