Chief Planning and Development Officer

Hampton Roads Transit is looking for dynamic, customer service oriented, and energetic people to become part of a committed team providing excellent and effective public transportation to the Hampton Roads region. In addition to rewarding careers and professional development opportunities, we offer unmatched benefits and competitive wages in a stimulating environment that will provide you with the flexibility and training tools to grow. The Chief Planning and Development Officer is responsible for the planning and management of a transit service development program including strategic long-­range planning, short-term planning, performance evaluation, service planning and scheduling, cost analysis, and regional coordination; develops, recommends, and implements service plans and programs reflecting the goals and objectives of the TDCHR. Oversees staff work monitoring state and federal legislation affecting public transportation and provides support. Responsive and responsible to the President / Chief Executive Officer and the Commission for securing and implementing a program of major expansions of transit service in the region including bus as the core component and High-Capacity Transit services. Provides leadership and advocacy for the projects and strategically coordinates all information about the expansion with all external entities, especially approval and funding agencies of the federal, state, and local governments. Facilitates and implements public information processes to secure supporting constituencies and to inform others, including opponents, if any. Oversee the Customer Relations division and coordinates all activities with the Transit Riders Advisory Committee. Essential Job Functions : (Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor to limit duties that might reasonably be assigned.) Works closely with City Managers and other City staff members to establish HRT as an integral part of urban development and land use decisions; monitors regional planning activities within the HRT member jurisdictions; oversees the preparation and adoption of strategic / long-­range plans; responsible for the development and maintenance of the long-range HRT Transportation Service Plan as required by state law; promotes short-term planning activities; develops, recommends and implements service plans and programs reflecting the goals and objectives of the TDCHR; develops transit service plans for route and schedule development on an annual basis; recommends service plans and revisions to the member jurisdictions. Establishes service performance analysis and service evaluation programs; conducts cost analysis to determine efficiency and effectiveness of HRT services. Oversee and direct management of HRT inventory of bus stops, bus shelters and bus stop signs. Ensures database is up to date and maintained annually. Plans and coordinates HRT capital grants applications programs; establishes controls to comply with grant requirements; taking appropriate actions to adjust programs to meet requirements. Pursues, secures, and programs all types of financing for the capital programs, including subsidies, grants, loans, revenue streams and other sources. Directs corridor planning and extension studies, and coordinates with Federal Transit Administration for funding through the Capital Investment Grant program. In accordance with State requirements, directs the preparation of the ten-year Transit Strategic Plan which includes a ten-year capital and operating financial plan in coordination with all HRT departments. Prepares annual updates for the State. Directs the development and administration of HRT’s Capital Improvement Program. Directs, coordinates and provides oversight and direction for strategic capital planning activities, working closely with the Senior Executive Team (SET) and the Director of Budget and Financial Analysis. Oversees compliance with grant program requirements by routinely engaging with managers for active monitoring, milestone reporting and deliverables. Monitors state and federal legislation affecting public transportation. Prepares letters and other printed materials expressing the views and position of the Commission and Management Staff. Provides staff support to any efforts taken to secure dedicated funding for public transportation on the local, regional, state, and federal level. Coordinates with the regional HRTPO for the purpose of grant approval, regional coordination, and to advocate on behalf of public transportation through business and community agencies, local, state, and federal officials, and organizations. Works closely with the Dept of Rail and Public Transportation, VDOT, military, and various local governments to administer programs associated with the development of public transportation alternatives. Advocates for public transportation through business and community agencies, local state and federal officials and organizations. Manages professional staff to coordinate and accomplish the work described herein; evaluates staff performance as required; pursues training and development opportunities for the staff. Provide the highest level of internal and external relations. Prepares presentation for President / Chief Executive Officer and other personnel as required. Prepares and submits plans and reports as required. Based on Commission and President / Chief Executive Officer’s need and goals, develops, organizes, receives, and evaluates monthly submissions and item inclusions for appropriateness of Commission Board packets. Serves as the HRT staff liaison to the TDCHR Planning & New Starts sub-committee. Communicates, orally and in writing, with local, state, and Federal elected officials and staff for information and support for TDCHR projects. Confers with city and regional staff and elected officials on projects and strategies. Writes descriptions of plans and projects for official documents and informational publications. May represent TDCHR on special regional projects. Perform other duties as necessary. Receives and coordinates with President / Chief Executive Officers calendar and schedule. Manage records created and received in compliance with the Hampton Roads Transit Records Management Policies and