Deputy Transportation Director - Planning

The Position

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) is seeking a candidate with demonstrated leadership to serve as the Deputy Transportation Director for Planning. This position will oversee multimodal planning, which includes development of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and planning work in active transportation, transit, transportation safety, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)/Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO).

This role is responsible for one of the five functional areas of the transportation division and will provide leadership to support the Assistant Executive Director/Chief Transportation Officer in developing and implementing comprehensive transportation plans and policies that promote sustainable, efficient, and accessible transportation for the MAG region.

• Essential Job Functions:Coordinate a team of transportation managers and professionals, providing a collaborative work environment that maximizes performance and encourages innovation and professional growth that ensures alignment with the organization and transportation division’s strategic vision, including coordination with and between the other deputy transportation directors.

• Collaborate with government agency officials, municipalities, community organizations, and industry organizations to gather input, build consensus, and incorporate diverse perspectives into transportation projects, plans, policies, and processes.

• Oversee the long-range transportation planning program, including development of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP).

• Follow emerging trends, innovations, and best practices in transportation planning, and integrate relevant advancements into the organization's strategies.

• Responsibilities: Oversee transportation planning efforts, including development of the RTP, Regional Active Transportation Plan, Regional Transportation Safety Action Plan, and Systems Management and Operations (SM&O)/Regional ITS Plan.

• Support implementation of the Regional Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Investment Plan (RSTIIP), including the nonmotorized transportation infrastructure/active transportation program ($40 million/year), ITS program ($30 million/year), transportation demand management program ($12.5 million/year), safety program ($10 million/year), and others.

• Mange regional transit planning activities, including close coordination with the regional public transportation authority, Valley Metro, and the region’s designated recipient for Federal Transit Administration funds, the City of Phoenix.

• Plan, direct, coordinate, and review multimodal transportation planning activities and projects; meet with managers and staff to identify and resolve problems; assign and manage work associated with projects and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate deliverables and outcomes.

• Work with stakeholders, including member agency staff, the general public, elected and appointed officials.

• Oversight of applicable MAG technical committees, as appropriate.

The Candidate:

The ideal candidate will have exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills as well as a proven track record of successfully managing and mentoring staff.

The candidate will have technical knowledge of transportation planning processes and practices, transportation systems, and extensive knowledge of federal and state transportation planning regulations as well as the ability to provide public meeting presentations and facilitate coordination or working group sessions. Experience presenting to elected officials, stakeholder groups, and diverse audiences required. The candidate should demonstrate strong analytical abilities and critical thinking, be highly motivated and comfortable both working independently and within a dynamic team; have excellent written communication and organization skills, with a keen eye for detail; be able to convey complex, technical information in a clear and concise manner; and demonstrate a strong work ethic. Experience with active transportation, safety, transit, and/or ITS is required.

Education and Experience Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in transportation planning, public administration, engineering, business administration or a related field; master’s degree preferred.

The candidate must have at least seven years of applicable experience, including demonstrated progressive management experience and prior work in transportation policy and programming. More than ten 10 years preferred.

About MAG

The Maricopa Association of Governments is a regional planning agency that develops solutions in areas such as transportation, air quality, economic development, and programs that meet the human needs of the region. MAG is a council of governments and the designated metropolitan planning organization for transportation planning.

MAG serves a thriving region of more than 4 million people. Our members include 27 cities and towns, three Native nations, Maricopa County and Pinal County. Our planning area encompasses nearly 10,000 square miles. MAG conducts extensive applied research to help frame public policy and further our core mission of strengthening the Phoenix metropolitan region. Through innovative tools, we make data accessible to the public for a broad range of uses.