Planning Project Manager (9244)

OVERALL DESCRIPTION

Supports planning activities to assist delivery of SEPTA's regional rail program. This position is responsible for supporting the development of plans and technical studies to identify the operating and capital needs and document the concepts to address them. Coordinates with several planning agencies, municipal governments, and other stakeholders to ensure successful program delivery. Manages activities of consultants in preparation of SEPTA planning studies. This position will represent SEPTA alongside other team members with area stakeholders and the public. In addition, provides technical assistance and support in developing the Authority's long-range plan, capital program, and surface transportation planning and program.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assists in the preparation of the Authority’s and the Region’s long-range plan and capital project prioritization projects particularly as it relates to SEPTA's regional rail network and master plan.
2. Coordinates execution of strategic initiatives through interdepartmental and interagency teams.
3. Plans for and supports implementation of improved rail operations and station area planning.
4. Coordinates execution of new and experimental policies and programs to improve transit services and the customer experience in line with project goals.
5. Serves as project manager and/or deputy project manager on technical transportation studies, corridor planning, feasibility studies, alternatives analyses, environmental review studies including consultant selection, product review and intra- and inter-agency coordination and consultation.  
6. Manages various planning studies where SEPTA service is involved or anticipated.
7. Analyzes, organizes, and provides pertinent operational, capital, and long range planning information in response to departmental, public, and government agency inquiries.
8. Prepares detailed reports documenting operating and capital needs and plans for SEPTA services and recommend policies and procedures in coordination with relevant internal departments and externs agencies and partners.
9. Coordinates planning and policy development with Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, PennDOT, City of Philadelphia, and other City agencies, County Planning Commissions and Transportation Management Agencies as it relates to SEPTA’s Planning Programs.
10. Manages and supports activities of consultants in development of planning documentation. Develops project scope for Feasibility Studies, Alternative Analyses, and Environmental Impact Statements. Coordinates RFP selection processes for consultant services associated with planning studies.
11. Responsible for data analysis and collection for short and intermediate planning programs, including creation of metrics to ensure project success can be measured.
12. Supports efforts for public outreach to customers and stakeholders. Represents SEPTA at meetings with governmental and other agencies.  Assists with inquiries from outside agencies.
13. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban, Regional or Transportation Planning, or related field and a minimum of five (5) years progressively responsible experience in transit cooridor planning, NEPA, and/or project development required. Graduate degree may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills required. Position requires interface with different internal departments and external organizations, preparation of technical and policy-level reports and verbal presentations.
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization software, such as Tableau and Excel is required. 
• Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) is required
• Experience and understanding of theories, principles and practices of transportation, urban and regional planning, land use planning, public outreach and community planning
• Master's Degree in Transportation Planning, City and Regional Planning, Urban Studies or other closely related field preferred.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Planning Certification is preferred.
• Knowledge of transportation planning and transit service planning, including state and federal regulations is preferred.
• Previous experience managing a consultant team or being a project manager on a consultant team for a large (or multi-year) effort preferred.