Senior Regional Planner – Partnerships for Innovative Deployment (Limited-Term)

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking two limited-term Senior Regional Planners to support SCAG’s Partnerships for Innovative Deployment Department.

These critical positions will be part of the team responsible for several key initiatives funded by the $246 million Regional Early Action Plan (REAP) 2021 grant program and the Carbon Reduction Fund.

Under the direction of the Department Manager, the Senior Planners will be working in coordination with SCAG’s multi-modal transportation and land use planning departments, to deploy innovative pilot projects that allow for more transportation options in the region and reduce the region’s reliance on cars, including projects to support fare payment innovation, universal basic mobility, mobility hub implementation, and active transportation.

The Senior Planners will assume responsibility for the coordination and implementation of the Department’s County Transportation Commission (CTC) Partnership Program and the Regional Pilot Initiative (RPI) Program while ensuring alignment with SCAG’s mission, vision, goals, and regulatory requirements.

Do you have the following skills, experience and drive to succeed in this role Find out below.

The Partnerships for Innovative Deployment department is dedicated to developing and implementing transformative transportation projects that implement SCAG’s Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategies (RTP / SCS), also known as Connect SoCal.

The team develops projects to demonstrate innovative, next generation technologies and models of regional significance, specifically those with the potential to change transportation and housing paradigms towards building more sustainable communities.

The team is also responsible for the implementation of the transportation component of the $246 million Regional Early Action Plan (REAP) 2021 program.

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.

SCAG operates as a hybrid organization because we recognize that work can be successfully performed in various locations.

Designing a work environment and culture where SCAG’s mission, effectiveness, and collaboration can be more flexibly served demonstrates our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) by supporting work-life balance for our employees, retaining our existing dedicated staff, and increasing access to new talent pools.

As part of our Work@SCAG hybrid approach, employees’ eligibility in the three work models (office, hybrid, remote) will depend on the department, position, responsibilities, and duties at the discretion of management.

All work models require employees to work from a location based within the SCAG region. This position is expected to be in the office a minimum of one day 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.

SCAGCORE 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 :

• Collaborate with the Department Manager to establish timelines, milestones, and a workplan for REAP 2021 and Carbon Reduction Program.
• Support in developing and implementing the transportation components of REAP 2021 and the Carbon Reduction Program.
• Oversee program deliverables, monitoring, and reporting for the CTC Partnership Program and the RPI Program.
• Troubleshoot and resolve any grant administration, budgeting, procurement, and accounting issues with the Finance division.
• Manage CTC Partnership Program and RPI Program and coordinate deployment of SCAG’s RPI program across planning departments.
• Advance Connect SoCal through planning, programs, and pilot projects in collaboration with Department Manager, Planning Supervisor, Deputy Director of Planning (Transportation), and public partners.
• Draft and finalize project reports, staff reports, memos, grant applications, and communications.
• Develop, analyze, and finalize policy recommendations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you'll bring to this role :

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 5 years of experience in project management, urban and regional transportation planning, transportation project implementation, or planning regulations and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant 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 transportation, land use, and equity planning principles, and familiarity with transportation analysis tools, financing strategies and data sets used by major metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), cities and counties to support transportation planning.
• Experience and ability to develop and support programs.
• Knowledge of advanced project management principles and concepts.
• Experience managing successful projects and implementing pilot programs involving multiple stakeholder groups.
• The ability to be politically astute and have experience in working with local elected officials and knowledge of regional challenges and opportunities related to transportation.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including excellent presentation and public speaking skills.
• Knowledge of the Southern California region and local challenges, including knowledge of regional challenges and opportunities related to transportation, and familiarity with stakeholder agencies and organizations.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Knowledge of innovative transportation trends and related program development efforts across the nation, with experience in facilitating regional partnerships, including public private partnerships for implementation.
• Experience managing innovative projects and programs, with the ability to quickly assess risks and opportunities.
• Knowledge and / or experience in transportation finance and active transportation.

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