Director of Planning - workplace

NATURE OF WORK

This position directs the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) division to administer and conduct the federally required 3-C (continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive) transportation planning process and provide transportation planning products to the MPO member organizations. Coordinates with federal, state, and local agencies as well as the public. Produces planning work tasks typical of a metropolitan planning organization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Work includes a wide range of planning activities and is performed with independence regarding the collection of facts and information, preparation of reports, and stakeholder / public outreach. The MPO Director of Planning will mentor staff and assist with daily work tasks, along with other supervisory functions and responsibilities of the MPO planning staff.

Supervises the research, assembly, and preparation of traditional MPO work products including the Unified Work Program (UWP), the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), the Coordinated Public Transit - Human Services Transportation Plan (HSTP), the Public Participation Plan (PPP), and the Environmental Justice and Title VI assessment report. Directs MPO planning staff and delegates assignments accordingly to accomplish these tasks.

Supervises the development of the annual work products of the MPO and assembles them into a format acceptable to State and Federal agencies meeting all publishing deadlines associated with MPO Policy Committee and MPO Technical Committee schedules;

Directs MPO transportation staff in the analysis of socioeconomic data, census data, and other planning-centric data; supports and provides guidance to the comprehensive transportation planning tasks of the local agencies.

Administers and coordinates the MPO/IDOT Intergovernmental Agreement; updates the MPO Cooperative Agreement document in coordination with the R1PC Executive Director as necessary.

Prepares, reviews, and edits the MPO Unified Work Program (UWP). Additionally, prepares quarterly report statements to IDOT for MPO transportation planning funding reimbursement.

Coordinates directly with the Executive Director on the preparation of the annual MPO budget, verifies expenditures for planning projects and daily operational expenses, and advises the Executive Director for communication to the MPO Policy Committee of funding-related decisions.

Communicate and coordinate with State, Federal, and local agencies in developing comprehensive multi-modal transportation plans and funding proposals.

Establish and maintain professional planning relationships with local member organizations and functions as liaison between local public works, community development, highway departments, and the RPC.

Facilitates the MPO Technical Committee meetings and acts as MPO staff liaison to the MPO Policy Committee.

Attend and participate in meetings with intergovernmental committees.

Meet the requirements of Federal, State, and fiscal agency in preparing quarterly progress reports, financial statements, and annual completion reports where necessary for State and Federal contracts, and related record keeping and other documentation for audit purposes. Maintain and prepare records and documentation necessary for certifying the MPO transportation planning process for conformance with applicable State and Federal guidelines, regulations, and laws.

Collaborates with MPO planning staff to analyze alternate mobility options, safety programs, and operational field strategies including highway, rail, bicycle, pedestrian, and environmental planning. Recommends analysis and planning strategies to provide the safe and efficient movement of persons, goods, and services within the regional transportation network.

Maintain knowledge of changes in Federal transportation planning law; Monitor transportation planning requirements & transportation planning best practices as determined by IDOT, FTA, and FHWA.

Supervises the MPO transportation planning process to ensure the public involvement process within MPO planning functions and planning initiatives.

Investigate potential project funding, plan funding and prepare fiscal reporting documents.

Secure local match commitments when special studies are proposed; develop solicitation documents for professional planning services (SOQ’s and RFP’s), participate in evaluation and consultant selection, prepare scope of work, and recommend contract requirements.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Executive Director, with considerable latitude and independence for carrying out tasks and assignments to completion. Additional guidance is provided through established R1PC policies and procedures. Work is reviewed through reports and meetings for timely accomplishment of tasks and annually for overall results achieved. Special projects or situations may be reviewed in progress and at conclusion.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervises the MPO transportation planning division and coordinates with the MPO Metro Program Manager to designate assignments for MPO planning staff. Supervision is exercised for MPO program manager, planners, interns, and consultant’s/consultant teams in consultation with the Executive Director. Prepares annual performance reports for planning staff.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed primarily in an office setting, although work activities require attending meetings or field inspections that involve travel throughout the area. Occasional field inventory and data collection work is required.

EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in urban and regional planning, transportation planning, civil or transportation engineering, or related field is required. A Master’s Degree is preferred. AICP certification and a minimum of ten (10) years of progressive responsibilities and experience with metropolitan transportation planning are required. Any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which ensures the ability to perform the work may be substituted for the required experience.