Sacramento Area Council of Governments

Compensation

Full Description

SACOG is seeking an experienced transit/transportation professional and visionary, personal connector, and self-starting team player who enjoys collaborating across the agency and with partners, as well as working on their own. The agency has just adopted the region’s updated MTP/SCS (known as the Blueprint) and has identified the transit program as a key priority for policy and program implementation. To advance this, the Transit Program Manager will act as a creative and technical leader for SACOG’s transit planning work that requires both big-picture thinking for transit and its role in the broader transportation network, and a strong understanding of the state and federal transit landscape. This includes continued implementation of existing efforts stemming from the NextGen Mobility Transit Study, in addition to identification, development and delivery of new work products that move transit policy initiatives forward. The Transit Program Manager (Principal Planner), will supervise staff, oversee and manage a variety of transit planning activities on the Transportation Team, including state and federal funding programs; special projects with a focus on transit planning; coordinating with and organizing transit operators, including leading the Transit Coordinating Committee; and performing other tasks as assigned. This position will be required to work collaboratively with a variety of external partners, including public transit operators, federal agencies, local municipalities, other regional agencies, and state partners like Caltrans, STA and CTC. This position will report to SACOG’s Director of Transportation, and is the highest non-management classification at SACOG. The Transit Program Manager will work across groups within SACOG that have roles in project development and support, and must prioritize a team-oriented team environment. The Organization SACOG is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the six-county Sacramento region. Formed as a Joint Powers Authority, SACOG is governed by a board of 31 elected officials that directly represent all six counties and 22 cities in the region, and one ex officio member (Caltrans). While transportation is core to SACOG’s role as an MPO, SACOG has over two decades of experience approaching regional issues from an integrated perspective of transportation, land use, and air quality. Our mission is to convene and connect the region to advance an equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future. Our Strategic Plan is structured around four priorities: (1) Build vibrant and inclusive places; (2) Foster the next generation of mobility solutions; (3) Modernize the way we pay for transportation infrastructure; and (4) Build and maintain a safe, equitable and resilient transportation system. The Transportation Team The ideal candidate would be joining a team of professionals with diverse transportation planning backgrounds, including transportation funding and grants, transportation demand management, alternative mobility, active transportation, public transit operations and planning, and corridor planning. This is a new position at SACOG, and would be one of three Principal Planners on the Transportation Team. With the other Principal Planners focused on funding, grants, and strategic corridor planning initiatives, this position would complement the team’s expertise and provide leadership within a critical element of the agency’s work program. This position will be an integral part of the Transportation Team at SACOG and will regularly coordinate with staff of other teams. About the SACOG Region The six-county Sacramento region exemplifies physical, cultural, and economic diversity. This makes it a stimulating place to work for people in the planning profession but perhaps more important, it also makes it a great place to live. Landscapes range from fertile agricultural lands to the high Sierra Nevada mountains, encompassing a vibrant collection of small towns, established and emerging suburbs, and an urban core that houses the capital of the fifth largest economy in the world, with cultural and sporting events year-round. Pacific coast beaches, Tahoe region ski resorts, and wild Sierra Nevada lakes and mountains are less than two hours’ drive from the City of Sacramento, which sits at the confluence of two major California rivers — the American and the Sacramento — that also offer many recreational opportunities. The American River Parkway provides access to more than 50 miles of paved bicycle and pedestrian trails connecting Downtown Sacramento, through the river canyon, several historic mining camps, and towns, to Folsom Lake; the 20th largest lake in the state and one of the most frequently visited parks in California’s state park system. Sacramento is a richly diverse region, home to a wide variety of ethnic, cultural, and immigrant communities that contribute to its dynamic character. The region’s much lower cost of living and housing compared to coastal California, as well as its ethnic diversity, have led to a population boom and a revived and vibrant downtown. Its reputation as the Farm to-Fork capital of America also draws foodies and tourists. The 22nd largest metropolitan region in the nation, Sacramento lies at the confluence of commerce in northern California. Interstate 80 delivers an east-west connection from the Pacific to the Atlantic, and Interstate 5 opens the entire West Coast from Mexico to Canada for goods movement, recreation, and economic vibrancy. Multiple rail lines extend in all directions through the heart of the region and provide quick and frequent passenger train service between San Francisco, Sacramento, and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Commuting and traveling within and beyond the Sacramento region are easy thanks to the region’s integrated transportation network. With two interstate freeways, an international airport, and 6 Amtrak stations with long distance connections to Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, and Chicago. The region’s light rail system provides commuters, residents, and visitors a ready alternative to driving with more than 40 miles of track and 26 stations with connections to the region’s most robust job centers, the historic Sutter Street in Downtown Folsom, the Sacramento Valley Amtrak Station, and numerous suburban communities along the Interstate 80 and Highway 50 corridors. The Transit Program Manager will be responsible for oversight and management of SACOG’s transit programs to implement the agency’s Blueprint (MTP/SCS) and maintain consistency with federal and state transit regulations/requirements. Specific duties will include: • Represent the transit program to