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Regional Transportation Authority of Northeastern Illinois (RTA) · 1 day ago

Program Lead

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid, Senior Level

$82K/yr - $82K/yr

4+ years exp

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is seeking an experienced Program Lead to drive strategic planning and execution for RTA programs. This role involves leading cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, and overseeing program performance and stakeholder engagement in the context of transit planning for the Chicago region.

GovernmentRailroadTransportation

Diversity & Inclusion

Hiring Manager

Rebecca Zamora

Responsibilities

Leads system-wide service planning, route analysis and optimization, identification of opportunities for system performance improvement, reports and makes recommendations to management

Leads regional demographic analysis to identify propensity for transit ridership and uses analytical tools to measure the provision of transit service across the six-county region

Designs new transit services to increase service coverage, address gaps in service, and improve customer experience making recommendations suited for community needs and land use forms

Liaises with CTA, Metra, and Pace service planners to close transit gaps, improve transfers, and streamline service changes from a regional perspective, ensuring riders see improvements in frequency, coverage, transfer time, and ease of inter-agency connectivity contributing to improvements in overall customer experience and rider satisfaction

Assists with development of the future NITA regional service plan process

Assists with development of regional service standards to measure system performance and determine annual funding amounts

Manages and coordinates transportation projects from conception to completion, including developing budgets, directing consultant work and tracking timelines

Supports work of Regional Planning division including inter-agency signage, transit benefit program, and market research

Assists in the development and maintenance of comprehensive transit plans, programs and related studies

Engages in agency budget process through cost modeling and forecasting

Directs outside consultant efforts or RTA staff as appropriate, in the performance of RTA studies and projects to ensure quality products, and timely and efficient completion of projects within budget. Coordinates and collaborates on the conduct of studies with the Service Boards and other appropriate agencies and organizations

Prepares materials and makes presentations of study results and recommendations to RTA and Service Board senior management, other agencies and RTA Board of Directors

Participates in the development of objectives and policies for the Regional Planning Division and the Strategy & Policy team

Acts in a manner which is consistent with the RTA’s strategic goals and objectives as developed by the Board of Directors, while providing service of the highest level to our customers -- both internal and external. Ensure the confidentiality of all information obtained in the performance of job duties

Performs other related duties as required or assigned

Qualification

Transit planningService planning softwareGIS analysisData analysisProject managementLeadership skillsCommunication skillsProblem solvingCollaboration

Required

The ideal candidate has the knowledge, skills, and abilities equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree in Transportation, Engineering, Urban Planning or a related field required

A minimum of four to six (4 – 6) years' experience in transit planning or related field, with transit service planning experience

Expertise in service planning, scheduling, and design utilizing software platforms such as Remix, HASTUS, OptiBus, TransCAD required

Experience in processing and analyzing GTFS and Census data products (e.g., ACS, CTPP, LEHD) and their development process required

Ability to code in SQL, Python, SAS/SPSS/R, or VBA or to acquire such skills is a plus

Proficiency in GIS data editing and analysis required with preference given to candidates having experience using ArcGIS Spatial and Network Analyst tools

Experience with spatial-temporal data analysis required

The ideal candidate will also have experience applying planning principles and data analysis towards strategic goals and objectives

The ideal candidate will be self-directed, possess strong problem solving, quantitative, analytical, communication, and leadership skills and have the ability to multi-task and work independently on concurrent projects; respond quickly and accurately to time sensitive requests

Experience collaborating with municipal partners, coalitions, and other stakeholder groups (e.g., advocates and community partners) to plan and advance strategic goals

Experience leading internal/external cross-functional teams, including setting scope, monitoring deliverables, and ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, delegate tasks effectively, and maintain accountability for quality and timely completion