The Central Transportation Planning Staff (CTPS) of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) seeks a Program Manager to oversee the MPO’s Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The Program Manager is part of the MPO Activities group and supports the work of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) board to build a safe, equitable, sustainable, and resilient transportation system for the Boston region. The Program Manager is the agency’s point person for the development of the LRTP, a core document that must be updated every four years to maintain the Boston Region MPO’s federal certification. This long-range plan establishes the MPO’s vision, goals, and objectives for the Boston region and guides the work performed in the agency to achieve that vision. The Program manager works with all groups within CTPS and mentors MPO Activities group members in their work as it pertains to the LRTP.
Responsibilities
• Guide and support the MPO board as it decides how to invest MPO funds in transportation projects and programs for a 20-year or more timeframe
• Ensure the timely completion and quality of the MPO’s long-range plan, including financial summaries and air quality conformity, equity, and greenhouse gas impact analyses
• Coordinate with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), federal agencies, and regional transportation authorities (RTA) and municipalities to incorporate required information into the plan
• Work with CTPS’s communications and engagement experts to engage a diverse set of stakeholders—including by organizing and/or participating in events—so that their needs, concerns, and ideas are reflected in the plan
• Work with CTPS experts in the areas of performance-based planning and programming, data analysis, and travel demand modeling to determine current and projected future transportation trends to inform investment decisions in the plan
• Evaluate metropolitan transportation planning-related legislation and regulations with respect to their applicability to the plan
• Represent the MPO on committees, task forces, or other groups, as needed, to support LRTP development
• Develop work scopes and annual budgets for the plan
• Keep abreast of best practices in metropolitan transportation planning, and bring innovative ideas to the LRTP development process
Qualifications
While the following sections describe required and desirable qualifications, candidates who believe that their particular experience and skills fulfill the requirements are encouraged to apply.
• A master’s degree in urban studies, planning, public administration, political science, government, public policy, or a related field, plus a minimum of two years of project or program management experience or a bachelor’s degree in the fields listed above plus five years of project or program management experience.
• Proven ability to communicate and collaborate with diverse staff
• Proven project management skills including quality control and assurance that work is delivered on time and at a high standard of quality
• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills, including the abilities to prepare, edit, and provide oversight for technical reports and to present information to government entities, residents, and other stakeholders
• Knowledge of principles and practices concerning MPO certification activities, such as required documents; federal certification requirements and other, pertinent state/federal laws, regulations, policies, and guidance; and federal-aid funding programs and practices
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of research, analysis, and transportation planning skills
• Skills in conveying information in understandable, accessible ways, including by using graphics
• Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment on a day-to-day basis within general policy guidelines
Additional valued qualifications
• Direct experience producing a Long-Range Transportation Plan, Transportation Improvement Program, or Unified Planning Work Program
• Familiarity with travel demand modeling tools, methods, and data sets
• Massachusetts-specific knowledge of MPO structures and roles, MassDOT’s project development process, and MassDOT’s and the MBTA’s roadway and transit funding practices
Compensation and Benefits
This is a full-time position. The starting salary range is $80,000–$90,000 annually, contingent upon qualifications and experience. The agency offers excellent Massachusetts state employee benefits; a flexible, supportive work environment; and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
Additional Information
The Central Transportation Planning Staff of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization is a public agency made up of a passionate group of transportation planners, analysts, modelers, programmers, and engineers working to address the Boston region’s transportation challenges. The agency’s deep transportation knowledge is an essential asset to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), regional transit authorities, cities and towns within the region, as well as other agencies and stakeholders.
The agency has a hybrid schedule, combining time in the office with remote work. Employees must reside within a commutable distance from the Central Transportation Planning Staff’s office, which is located in downtown Boston, in a transit-oriented and bicycle-friendly area.
Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States and a valid driver’s license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region. All employees will be required to provide proof of vaccination status.
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is the fiduciary agent to the Central Transportation Planning Staff and legally employs the staff. Both organizations are Equal Employment Opportunity employers that take pride in the diversity of their workforces and encourage all qualified persons to apply. MAPC participates in the E-Verify system to confirm employment eligibility.
How to Apply
The position is open until filled, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 21 days. When applying for this position, please upload both a resume and cover letter via governmentjobs.com/careers/ctps or bostonmpo.org. Candidates selected to interview will be asked to submit three references plus a sample of relevant writing or a work product.
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