UIC CUPPA Careers Blog: Director of Transportation, Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission

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Who: Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission

What: The Director of Transportation will head up the development and implementation of NIRPC’s transportation framework and ensure that NIRPC meets all its Federally required responsibilities as an MPO in surface transportation and public transit. The position will oversee the staff responsible for all aspects of transportation planning, and will facilitate stakeholder committees pertaining to technical, financial, and other aspects of regional transportation planning and project management. Responsible for the Long Range Transportation Plan as inculcated in NWI 2050, the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and other federal MPO requirements, the Director of Transportation will respond to internal and external inquiries pertaining to transportation planning; will be responsible for quality of transportation team products; will develop and enhance performance metrics/measurements; will lead and direct the work of transportation planning staff; will ensure efficient and effective use of transportation planning funds; will problem-solve obstacles to efficient project delivery; will collaborate with transit funding recipients to ensure equitable allocations of available funding; will carry out NIRPC’s Title VI program and address environmental justice concerns; and will be the go-to strategic point person for all transportation-related projects.

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum educational accomplishment is a bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning, or a related discipline such as public policy or transportation engineering. Master’s degree and AICP certification, particularly with Advanced Specialty Certification in Transportation, are strongly preferred.
Minimum of eight years of successful experience in transportation planning (or land use planning with a strong transportation component), preferably with a regional or local government. Additional experience may compensate for a lack of a master’s degree.
Demonstrated knowledge or experience with Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration programs desired.
At least five years of the relevant experience should be in a supervisory capacity.
Demonstrated ability to lead effectively with strengths in adaptive management and mentoring.
Strong customer and public service ethic.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including group facilitation abilities and collaborative aptitude among multiple parties.
Demonstrated understanding of transportation planning principles and federal duties and obligations of Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
Exceptional skills and aptitude in project management and public administration, including budgeting, project staffing, and coordination of work activities.

Apply: To be considered for this position, please submit a carefully written cover letter, resume, and at least four professional references to:

Meredith Stilwell, Office Manager
Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission
6100 Southport Road
Portage, IN 46368-6409
mstilwell@nirpc.org