What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Planning position at Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority?
Are you a visionary leader ready to transform public transit and shape the future of mobility in Pinellas County? PSTA is seeking an innovative and strategic Director of Planning to create impactful transit solutions that connect communities and enhance regional growth.
The Director of Planning leads PSTA's strategic transit planning initiatives, overseeing service planning, policy development, and long-term regional transit strategies. This role requires an innovative leader with strong project management, creativity, relationship-building, and analytical skills to drive transit transformation in Pinellas County.
Responsibilities
Strategic Transit Planning & Policy Development
- Lead service planning, ensuring data-driven route optimization.
- Oversee long-range planning, including the Alt 19 Premium Transit Study and multimodal integration.
- Manage the development of PSTA’s Strategic Plan and the Connected Community Bus Network.
- Support expansion of waterborne transit services.
Compliance Monitoring, Coordination, and Reporting
- Ensure compliance with FDOT and MPO requirements, including Transit Development Plans.
- Oversee FTA Triennial Reviews, Title VI compliance, and grant reporting.
Data-Driven Service Analysis, Technical Coordination Innovation
- Develop performance monitoring standards for service efficiency.
- Leverage transit studies and emerging technologies to optimize service.
- Oversee passenger amenity planning and mobility integration strategies.
Stakeholder & Legislative Engagement
- Represent PSTA at key meetings, including PSTA Board, MPO and legislative discussions.
- Lead public outreach efforts in collaboration with Communications.
Project & Team Leadership
- Mentor Planning Department staff, fostering professional growth and performance excellence.
- Lead planning aspects of capital projects and cross-departmental initiatives.
Emergency & Crisis Management
Serve as an essential employee during emergencies to ensure transit continuity.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s in Urban Planning, Transportation, Public Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred).
Experience
- Minimum of 6 years in transit planning, policy, or mobility strategy. Experience with grant-funded projects and regional collaboration is preferred.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Expertise in multimodal transportation planning and transit network optimization.
- Strong leadership, problem-solving, and project management skills.
- Ability to analyze complex data and translate into actionable transit solutions.
- Effective communicator with experience in stakeholder engagement, public speaking, workforce development and legislative advocacy.
