Executive Director, Gainesville MTPO

Executive Director

The Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization (MTPO) serving Alachua County and the City of Gainesville is seeking a transportation professional to lead a new agency in the development and administration of a long-range transportation improvement plan. The plan will address a multi-modal program responsive to a wide range of community interests. As a newly designated Transportation Management Area (TMA), the agency has additional funding and reporting requirements. The successful candidate will demonstrate a high level of commitment to local communities in the TMA and varied transportation user groups.

Alachua County is located in north-central Florida and is the home of the University of Florida. The county population is 263,450 and covers over 960 square miles. The greater Gainesville region serves as a hub for employment and commercial activities for Alachua and 11 surrounding counties. As home to the University of Florida and Santa Fe State College, the area has Florida’s highest concentration of 18 – 44 year olds. Gainesville is ranked highly on both business and retirement national lists of best places to do business, have a career, enjoy recreational activities, pursue cultural interests, and retire.

The Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization (MTPO)
The MTPO boundary includes all of Alachua County. The Board includes commissioners from the City of Gainesville and Alachua County. There are new representatives from the School Board, the Gainesville Regional Airport and a rural area representative, plus non-voting members from the University of Florida and the Florida Department of Transportation.

The Executive Director’s work is performed with broad direction from the board, but the Director has a considerable degree of independent judgement and discretion. A high level of initiative is expected to meet agency goals and responsibilities. The new Executive Director will develop the staff and systems to support outreach, reporting, planning, project management, data analysis, and administrative functions.

Executive Director Essential Functions

• Organize and staff the new MTPO agency; review current by-laws, policies and procedures for updates and revisions as needed
• Provide professional management, technical expertise, and fiscal oversight for MTPO operations
• Review and develop working knowledge of existing TPO plans, the Alachua 2050 model and area transportation work programs by local governments and the State
• Review transportation plans and programs to assess alignment with local goals and priorities and coordination needs
• Address transportation needs and goals comprehensively as a multi-modal system
• Develop agency resources, modeling, and transportation plans that make a significant contribution to area transportation improvements
• Orient board members and inform their decision making; provide input for board development of goals and priorities
• Provide routine updates to the board regarding system projects and conditions
• Secure appropriate agency certifications
• Develop effective working relationships with board members, project partners, local and state transportation providers
• Develop the agency website to engage users and serve as a community resource to collect and share information
• Direct preparation of the long term 20 year transportation plan and prepare an update in first year after appointment
• Develop scope of service for contracts, negotiate terms, and oversee consultant performance
• Provide project management for large planning and corridor studies
• Collect data regarding transportation issues and conditions for analysis and interpretation
• Prepare the agency budget and manage resources to meet board goals and priorities
• Provide regular reports on capital projects and expenditures
• Oversee preparation of grant applications
• Prepare presentations and reports that communicate sometimes complex information to a variety of audiences
• Provide opportunities for public input including workshops and surveys
• Serve as agency liaison to local governments, transportation agencies, and the public
• Supervise and develop staff, set expectations, evaluate performance, and take appropriate action as warranted
• Monitor and analyze impacts of transportation projects and regulations which affect the region
• Provide technical assistance and support to transportation agencies

Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred, in Urban and Regional Planning, Transportation Planning, Traffic Engineering, Geography, Public Administration or related fields, and approximately five plus (5+) years of progressively responsible supervisory or project management experience in private or public sector urban planning, public administration in a transportation field or operation.

Compensation
Salary of $140,000 annually. Comprehensive benefit package with Florida Retirement System, health insurance, life insurance, and optional participation in deferred compensation program. Relocation expenses are negotiable.

Apply online with resume, cover letter, and contact information for five professional references by November 14.

Address to Jim Dinneen, MGT Approved Independent Executive Recruiter
Questions may be directed to Jim Dinneen at (386) 846-2612.

The State of Florida has strong public record laws. Candidates are advised to be aware that all aspects of this recruitment are open to public records requests throughout the process.