What are the responsibilities and job description for the Multimodal Planning Manager position at VTA?
Job Description
Join VTA’s Dynamic Multimodal Planning and Real Estate Team!
At VTA, the newly aligned Multimodal Planning and Real Estate team is a passionate group dedicated to transforming transportation and real estate connections across Santa Clara County.
Definition
Under general direction, the Multimodal Planning Manager (Transportation Planning Manager) plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates the activities and staff of the Development and Congestion Management Division.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Positions in this class are assigned to the Development and Congestion Management Division. The classification has full supervisory and administrative authority over several functional areas. Areas of responsibilities include managing and directing activities related to VTA's long-range countywide transportation and land use planning, multi-modal transportation planning and development coordination activities. Positions in this class must exercise substantial judgment and initiative for planning and funding recommendations, which are brought to Executive Management and the VTA Board of Directors.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for the Multimodal Planning Manager role will be an experienced leader with a strong background in transportation, land-use, or urban planning. With at least five years of proven management experience in transportation planning or a related field, the candidate will have a deep understanding of regional and local planning contexts. As a collaborative and strategic thinker, they will excel in developing and executing planning initiatives while advocating for VTA’s goals with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, community groups, and the Board of Directors. The candidate will possess strong problem-solving, decision-making and budget management skills, drive innovative solutions, and foster positive relationships with elected officials, regional partners, and public and private organizations. They will be adept at guiding innovative planning approaches, streamlining processes, and promoting sustainability and inclusiveness.
About VTA
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County’s authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused, innovative, and environmentally responsible transportation options promoting the region's vitality. VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services and participates as a funding partner in regional rail services, including Caltrain, Capital Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.
To learn more, go to: vta.org.
Our Community
Santa Clara County, sometimes referred to as “Silicon Valley”, is unique for its innovation, natural attractions, and social diversity. With numerous amenities and perfect weather, it has long been considered one of the best places in the United States to live and work. calendar of festivals and celebrations supports the community spirit. Nearby open space provides easy access to mountain parks, trails, lakes, streams, and beautiful coastal beaches. San José has received accolades for its vibrant neighborhoods, healthy lifestyle, and diverse attractions from national media, including Business Week and Money magazines.
The county’s population of 1.9 million is the largest in Northern California and is rich in ethnic culture and diversity. Enjoy access and the option to explore our closely neighboring counties of San Francisco and Alameda.
Bargaining Unit: Non-Rep
Recruitment Timeline
Application Deadline: Friday, April 11, 2025
SME Review: Week of April 14 - 18, 2025
Interviews: Week of April 28 - May 2, 2025
Essential Job Functions
Typical Tasks
Duties performed may vary depending on area of assignment.
Employment Standards
Development of the required skills, knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in transportation planning, urban planning, engineering, or a related field and six (6) years of progressively responsible professional transportation planning or public transportation experience, at least three (3) years of which must be demonstrated management experience. A Masters Degree in transportation or urban planning, engineering or related field may be substituted for one year of experience.
Supplemental Information
Knowledge Of
For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit: https://www.vta.org/VTAForward
General Instructions
Please read this entire job announcement before applying for the position. Print and keep a copy of this announcement so that you can refer to it. Questions not answered within this job announcement may be sent to personnel@vta.org.
To ensure consideration, completed applications must be submitted online to the Human Resources department by the stated closing time and date posted. When the stated closing date is “continuous,” apply immediately; the position may close without notice. You will receive an immediate email confirming receipt of your submitted application. If you do not receive this email, contact NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line at (855) 524-5627 between 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Only on-line applications will be accepted for this recruitment (paper applications or resumes will not be accepted). Job Interest Notification Cards, or copies of previous, partial, or un-submitted applications, are not an acceptable substitute to a completed application.
ALL APPLICATION AND TESTING NOTIFICATIONS WILL BE SENT BY E-MAIL. Applicants should select e-mail as the preferred method of notification. Candidates must maintain an up-to-date, valid and reliable e-mail address. Candidates are also responsible for maintaining up-to-date phone numbers and addresses on their on-line account. Due to the number of applications received, candidates must check their application status through their on-line account. Contact NEOGOV for assistance if needed.
Information on how to apply for jobs at the VTA is available on the VTA Employment website and from the NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line (855) 524-5627. NEOGOV Applicant support is available from 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Americans With Disabilities Act Accommodations
The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities. If you wish to request an accommodation, call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at Personnel@vta.org.
