Senior Modeler and Data Analyst

PlanRVA is a human-centered organization prioritizing people – our region’s residents and communities, as well as our staff – in its mission, vision, and operations. Our team is our most critical and valued asset in driving our work forward. The Senior Modeler and Data Analyst a highly organized, proactive, and technically skilled professional who thrives in a dynamic environment.

Explore this opportunity to grow professionally while contributing meaningfully to the success of a mission-driven organization.

About PlanRVA:

Established in 1969 by the Virginia General Assembly, PlanRVA is the convener, planner, and shaper of Central Virginia’s future. Guided by our member local governments, we facilitate the Richmond region’s physical, social, and economic development. PlanRVA manages regional programs and initiatives in the areas of community development, emergency management, the environment, and transportation.

We actively engage representatives from government, the private and nonprofit sectors, civic and community organizations, and the public to address critical regional issues. Our work is driven by a comprehensive vision for the region, centered on:

• Strategic and Resilient Infrastructure
• A Healthy Environment
• Attainable Housing
• A Strong Economy
• Opportunity and Choice for Everyone

Learn more about PlanRVA’s strategic plan and vision here: PlanRVA’s Regional Strategic Vision

What You’ll Do

Summary:

As the Senior Modeler & Data Analyst you will serve as a key collaborator to the Principal Data Manager, primarily focused on the development of analytical models and data pipelines that support regional planning. The role includes managing the full data life cycle, updating the region’s travel demand model, running scenario analysis, and leading transportation performance measurement through multimodal indicators and equity-focused metrics. The position also collaborates with teams in environmental planning, community development, housing, and other areas to create data methods, tools, and visualizations that translate complex analysis into actionable insights for local governments and regional partners.

Primary Responsibilities:

Regional Data Pipelines & Analysis

Ability to design and maintain reusable data pipelines that cover the full data life cycle:

• Acquisition – pulling from APIs, Census data, GTFS feeds, and other regional sources.
• Tidying & Integration – cleaning, standardizing, and combining datasets across domains (transportation, land use, housing, demographics, economy).
• Analysis & Modeling – applying statistical and geospatial methods to support regional planning needs.
• Visualization & Reporting – developing clear and accessible maps, dashboards, and analytic summaries.
• Automation – streamlining workflows for regular updates and reproducibility.
• Knowledge of Python or R for data analysis, statistical modeling, and automated workflows.
• Proficiency with GIS tools (ArcGIS Pro/Online, GeoPandas) and ability to produce high-quality spatial analyses and cartography.
• Experience developing indicator dashboards and performance metrics to support planning and decision-making.

Travel Demand Modeling

• Proficiency with traditional four-step models and understanding of activity-based modeling frameworks.
• Hands-on experience with model calibration, validation, and scenario analysis using tools such as TransCAD, Cube, or ActivitySim.
• Ability to integrate travel survey data, roadway and transit network data, and socioeconomic forecasts into modeling workflows.
• Ability to support long-range planning studies, corridor analysis, and transportation project prioritization using modeling outputs.

Transportation Performance Measurement

• Knowledge of federal and state performance measures (FHWA, FTA) and ability to track and report regional transportation metrics.
• Familiarity with equity-focused performance metrics and integrating demographic/socioeconomic indicators into transportation reporting.

Preferred / Bonus Skills

• Knowledge of land use forecasting models, scenario planning tools, or parcel-level development modeling.
• Familiarity with microsimulation or activity-based models for corridor studies.
• Experience with regional planning processes (MPO/PDC, LRTP, TIP, CEDS, etc.)
• Basic understanding of public engagement tools (ArcGIS StoryMaps, social pinpoint, etc.).
• Comfort working with open data platforms, integrating regional datasets, and supporting open-source software adoption.

What You’ll Bring

Competencies:

• Proficiency in effective verbal and written communication
• Ability to manage multiple long-term projects; perform literature reviews, web-based and other qualitative research and analysis
• Extensive knowledge of research methods, survey and statistical analysis, analytical and data synthesis as well as principles, methodology, practices of research and data collection and representation, including GIS, Tableau, or other data visualization tools
• Experience with the development and maintenance of complex data pipelines in Python and/or R.
• Understanding of the fundamentals of transportation planning with ability to develop spatial analysis tools and reports using geographic information system software such as ArcGIS to assess impacts from transportation projects on the surrounding
• community
• Familiarity with the principles and practice of travel demand modeling including TransCAD, CUBE, or comparable software packages

Required Education and Experience:

Master’s degree in urban planning, transportation planning, public administration, or related fields. Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of progressive relevant experience in listed fields also accepted.
Ideal candidates will have at least two (2) years working experience as Data Analyst or similar position in a related field.

What We Offer

Work Environment:
PlanRVA is a high-energy and deadline-driven organization committed to serving the region. We are deeply committed to a human-centered culture, with flexibility to accommodate work-life balance.

Benefits:
We offer a robust benefits package including:

• Employer-paid health insurance for the employee
• Employer-paid retirement contributions into the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Comprehensive dental, vision, and life insurance
• Generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays)
• Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement opportunities

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time exempt position. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Occasional early morning, evening, or weekend work may be required for board and committee meetings or special events.

Travel:
Regular travel within the region is expected. Occasional out-of-region travel for professional development is supported.

Why Join Us?

This role offers a unique opportunity to work closely with regional leaders, contribute to meaningful public service, and grow your career in a collaborative and mission-driven environment. You’ll gain exposure to a wide network of professionals and have the opportunity to expand your responsibilities in alignment with your skills and interests.