Procedures. Prepare and / or coordinate with other departments any documentation required in support of the FTA triennial reviews, drug and alcohol audits, independent audits, state audits, EEO Program audit, etc. Other duties as required. Required Knowledge, Abilities and Skills essential to Job Functions : Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of transit planning; knowledge of federal regulations affecting areas of responsibility; considerable knowledge of computer applications to transit planning functions, spreadsheets, and Word; ability to plan, organize and direct the work of personnel; ability to establish policies and procedures; ability to evaluate program effectiveness; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to train, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinates; ability to interact effectively with employees at all level, and with governmental and elected officials in order to advance the progress of transit; ability to resolve problems; ability to prepare, justify and administer a budget. The individual must effectively communicate with staff members, other agencies, businesses and the general public. The job requires excellent public speaking skills. Appreciate the importance of a cohesive management team and possess the skills to develop such a team. Ability to effect change without dictating it by having a teamwork / collaborative style. Ability to work effectively in a culturally diverse work group. Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills. Have strong experience in strategic planning and possess the ability to contribute effectively to the planning efforts of HRT. Have a proven record as a collaborative problem solver and consensus builder. Strong growth and performance potential as indicated in past positions. Ability to work under tight deadlines and handle multiple / detail-oriented tasks. Ability to influence and achieve buy-in at all levels of the organization. Strong business insight, judgment, and maturity with the ability to differentiate strategic vs. non-strategic opportunities. Has highly developed interpersonal skills which is sensitive and empathetic to others, builds trust, and possess good listening skills. Have excellent managerial and analytical skills and be able to identify opportunities for operating efficiencies and oversee their implementation both within the administrative department and HRT as a whole. Strong knowledge of the principles and practices of multimodal transportation planning and project management with special emphasis on transit desired. Extensive knowledge of the regulatory requirements and practices of federal, state and local governments with regard to transit and environmental planning. Extensive knowledge of land use planning as it relates to transportation. Experienced in public participation for transit planning projects and studies. Skilled in management, including matrix management (with other groups in HRT). Team player and proponent of collaborative management. Ability direct consultants who will be integral to the team, and through which much of the fixed guideway development, and corridor level planning will be performed. Ability to plan, organize and direct the work of staff and consultant resources. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to train, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinates. Ability to interact effectively with department staff, managers, officials, and the public, and to resolve problems. Ability to prepare, justify and administer budgets. Ability to communicate to HRT Board members and elected officials in a clear and professional manner. Required Software Knowledge and Skills essential to Job Functions : Proficiency in using computer systems and the listed software applications associated with performance of assigned work is essential. Basic problem-solving skills associated with software applications used is expected. Software usage relevant to job duties will be evaluated. Software applications : Microsoft Office Suite Safety Responsibility : Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect oneself, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm. Ensure all employees and contractors are properly trained and understand all rules, safety policies, and procedures to perform their work functions safely. Promote safety awareness by attending safety committee meetings and adhering to all safety procedures and policies. Actively conduct workplace hazard analyses for all employees to maintain a safe work environment. Encourage employee safety reporting program and communication of hazards to the Safety Department. Responsible for the timely mitigation of all unacceptable and undesirable safety risks. Accountable for safety performance within their functional area and achieving the agency’s safety goals. Training and / or Education : Completion of at least a bachelor’s degree in transportation or urban planning, civil engineering, public administration, or closely related field. Master’s degree or advanced degree in the field of Planning is preferred. Required Experience : Ten to 15 years of progressively more responsible experience in urban transportation planning, environmental planning and project management, preferably in a transit and multimodal environment. Supervisor experience is required. Licenses or Certificates : Possess a valid Driver's License. Acquire a Virginia Driver's License within 60 days after the date of hire (in instances when an out of state license is not the applicant's current state of residence). AICP Preferred Special Requirements : This position is classified as non-essential personnel. FLSA Status : Exempt Physical Demands : Position requires general administrative physical demands such as sitting, standing, walking, and long hours. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Unusual Demands : The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work involves meeting multiple demands on a timely basis. Duties may require some seasonal overtime. Must work outside regular business hours as required. Accessibility : If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Resources at Phone : 757-222-6000 Email : careers@hrtransit.org Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.