MPO Transportation Planning Manager

The Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is the regional transportation planning agency in North Carolina’s western Triangle. The MPO is responsible for planning and programming all modes of transportation including highways, public transit, freight, bicycles, and pedestrians. Our work is regionally based, but community focused. We formulate and implement plans that will improve life locally and ensure that these plans reflect our member communities’ collective vision.

The MPO’s office, based in Durham NC, currently operates under a flexible, hybrid work policy. Effective July 1, 2023, the MPO will migrate from the City of Durham to the Triangle J Council of Governments.  This position, while housed at TJCOG, will report to the DCHC MPO Executive Director.

About the Position
The MPO Transportation Planning Manager is responsible for transportation planning operations; supervising staff; assisting with developing agency policies and procedures; facilitating process improvement operations; ensuring compliance with applicable performance and quality standards, regulations, policies, and procedures; conducting technical analyses and making related recommendations; coordinating project operations; preparing and maintaining reports and records; and coordinating with staff to oversee planning-related operations in the assigned area of function.  Supervises professional, technical, and support staff including performance evaluations, mentoring, and onboarding-offboarding processes.

Description of Work 

• Supervises projects, initiatives, technical and modeling activities, and/or transportation planning operations; plans, assigns, and evaluates work, trains and coaches staff; assists with developing policies and procedures; oversees operations, programs, projects and related tasks; facilitates process improvements; and ensures compliance with applicable performance and quality standards, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Assesses needs and establishes goals and objectives; ensures that goals, schedules, and budgetary requirements are met; conducts or oversees the conduct of technical analyses; and develops and makes recommendations.
• Supervises projects and project managers; evaluates deliverables and prioritizes projects; researches funding sources and secures funding; develops and/or oversees the development and review of project plans, designs, and concepts; oversees management of project budgets and consultant activities; and ensures compliance with project schedules, budgets, and applicable regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Prepares, reviews, and/or maintains technical, financial, and general reports, presentations, long- and short-range plans, agenda items, records, and other documents; reviews work and the work of others to ensure accuracy, completeness and compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Collaborates with numerous external stakeholders, technical experts, service providers, members, and/or external agencies; convenes, facilitates and/or attends meetings; may serve as chair of committees; provides subject matter expertise and technical consulting; and oversees the planning and conduct of public outreach activities.

Positions reporting to the MPO Transportation Planning Manager may be responsible for:

• Performing long-range planning, transportation studies, and project management including preparing and presenting information to elected officials and/or decision-makers.
• Reviewing transportation project designs and concepts and making recommendations.
• Developing and implementing criteria for project prioritization.
• Facilitating, coordinating, and managing procurement processes.
• Conducting public and stakeholder outreach.
• Coordinating MPO committees.

Education and Experience 

·         A Master’s Degree and eight (8) years professional experience in a relevant field, including urban or regional planning, transportation planning, civil or transportation engineering, or public policy;

·         American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification is preferred.

·         The ability to engage in inclusive dialogue with a variety of audiences, including the MPO board, elected officials, technical staff, diverse stakeholders, and the public, in both written and oral formats.

·         Demonstrated ability to manage scope development, tasks or projects. Instruct, mentor and lead others participating in those tasks and projects.

·         A professional commitment to working towards the MPO’s goals for the region, including goals for transportation equity, clean air and sustainable communities, safety, system preservation and modernization, capacity management and mobility, and economic vitality.

·         Ability to work both collaboratively and independently with strong personal initiative and work on multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to deadlines.

·         Quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, including proficiency working with and maintaining spreadsheets and databases.

 Salary and Benefits

·         Hiring Range: $71,544.00 - $110,894.00

(Employee will be eligible for a 5% increase after serving a 6-month probation period.)

·         Benefits: The Triangle J Council of Governments offers a generous benefits package including paid vacation and sick leave; NC Local Government Retirement System; 5% 401(k) employer contribution; employer-paid health, dental, vision and life insurance; health spending account, flexible spending account for child/dependent care expenses; and flexible schedules and hybrid work environment.

Our Organization

Providing a platform for collaboration among local governments, stakeholders, and partners in our diverse region of NC. See the kind of work we do at www.tjcog.org

How to Apply

1.       Download TJCOG employment application at: https://www.tjcog.org/about/our-job- opportunities

2.       Send completed application package (cover letter, completed application and resume) by email to employment@tjcog.org with the subject MPO Planning Manager.

Position is open until filled; initial review of applications begins February 3, 2023.