Application Processing Information
All related current and past work experience (including VTA experience) must be listed and fully described in the Work Experience section of the application ("See Resume" is not acceptable). Incomplete or improperly completed online applications may be rejected even if you are qualified for the position for which you are applying. It is your responsibility to ensure that the online application reflects the work experience and education needed to meet the requirements for the position you are applying for. Although your resume may have all your experience and education details, please make sure to complete each section of the online application to ensure that your information is accurately captured during our screening process.
All applications are subject to review as to meeting minimum qualifications at any point in the recruitment process. Passing any step is no guarantee of continuation if it is determined that the applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the class specification.
Candidates found to have exaggerated/falsified their qualifications, experience, training, and/or education may be disqualified at any point in the recruitment process and may be denied future employment with the VTA.
If selected for the position, candidates will be required to complete a criminal conviction disclosure form. Candidates who successfully become VTA employees, and fail to disclose any of the criminal background information as required may be subject to discipline up to and including discharge.
Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment. If you have questions related to an Eligible List you might be on or were on, you should contact Human Resources.
If you have questions regarding your status as an applicant for this position, please call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at Personnel@vta.org.
VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities or religious needs, absent undue hardship.
VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national, origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.
VTA offers a generous benefit package including: vision care, a choice of health plans, dental coverage, an employee assistance program, life insurance, and liberal holiday, vacation, and sick leave. A credit union and deferred compensation are also available to employees at their option. Detailed information on VTA's benefits may be found here: https://www.vta.org/about/careers/benefits
As defined by the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA):
All New/PEPRA AFSCME, SEIU, TAEA, and Non-Rep employees pay 8.0% of salary toward the required employee contribution to PERS.
Social Security taxes will be deducted from each employee's bi-weekly salary.
01
Can you provide an example of how you led a diverse team in a complex planning initiative? What strategies did you use to ensure high performance and inclusive engagement with stakeholders to achieve a successful outcome for both the agency and the community?
02
How have you incorporated multimodal transportation planning (e.g., land-use, long-range planning, and active transportation) into your projects? What factors do you prioritize when designing a comprehensive plan that supports various transportation modes?
03
How do you build relationships with key stakeholders, such as local governments, community groups, and private organizations, in planning projects? Can you provide an example of how you successfully navigated competing interests to reach a consensus?
04
How do you integrate sustainability and social equity into planning efforts? Can you share an example of a project where these principles were prioritized and its impact on the community?
Join VTA’s Dynamic Multimodal Planning and Real Estate Team!
At VTA, the newly aligned Multimodal Planning and Real Estate team is a passionate group dedicated to transforming transportation and real estate connections across Santa Clara County.
Definition
Under general direction, the Multimodal Planning Manager (Transportation Planning Manager) plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates the activities and staff of the Development and Congestion Management Division.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Positions in this class are assigned to the Development and Congestion Management Division. The classification has full supervisory and administrative authority over several functional areas. Areas of responsibilities include managing and directing activities related to VTA's long-range countywide transportation and land use planning, multi-modal transportation planning and development coordination activities. Positions in this class must exercise substantial judgment and initiative for planning and funding recommendations, which are brought to Executive Management and the VTA Board of Directors.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for the Multimodal Planning Manager role will be an experienced leader with a strong background in transportation, land-use, or urban planning. With at least five years of proven management experience in transportation planning or a related field, the candidate will have a deep understanding of regional and local planning contexts. As a collaborative and strategic thinker, they will excel in developing and executing planning initiatives while advocating for VTA’s goals with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, community groups, and the Board of Directors. The candidate will possess strong problem-solving, decision-making and budget management skills, drive innovative solutions, and foster positive relationships with elected officials, regional partners, and public and private organizations. They will be adept at guiding innovative planning approaches, streamlining processes, and promoting sustainability and inclusiveness.
About VTA
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County’s authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused, innovative, and environmentally responsible transportation options promoting the region's vitality. VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services and participates as a funding partner in regional rail services, including Caltrain, Capital Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.
To learn more, go to: vta.org.
