Director, Transportation Operations Programs

Summary:Provides direction and management for the Council of Government s (COG) regional transportation operational programs assigned to the Department of Transportation.Job ID/Number:DTP-242023Posted Date:12/11/2023Job Location:Washington, DCPosition Type:Full-timeDivision:Department of Transportation PlanningDescription:Transportation Operational programs would include Commuter Connections, FTA programs as a Designated Recipient, federal discretionary grant projects. Coordinates with federal, state, local and private sector organizations; does related grant management and program administration work as required and to ensure full compliance with all applicable federal, state and COG requirements. The employee in this class has managerial responsibility for multiple Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and state funded transportation operational programs. These programs require planning and programming of future year activities; budgetary control of current work; and effective supervision of a team of professional and support staff members to achieve program goals.The employee in this class must use a high degree of resourcefulness and initiative in coordinating with and serving the regional needs of multiple agencies and organizations. This position is responsible for creating a cooperative area-wide synergy that will build community support and generate opportunities for cost-effectiveness and sharing of resources. A high degree of professionalism and political sensitivity is demonstrated in frequent contacts with senior officials from federal, state and local government agencies, private and public sector organizations, and elected officials from COG policy committees. The employee must reflect and emphasize COG's primary roles of metropolitan-wide coordination and service to its member organizations. Reports to the Department Director regularly to inform, collaborate and seek strategic and operational direction in implementing the operational projects and programs within the Department.EXAMPLES OF WORKDevelops and provides oversight on administrative and financial processes required for the execution of the multiple federal and state funds received for Commuter Connections, and other federal grant programs.Provides oversight and direction for the development and implementation of work programs and progress reports for Commuter Connections, and other operation projects and programs as needed.Oversees and directs the monitoring and evaluation of the Commuter Connections Transportation Demand Management Program Elements; develops/collects and submits all relevant and required reports to the federal agencies associated with federal grant programs.Provides direction on the management of staff members and resources and oversees the provision of technical guidance and training for work on projects for Commuter Connections, and federal grant programs as well as other related projects in the Operations division of the Department;

Provides staffing to several committee groups, such as Commuter Connections Subcommittee, State TDM Work Group, and other relevant groups including overseeing the development and approval of meeting agendas, meeting logistics and working with committee members and assigned staff to develop consensus on programmatic and policy issues;

Oversees and directs COG-wide effort to coordinate regional TDM initiatives though Commuter Connections, and transportation for the underserved population through the Enhanced Mobility programs;

Oversight of the development and implementation of new or expanded transportation operations projects and programs including securing necessary funding;Oversees and directs the development of work scopes and grant applications; the administration of consultant contracts and assures quality of work products;Oversees the development and on-going monitoring of budgets for operational programs in the department to ensure the dollar resources stay in line with project needs;Oversees and directs the hiring of staff which includes setting goals, oversight of performance management and performance appraisals of Operations divisional staff;Oversees and provides direction on the development of media campaigns and earned media for Operational division programs and services in close coordination with COG's Office of Communications;Makes presentations of significant activities to the TPB, Department of Transportation Planning (DTP) technical committees, and other COG and non-COG groups;Meets periodically with department heads and other chiefs and project managers to ensure program coordination;Establishes and maintains excellent contacts and working relationships with professionals, elected and appointed officials, and other public and private sector agencies and organizations as appropriate.Assists and coordinates with staff from the departments planning division on Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) requirements and potential data needs.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIESManages subordinate supervisors who supervise employees in the Transportation Planning Department Program Operations Division. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the Operations unit. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIESComprehensive knowledge and experience with a variety of operational and administrative oversight functions as well as technical and operation knowledge of transit safety, underserved population transportation requirements, alternative commute projects and program services related to transportation demand management, and program marketing and policy analysis and development. Ability to manage several complex, multi-part programs. Ability to speak and write with clarity and effectiveness, and to promote and build popular support and teamwork among individuals and organizations. Strong consensus-building skills a must. Ability to seek out, sustain and expand funding for transportation program operation projects where appropriate. Ability to provide supervision and guidance to a team of professional, support and intern employees.Education and ExperienceTen or more years of progressively responsible experience in development, management and promotion of operational transportation projects or programs with a staff; general understanding of the urban transportation planning process and the relationship of alternative commute programs to the goals and objectives of the process, five (5) years of which have included supervisory and team leadership experience. Public policy and marketing experience is helpful. Master's degree in Transportation Engineering, Planning or related field, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides required knowledge, skills and abilities.Computer Knowledge and SkillsWorking knowledge of office suite of computer programs.Communication SkillsAbility to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, elected officials and/or boards of directors.Mathematical SkillsAbility to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.Reasoning AbilityAbility to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.Certificates, Licenses, RegistrationsNo requirementsPHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk, sit; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.MWCOG is an EEO employerIf you are ready to apply please click HERE

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