Department Manager of Mobility Planning and Goods Movement

Description

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a seasoned planner with a combination of "big picture" vision, on the ground implementation experience, and strong leadership skills to fill the role of Department Manager of Mobility Planning and Goods Movement. Under general direction of the Deputy Director of Transportation, this position will assume full responsibility for the Mobility Planning & Goods Movement department including leading the development and implementation of department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities in addition to managing work plans related to the development, implementation, and coordination of long-range plans. The successful candidate will possess experience in a broad spectrum of areas, including transit/rail, active transportation, transportation demand management, goods movement, and aviation with a proven track record of managing large teams.

The Mobility Planning and Goods Movement Department focuses on improving mobility, optimizing the goods movement network, and expanding transportation choices. The department achieves its goals through demand management, multimodal system integration, and initiatives aimed at enhancing economic efficiency, safety, and air quality. It is divided into two business units: Goods Movement & Aviation and Multimodal Integration. The Multimodal Integration business unit engages in planning for active transportation and complete streets, transit and rail, multimodal corridors, and transportation demand management. The business unit works to create a seamless multimodal transportation system that meets the needs of all people, by managing demand, increasing safety, efficiency, and reliability, and expanding sustainable multimodal options. The Goods Movement and Aviation business unit analyzes and optimizes the goods movement network through increases in economic efficiency, congestion mitigation, safety and air quality improvements, mitigation of community impacts, and enhancements to system security. The business unit also leads the development of plans and strategies for aviation and airport ground access, advanced air mobility, and the enhancement of travel and tourism.

WHO WE ARE
As a mission-driven organization, SCAG is committed to attracting and retaining talent who embody SCAG’s values. SCAG's workforce is passionate and committed to innovation that improves the quality of life for all Southern Californians. When you join SCAG, you can expect a culture where collaboration and teamwork is fostered.

As part of our Work@SCAG policy, employees are eligible for two work models: in-office and hybrid. Eligibility for these models will depend on the department, position, responsibilities, and duties, as determined by management. All work models require employees to be based within the SCAG region. This position is expected to follow the hybrid model and be in the office 2 days per week.

WHAT WE BELIEVE
MISSION
To foster innovative regional solutions that improve the lives of Southern Californians through inclusive collaboration, visionary planning, regional advocacy, information sharing, and promoting best practices.

VISION
Southern California's Catalyst for a Brighter Future.

SCAG CORE VALUES

• Be Open: Be accessible, candid, collaborative and transparent in the work we do.
• Lead by Example: Commit to integrity and equity in working to meet the diverse needs of all people and communities in our region.
• Make an Impact: In all endeavors, effect positive and sustained outcomes that make our region thrive.
• Be Courageous: Have confidence that taking deliberate, bold and purposeful risks can yield new and valuable benefits.
• Cultivate Belonging: Embrace differences, foster equity, champion inclusion, and empower all.

In this role you can expect to

• Lead the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the Mobility Planning & Goods Movement department consistent with agency-wide priorities
• Manage work activities related to the development, implementation, and coordination of long-range plans
• Work with the County Transportation Commissions, subregional council of governments, freight industry stakeholders, and others to advance the development of Connect SoCal
• Present and provide support for communication of technical and policy matters related to the department’s work at Regional Council, Policy Committee, and technical committee meetings
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of work services and procedures to identify opportunities for enhancements
• Manage department staff including providing direction, assigning and reviewing work, providing coaching and guidance, and conducting performance evaluations
• Create and manage departmental and cross-departmental agency activities and planning and policy initiatives
• Manage and participate in the development and administration of the department and division’s annual budget and forecasts additional funds needed for staffing, consultants, and other resources
• Develop associated budget proposals and seek external grant and partnership opportunities
• Collaborate and advise SCAG executive management in the development and coordination of regional planning and policy proposals/strategies
• Lead the development and coordination of planning initiatives, serving as a liaison with the public and private sectors and engaging in relevant forums
• Ensure SCAG's compliance with policies and contracts, as well as Federal, State, and local regulations
• Perform other duties as assigned

What you'll bring to this role

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 7 years of work experience in urban planning with 4 years of management or direct supervisory experience and a Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, or a related field.

Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be considered.

We’ll be a great match if you also have:

• Knowledge of multimodal transportation, including passenger travel, goods movement, and aviation
• Experience in long-range planning and familiarity with the RTP/SCS process
• Experience leading the work of staff, establishing clear expectations for deliverables
• The ability to develop and coach employees
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to synthesize technical concepts for a broad audience with limited technical knowledge on the subject matter
• The ability to be a strategic thinker with effective problem solving and analytical skills
• Political astuteness, with the ability to engage with members of executive management, members of the Regional Council and Policy Committees, and external stakeholders
• Knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal laws, policies, and planning practices
• Knowledge of principles and practices of leadership, with experience implementing performance measures and participating in budget development and administration
• Familiarity with travel and demand modeling concepts
• The ability to use basic to intermediate features of Microsoft Office suite

Supplemental Information

Please note, this posting will remain open until Friday, March 28, 2025, with the first application review taking place on March 17, 2025. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply prior to that date. We anticipate interviews for this position will be held in five weeks.

Insurance Coverage
Employees may choose from nine HMO and two PPO health plans administered through CalPERS. SCAG contributes the following amounts towards the monthly health premium: $850 for employee only coverage; $1500 for employee plus one dependent; $1800 for employee plus family. Employees may waive SCAG-sponsored health plans by providing evidence of other health coverage each plan year. Upon meeting eligibility requirements, employee is eligible to receive opt out amount of $200 per month, paid as taxable earnings. Premiums for dental and vision are covered 100% by SCAG. Life insurance in the amount of $150,000 is provided by SCAG. Supplemental life insurance is available at a minimal cost to the employee. Short-term and long-term disability insurance plans are provided by SCAG.

Retirement
Employees become members of the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). Effective January 1, 2013, for new members of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), the retirement formula is calculated at 2% @ 62 with a Three Year Average Formula. In accordance with the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the new member will have a mandatory contribution of 7% of reportable compensation. Employees who are current members of CalPERSor an agency with CalPERS reciprocity, or who have less than a six-month break in service between employment with SCAGor in a CalPERS(or reciprocal) agency will be enrolled in the 2% @ 55 benefit formula.

Empower deferred compensation plan is available and all non-management positions receive a 50% match, up to $1,500. Employees do not pay Social Security.

Paid Parental Leave
12 weeks of paid parental leave to employees following the birth of an employee’s child or the placement of a child with an employee in connectionwith adoption or foster care. Employees become eligible for this benefit after12 months of employment at SCAG.

Holidays
Employees receive 10 designated holidays and 44 hours of Personal Floating Holidays (PFH) per fiscal year, 11 hours for each full quarter worked.

Vacation Accrual
Ten to twenty days per year depending on length of service with SCAG.

0-3 years: 80 hours
4-10 years: 120 hours
11-16 years: 140 hours
17+ years: 160 hours

Sick Leave
Employees accrue sick leave at the rate of one day per month.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Tax-exempt savings plans are offered to pay for eligible expenses associated with healthcare, dependent care, and parking.

Transit Reimbursement Program
SCAG reimburses up to $230 per month for commute to the office via public transit via bus, rail, or train. Employees must commute a minimum of 8 days per month in order to receive reimbursement for monthly passes.

Flexible Time/Modified Work Week/Telework
Employees may work a modified 9-80 work schedule, with every other Friday off. SCAG offers a flexible work schedule to allow employees some flexibility on daily work hours. SCAG has developed a hybrid workforce program called Work@SCAG to provide three work model options (office, hybrid, and remote) to choose from, based on their position, within the SCAG Region.

Technology Allowance
Employees in hybrid and remote work models will receive a one-time stipend of $300 to be used for remote office setup. In addition, all employees receive a $140 monthly technology allowance to cover phone usage for business use and to offset utilities costs while working remotely.

Other Benefits
Educational assistance up to $5,250 per year is offered for qualified courses after one year of employment. Professional membership reimbursement up to $300 per year for professional associations.

Closing Date/Time: 3/28/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

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• Southern California Association of Governments

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