Our Community
Santa Clara County, sometimes referred to as “Silicon Valley”, is unique for its innovation, natural attractions, and social diversity. With numerous amenities and perfect weather, it has long been considered one of the best places in the United States to live and work. calendar of festivals and celebrations supports the community spirit. Nearby open space provides easy access to mountain parks, trails, lakes, streams, and beautiful coastal beaches. San José has received accolades for its vibrant neighborhoods, healthy lifestyle, and diverse attractions from national media, including Business Week and Money magazines.
The county’s population of 1.9 million is the largest in Northern California and is rich in ethnic culture and diversity. Enjoy access and the option to explore our closely neighboring counties of San Francisco and Alameda.
Bargaining Unit: Non-Rep
Recruitment Timeline
Application Deadline: Friday, April 11, 2025
SME Review: Week of April 14 - 18, 2025
Interviews: Week of April 28 - May 2, 2025
Essential Job Functions
Typical Tasks
Duties performed may vary depending on area of assignment.
- Manages and directs the implementation and evaluation of plans, policies, systems and procedures to achieve goals, objectives and work standards pursuant to legal requirements and VTA needs;
- Select, supervise, train, motivates, assigns, evaluates, counsels, and disciplines staff;
- Manages planning functions of the Congestion Management Program and the long-range, countywide transportation and land use plan;
- Directs development, implementation, and maintenance activities associated with the countywide travel demand forecasting model;
- Manages joint development support activities and the development of related policies;
- Directs and manages multi-modal transportation planning studies;
- Oversees bicycle and pedestrian planning and project development activities;
- Manages activities related to defining future transit services and improvements;
- Participates in the development of and monitors performance against the department budget;
- Represents VTA before the Board of Directors, city councils and other State, Federal, local, and regional agencies, boards and commissions and before local citizens in public meetings and hearings;
- Make and execute major program decisions in working with staff, consultants, and technical representatives from member agencies;
- Reviews Federal, State and regional statutes, proposed legislation and regulations pertaining to area of responsibility;
- Directs the development of board memorandum, correspondence, reports and plans;
- Coordinates and provides oversight for the activities of individual project managers;
- Serves as a member of the management team in meetings and negotiations with labor unions concerning a variety of labor relation issues;
- Performs related duties as required.
Employment Standards
Development of the required skills, knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in transportation planning, urban planning, engineering, or a related field and six (6) years of progressively responsible professional transportation planning or public transportation experience, at least three (3) years of which must be demonstrated management experience. A Masters Degree in transportation or urban planning, engineering or related field may be substituted for one year of experience.
Supplemental Information
Knowledge Of
- Concepts, principles, techniques and legal aspects of transportation and urban planning;
- State and Federal transit planning principles, processes, procedures and regulations;
- Interdisciplinary practices and trends affecting transportation and urban planning & analysis;
- Research and statistical methods;
- State and Federal legislative and transit funding processes;
- Community Interrelationships;
- Principles and practices of organization, administration, fiscal and personnel management;
- Methods and techniques used for project management.
- Plan, direct, select, supervise, train, motivate and evaluate the work of professional and technical personnel;
- Evaluate and monitor consultant performance;
- Make and execute major program decisions in working with staff, consultants, and member agency technical representatives;
- Prepare and present comprehensive transportation plans in a clear and concise manner;
- Develop, evaluate and monitor budgets, and allocate and balance resources using staff and consulting services;
- Successfully manage multiple complex projects with aggressive schedules within various functional areas;
- Prepare and manage budgets and schedules;
- Effectively represent VTA before the Board of Directors, city councils, and other Federal, State, local and regional agencies, boards, and commissions and before local citizens in public meetings and hearings;
- Negotiate with planning directors, public works directors, and regional and state administrators;
- Interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, and labor contract provisions;
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- Work/Life Balance: 40-hour work weeks, and a option of a flexible/hybrid remote schedule.
- Health: VTA participates in a CalPERS-sponsored medical plan with VTA contribution to employee and dependent premium health insurance premiums. Employees pay a monthly contribution of any amount in excess of the Kaiser Bay Area Family rate.
- Flex Spending Account: $300 employer-funded Health FSA for eligible employees
- Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
- Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
- Leave: 31 days of Scheduled Time Off (STO), and 8 days of sick leave, 11 paid holidays per year.
