What: This Senior Project Manager, Planning position will be the lead on the Red Line Extension project. Ideally, we would like someone that can engage in the worlds of planning, engineering and policy and can manage multiple aspects of a major capital project in the planning/preliminary engineering stage, overseeing a large program management (staff extension) contract. This person would have primary responsibility for project execution, including meeting federal (FTA) grant requirements, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements and generally keeping the project on track. Someone who understands and can be mindful of the dynamics of Chicago geography, including historic investment patterns and impacts of segregation, would be particularly well-suited.
Under direction, supports the development of comprehensive transportation plans that serve as a guide for future transportation projects and development of long-term goals and strategic objectives for CTA. Works with other Planning staff and other departments/agencies as needed in the oversight and execution of planning and project activities pertaining to capital investments, rail system improvements, and transit-focused urban planning and public policy strategies and defines the scope of work for projects of considerable complexity. Manages projects from conceptual planning through completion in conjunction with various Authority staff and departments to ensure projects meet Authority goals and objectives.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plans, directs, and coordinates activities of high priority and complex projects to ensure that goals and objectives of projects are accomplished within prescribed time frame and funding parameters.
- Assists in the development of long range capital projects.
- Develops project plans by assessing needs analyses and project specifications.
- Reviews project proposals or plans to determine time/funding limitations, procedures for accomplishing projects, staffing requirements, and allotment of available resources to various phases of projects.
- Coordinates with various CTA departments and staff, as well as external agencies, to implement project plans.
- Establishes work plan and staffing for each phase of projects.
- Serves as project point-person to monitor execution, timing, functionality, quality, cost, communication, and documentation.
- Meets operational objectives by contributing information and recommendations to strategic plans and reviews.
- Identifies and resolves project issues and risks, and monitors successful execution of revised action plans.
- Monitors and reports on project progress to ensure projects remain on schedule and within scope and budget.
- Directs and coordinates activities of project personnel and third party service vendors to ensure projects progress on schedule and within prescribed budget.
- Evaluates funding scenarios and sources, including local, state and national, makes recommendations, develops necessary documentation and technical analysis to pursue funding.
- Confers with project staff to outline work plan and to assign duties, responsibilities, and scope of authority.
- Prepares project reports for management review.
- Provides technical assistance on special projects.
- Reviews reports and records of activities to ensure progress is being accomplished toward specified program objective and modifies or changes methodology as required to redirect activities and attain objectives.
- Consults with Federal Transit Administration, City Government Departments, and other agencies on requirements and procedures that may need to be included in the general work plan of the project.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
CHALLENGES
- Developing and maintain effective working relationships with various levels of Authority personnel and outside contacts.
- Keeping abreast of related government regulations at all levels.
- Managing all aspects of a project simultaneously within specified deadlines.
- Contributing towards the realization of a project in an effective and efficient way.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree in Transportation, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline, plus five (5) years of experience in transportation planning and analysis, or an equivalent combination of education and experience relating to this position.
- Master’s degree preferable
- May be required to be licensed in field of work.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Requires sitting for extended periods of time, standing, visual acumen, manual dexterity, and fingering for working with computer keyboards.
- Light physical effort maybe required.
- Occasional fieldwork.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Working knowledge of project management principles and practices.
- Working knowledge in interpreting architectural/engineering drawings of project plans
- Working knowledge of the practices and principles in economic development and land use planning preferred.
- General knowledge of the use and familiarity with visualization, service planning, and ridership tools.
- Working knowledge of CTA’s operations a plus.
- Working knowledge of the principles and practices in program development and administration.
- Working knowledge of related Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations as they pertain to assigned projects.
- Strong computer skills with knowledge of MS Project, Access, PowerPoint, and other computer software needed.
- Intermediate skills in Engineering and Planning software such as ArcGIS, Microstation, and AutoCAD and graphic software such as Adobe Illustrator preferred.
- Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences.
- Ability to transition easily with project changes and possesses the flexibility to frequently transition from one project assignment to another.
- Ability to work with and supervise staff/consultants.
- Ability to work in a team environment.
- Ability to work with the team on all aspects of the project.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, balance multiple priorities, deadlines and budget constraints.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- General work environment.
- Subject to prevailing weather when traveling within the Chicago Metropolitan Area.
- May conduct field inspections; investigations and infrastructure assessments of shops, garages, yards, terminals, and elevated subway and ballasted track areas adjacent to electrified contact rails and moving vehicles.
- May be required to travel to other transit properties located throughout North America.
EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED
- Standard office equipment.
- Personal computer and related software.
Additional Details:
- Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate and may be higher or lower than target.
- Applicants, if hired, must comply with CTA's residency ordinance.
A link to the job posting and additional application information can be found here.