ensure transit is adequately represented and incorporated i • regional work, including Blueprint/MTP updates, funding programs, and other major regional initiatives • Guidance and oversight for required transit program activities, including transit technical assistance with transit operators, unmet transit needs process, and other similar programs and processes • Guidance, management and oversight for special transit planning projects • Oversight of Federal Transit Administration funding to the region’s transit agencies, consistent with the process included in the adopted MOU, and federal grant management processes and requirements • Leadership and coordination of the Transit Coordinating Committee • Manage staff coordination with transit providers regarding asset management and performance measures • Manage and oversee transit data collection, monitoring, and reporting as it relates to transit activities in the region • Provide recommendations to the SACOG management and executive leadership teams regarding transit project priorities. • Supervise staff, including oversight of technical work product from SACOG staff, partner organizations, and consultant teams. Exercise direct and general supervision over assigned team members. • Represent SACOG at external meetings with partner agencies, state agencies, elected officials, and regional stakeholders. Hybrid Position As an integral part of our organization, employees will provide support in a flexible work environment. This position will have the ability to telework three days per week. The remainder of the work week will be in-person. Employees are required to live within 200 miles of Sacramento. We support telework because it: • Enhances employee productivity, satisfaction, and ability to collaborate. • Improves recruitment and retention • Reduces greenhouse gas emission, vehicle miles travels (VMT), traffic and parking congestion, and air pollution Hiring Timeline Filing Deadline: January 23 First round interviews: Week of February 9 Second round interviews: Week of February 16 Reference checks: Week of February 23 Desired start date: March 2026 The ideal candidate will demonstrate: • A visionary, creative, and innovative approach to transit planning and coordination with a regional lens • Ability to work with a network of external partners and manage multiple stakeholders, including a strong ability to develop trust and relationships • Strong organizational skills, including time management, ability to set priorities, and ability to anticipate critical deadlines • Adaptability and flexibility, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with competing requirements and deadlines • Dedication to collaboration across SACOG teams, elected officials, and key regional stakeholders • Ability to work independently and critical thinking skills, including the ability to make effective decisions amidst uncertainty Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Experience with transit and transportation planning, including various modes like rail, bus rapid transit, fixed-route bus, paratransit, and microtransit; • Strong understanding of state and federal transit programs and transportation planning regulations • Experience facilitating projects involving numerous organizational stakeholders as well as an interest in finding compromise when faced with conflicting perspectives. • Ability to make presentations before various boards and/or committees in an effective and concise manner • Ability to provide leadership and technical guidance as a subject matter expert and adviser • Experience supervising multiple staff or a team The following is not required, but desired: • Strong knowledge of the Capital region’s transit network, including knowledge of operators and key transit corridors. • Can understand and convey changes in state and federal transportation policy, legal regulations, and processes. Culture and Organizational Values The dynamic nature of SACOG’s work, combined with its small staff, requires a flexible staff and a flat organizational structure. Teams are the focal point of all of SACOG’s project work. Team Managers have more authority and responsibility than in a traditional organization. SACOG is a team-based organization that strives for excellence in both its external work and its internal operations and structure. SACOG values diversity and believes that a range of backgrounds brings a variety of ideas, perspectives and experiences that contribute to an innovative and collaborative environment in which talents are fully utilized, uniqueness is valued, and SACOG’s objectives are met. SACOG is committed to building a culturally diverse workplace. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, orientations, and identities. SACOG is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. SACOG provides fair and equal opportunity for all with no discrimination because of race, creed, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, age, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. To comply with applicable disability laws, SACOG will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental disabilities of an otherwise qualified individual who is an applicant or employee. For over a decade, SACOG has used Gallup StrengthsFinder to foster a collaborative and inclusive culture by leading with strengths through regular training, coaching, and our performance evaluations, aligning growth with our organization values of teamwork, community, dedication, and innovation. Required: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. We welcome applicants with non-traditional pathways to education and experience. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: • Education equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Transportation/Urban Planning, Public or Business Administration, Political Science or related field. • Three (3) years of full-time progressively responsible program management work in transportation planning, transportation funding and/or transportation grants, including at least one (1) year of project lead and/or supervisory experience. • Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment. Desired: • Master’s degree in a related field • Five years of progressively responsible program management experience, and 2 years of project lead and/or supervisory experience PHYSICAL DEMANDS Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS This is primarily a sedentary classification, and the employee works in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. The employee interfaces with staff, management, other agency representatives, member jurisdictions, government officials, business representatives, and the general public in explaining SACOG policies and requesting and providing information.