Director of Special Projects

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

Responsible for providing leadership to the major program delivery or special projects team on program scope, cost/budget, schedule, project development, environmental documentation, engineering, program delivery, and the project lifecycle. Works closely with the vice president of construction, director of capital programs, manager of real estate, manager of project controls, project managers, and program managers to optimize program planning and delivery for multiple projects of varying sizes. Monitors and manages the program management process, including interface with various VIA divisions and departments. Ensures VIA professional services contractor’s work meets regulatory guidelines, applicable codes, laws, and FTA requirements; helps evaluate engineered solutions for successfully planning and delivering major capital programs and special projects.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Directs the administration, coordination, and supervision of work performed by outside consultants, vendors, and contractors.

Responsible for reviewing and approving the scope of work, schedules, and budgets for various assigned special projects; reviews documents, schedules, budgets, and work plans for sufficiency, interfaces, and safe planning and execution of the work; ensures each assigned special project is delivered on schedule and under budget and meets appropriate regulatory requirements.

Prepares and/or gives presentations to senior management, VIA Board of Trustees, the media, political entities, and outside groups/organizations. Discussions may often involve complex, sensitive and/or confidential issues.

Provides oversight and evaluation of solutions for problems during project development and engineering phases of capital projects, alternate technical concepts, and feasibility of unsolicited proposals.

Provides oversight in preparing reports and documents for VIA projects receiving the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Capital Investments Grant (CIG) funding.

Responsible for the development of risk registers and identifying mitigation options for reducing project risk.

Coordinates with partner agencies on interfaces with stakeholders from project inception until project closeout.

Works closely with the Real Estate, Project Controls, Engineering, and Capital Program teams to develop Program Schedules and Program Budgets and Project Cost Estimates.

Responsible for monitoring resource levels for the special projects against baseline scheduled resources on projects related to managing project delivery.

Responsible for ensuring special projects are developed and planned in compliance with appropriate local, state, and federal regulations.

Prepares and/or reviews project budgets, schedules, or specifications for labor and/or materials, bids, and close-out documents for capital projects.

Develops and/or assists in creating Requests for Proposal (RFP) and Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) for special project planning, feasibility, engineering/design services, and construction/delivery. Assists with contract negotiations with consultants, contractors, and other 3rd party stakeholders.

Develops, implements, and monitors policies and procedures to assure consistency with best industry practices and applicable company-wide policies.

Requires administrative direction, sets own standard of performance, and is limited only by company policy and budgets. Has direct responsibility for final results.

Develops team members' management, teamwork, and leadership skills through example, guidance, training, and delegation.

Oversees the workforce and in a safe, cost-effective way to meet the demand of service delivery.

Updates the VIA Board of Trustees/ATD Board, the President/CEO, the Senior Vice President and Major Capital Program Officer on project and program status through written reports or correspondence, formal presentations, and/or informational discussions.

Maintains a network of contacts with outside entities, such as the City of San Antonio (COSA), Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Bexar County, Regional Mobility Authority (RMA), etc.

May serve on the Technical Advisory Committee to the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).

Familiar with transit service planning, service scheduling, fleet requirements, and passenger amenities related to developing passenger and non-passenger capital facilities.

This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job. Other duties may exist.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in planning, architecture, public administration, civil engineering, or related field and ten (10) years of relevant experience in transit industry planning and project development of major capital projects with four (4) years of supervisory experience. Experience in capital project development and delivery of multi-contract, multi-ear transit, and transportation projects.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

FTA CIG program experience

NEPA environmental documentation oversight experience

Capital project delivery experience

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to organize and present clear oral and written reports.

Proficient in computer software applications, including common software, e.g., Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Calendar, and Excel.

Demonstrates accuracy and thorough quality of work; looks for ways to improve and promote quality work job performance; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality. Demonstrates accuracy and quality of work.

Must be able to adapt to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Must be able to change work hours when required; maintain regular and predictable attendance; arrives at meetings and appointments on time.

Must be able to independently pursue training and development to enhance productivity. Must be a self-motivator, seeking increased responsibilities. Asks for and offers assistance when needed.

Must be able to follow sound business practices adhering to management direction, completing tasks on schedule, keeping commitments and taking responsibility for own actions.

Displays original thinking and creativity; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improving work; develops innovative approaches and ideas; sets and achieves challenging goals; demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles.

Must be able to accept feedback constructively.

Must be able to adapt well to rapidly changing situations and multiple priorities.

Safety Accountability Statement:

• Employees must consider safety in all tasks performed, as well as demonstrate safe judgment and decisions that not only maintain their own safety; but that of fellow employees and customers.

• Demonstrate a professional commitment to assure compliance with all organizational policies, practices, and programs related to safety, health, and system security.

• Employees have a responsibility to identify and report hazards, as well as potentially unsafe conditions, to your immediate supervisor or Safety Department.

• Employees are responsible, and required, to stop a job/task to prevent an unsafe incident or act from occurring. This acknowledges the threat of potential injury, property damage and the opportunity for better judgment to be used.

Must comply with and support VIA’s EEO policies and procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical ability required to be mobile, bend, stoop, stand, reach and occasionally lift objects weighing 35-40 pounds such as files and large reference books.

WORK ENVIRONMENTS:

Work involves deadlines and multiple priorities.

May be moderately exposed to unpleasant working conditions to include dust, noise, temperature, weather, petroleum products, and chemicals while visiting VIA's operating facilities, assuming incumbent is observing all policies and procedures, safety precautions and regulations, and using all protective clothing and devices provided.

VIA Metropolitan Transit is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.