- Retirement:
- Participation in CalPERS
- Classic Members: 2%@55
- PEPRA Members: 2%@62
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (voluntary)
- 457 pre-tax
- 457 Roth
- Self-directed brokerage account option for qualifying employees
- Retiree medical coverage for eligible employees with VTA contributions to the retiree’s medical premium
- All active full-time employees and their eligible dependents are eligible for transit passes for use over VTA lines, including VTA Paratransit services.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to each employee, eligible dependent, and household member, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Professional Development Fund
- Wellness Programs
For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit: https://www.vta.org/VTAForward
General Instructions
Please read this entire job announcement before applying for the position. Print and keep a copy of this announcement so that you can refer to it. Questions not answered within this job announcement may be sent to personnel@vta.org.
To ensure consideration, completed applications must be submitted online to the Human Resources department by the stated closing time and date posted. When the stated closing date is “continuous,” apply immediately; the position may close without notice. You will receive an immediate email confirming receipt of your submitted application. If you do not receive this email, contact NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line at (855) 524-5627 between 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Only on-line applications will be accepted for this recruitment (paper applications or resumes will not be accepted). Job Interest Notification Cards, or copies of previous, partial, or un-submitted applications, are not an acceptable substitute to a completed application.
ALL APPLICATION AND TESTING NOTIFICATIONS WILL BE SENT BY E-MAIL. Applicants should select e-mail as the preferred method of notification. Candidates must maintain an up-to-date, valid and reliable e-mail address. Candidates are also responsible for maintaining up-to-date phone numbers and addresses on their on-line account. Due to the number of applications received, candidates must check their application status through their on-line account. Contact NEOGOV for assistance if needed.
Information on how to apply for jobs at the VTA is available on the VTA Employment website and from the NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line (855) 524-5627. NEOGOV Applicant support is available from 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Americans With Disabilities Act Accommodations
The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities. If you wish to request an accommodation, call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at Personnel@vta.org.
Application Processing Information
All related current and past work experience (including VTA experience) must be listed and fully described in the Work Experience section of the application ("See Resume" is not acceptable). Incomplete or improperly completed online applications may be rejected even if you are qualified for the position for which you are applying. It is your responsibility to ensure that the online application reflects the work experience and education needed to meet the requirements for the position you are applying for. Although your resume may have all your experience and education details, please make sure to complete each section of the online application to ensure that your information is accurately captured during our screening process.
All applications are subject to review as to meeting minimum qualifications at any point in the recruitment process. Passing any step is no guarantee of continuation if it is determined that the applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the class specification.
Candidates found to have exaggerated/falsified their qualifications, experience, training, and/or education may be disqualified at any point in the recruitment process and may be denied future employment with the VTA.
If selected for the position, candidates will be required to complete a criminal conviction disclosure form. Candidates who successfully become VTA employees, and fail to disclose any of the criminal background information as required may be subject to discipline up to and including discharge.
Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment. If you have questions related to an Eligible List you might be on or were on, you should contact Human Resources.
If you have questions regarding your status as an applicant for this position, please call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at Personnel@vta.org.
VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities or religious needs, absent undue hardship.
VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national, origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.
VTA offers a generous benefit package including: vision care, a choice of health plans, dental coverage, an employee assistance program, life insurance, and liberal holiday, vacation, and sick leave. A credit union and deferred compensation are also available to employees at their option. Detailed information on VTA's benefits may be found here: https://www.vta.org/about/careers/benefits
As defined by the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA):
- Classic Members' retirement benefit formula is 2% @55.
- New Members' retirement benefit formula is 2% @62.
All New/PEPRA AFSCME, SEIU, TAEA, and Non-Rep employees pay 8.0% of salary toward the required employee contribution to PERS.
Social Security taxes will be deducted from each employee's bi-weekly salary.
01
Can you provide an example of how you led a diverse team in a complex planning initiative? What strategies did you use to ensure high performance and inclusive engagement with stakeholders to achieve a successful outcome for both the agency and the community?
02
How have you incorporated multimodal transportation planning (e.g., land-use, long-range planning, and active transportation) into your projects? What factors do you prioritize when designing a comprehensive plan that supports various transportation modes?
03
How do you build relationships with key stakeholders, such as local governments, community groups, and private organizations, in planning projects? Can you provide an example of how you successfully navigated competing interests to reach a consensus?
04
How do you integrate sustainability and social equity into planning efforts? Can you share an example of a project where these principles were prioritized and its impact on the community?
- Required Question
