Relationship Manager - Bureau of Asset Management, Cook County, Illinois

Build Up Cook is an innovative program run by the Bureau of Asset Management at Cook County that provides capacity building to under-resourced communities to meet their capital needs. We’re hiring program staff to listen, understand, and work with them to upgrade water mains, improve combined sewers, repair Village halls, and complete a variety of projects to improve resident quality of life. Right now, we’re seeking resumes to fill three Relationship Manager roles, who would each be assigned to work directly with a handful of municipalities in the south or west suburbs. These are Shakman exempt positions funded through ARPA. Do not be concerned with the date on the posting. These are ongoing recruitments. Please email with interest or questions.

POSITION PROFILE:

Position: Relationship Manager

Department: Asset Management

Reports to: Director of Cook County's Municipal Capacity for Capital Improvements (MCCI)

How to Apply: Please submit a Resume and Cover letter to Shakmanexemptapplications@cookcountyil.gov 

Senior Project Manager in Strategic Planning - Chicago Transit Authority

Who: Chicago Transit Authority

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

Director, Capital Programming, Local Planning & Program Management - RTA - Chicago, IL

Director, Capital Programming, Local Planning & Program Management 

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA)

Chicago, IL

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), located in downtown Chicago, is seeking to hire a Director of Capital Programming, Local Planning & Program Management. The RTA is charged with regional financial oversight, funding, and transit planning for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace bus and paratransit. The RTA region serves two million riders each weekday in six counties with 7,200 transit route miles throughout Northeastern Illinois. 

Under the general direction of the Sr. Deputy Executive Director, Capital Programming & Planning, the position is responsible for directing and coordinating overall operations of the Capital Programming, Local Planning and Program Management Division. This includes the development and administration of the regional five-year capital program, encompassing the capital programs of the CTA, Metra, and Pace; leads the agency’s local planning work including our Community Planning program; oversees the management of federal funds for the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program or Section 5310 program; and supervises the agency’s administrative grant work. This management-level position is a new position at the agency created with the intent to bring capital programming, program development and implementation, and grants management under the same leadership. The position will have two direct reports and a total team of 11 staff. The successful candidate should possess highly developed information-management and people-management skills with a keen eye towards administrative excellence, efficiency improvements, innovation and collaboration both internally and with external partners. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: 

• Direct the development and administration of a five-year capital program for the RTA and Service Boards including 1) outlining information requirements for capital project review; 2) providing guidance to the Service Boards on levels of funding available; 3) reviewing capital project selection to ensure that the region is effectively using resources to serve public transit markets and achieve a state of good repair of transit assets; 4) coordinating the capital program with the regional operating budget and financial plan to create a unified regional business plan that aligns with the region’s strategic plan; and, 5) developing summary reports and communicating information about the program and its status to a variety of audiences. 
• Conduct ongoing monitoring and analysis of Service Board implementation of the capital program to ensure projects are advancing, programming and bond holder requirements are followed, budget revisions and amendments are prepared for Board adoption, agency record-keeping systems are kept upto-date, and grant payment and close-out processes are completed.
• Oversee development, evolution, and coordination of the Community Planning program and management of projects that are underway.
• Oversee activities to assist local municipalities with the implementation of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) plans and zoning modifications.
• Oversee the administration of the Section 5310 and the Innovation, Coordination, and Enhancement (ICE) programs.
• Oversee activities related to the pursuit, receipt, monitoring, reporting, and processing of federal and state grant funds received from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and other funding sources. 
• Develop reports for and deliver presentations to the RTA Board of Directors, management and staff; counterparts at the Service Boards, local and regional governments and planning bodies and other public transportation related entities.
• Manage and direct the human resources of the division, ensuring high productivity while allocating resources in a cost-efficient manner. Make sound decisions in a timely manner and resolve difficult problems with practical, forward-thinking and effective solutions. 

Knowledge, skills, and abilities equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in related field including planning, public administration, engineering, business or related field. A Master’s degree is strongly desired, also in a related field. 

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in a public or private setting with experience in project and program administration is required. Transit or transportation experience, especially specific to capital programming, funding and financing is desired. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with metropolitan transportation planning, federal regulations, and bond programs are a plus. Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects while maintaining deadlines under pressure and managing resources; strong people skills including, supervising, coaching, mentoring, performance management, and developing teams are all necessary. Excellent computer skills including familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite, enterprise resource systems, relational databases, and other software tools, as well as keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to the job are also required. 

The RTA offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. For more information about the RTA, visit our website at www.rtachicago.com. Please submit a cover letter, resume and salary history to: Minimum Salary: $110,000 Regional Transportation Authority Human Resources, Attn: DCPLPPM 175 W. Jackson, Suite 1650 Chicago, IL 60604 To apply online, go to: https://rtaweb01prd.rtachicago.com/jobposting/?job=195

Senior Planner - METRA Rail - Chicago, IL

Senior Planner
METRA Rail
Chicago, IL

Posting No. 489

Posting Period: April 22, 2016 – Until Filled

Applicant screening will begin Immediately

Summary of Duties
The Senior Planner will perform planning activities in support of Metra's strategic planning efforts and other regional, corridor, and station planning studies of the Metra rail system including planning for major capital expansion projects. Responsible for leading commuter rail planning studies and managing Metra involvement in Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and related studies. Perform statistical, geographic and other quantitative and qualitative analysis. Oversee the development of commuter rail planning reports. Lead the development of various proposals, initiatives, and responses to regulatory guidelines. Manage Metra involvement in various planning studies and on related committees. Participate in and executes elements of commuter rail planning studies involving a wide range of transportation planning and policy analysis issues. Part of leadership of Metra spatial and mapping data, including establishing standard practices for their use. Manage the development of applications for competitive funding sources. Oversee large independent planning study efforts with a significant level of autonomy. Provide analytical or other support to other departments and/or divisions within Metra. Performs other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor's degree Urban, Regional, Transportation Planning, Business Administration, Geography, Economics, Statistics, Applied Mathematics or related discipline. Master degree preferred.
• Must have four (4) years experience of hands-on experience with statistical analyses, other quantitative analyses, geographic analysis, data management or travel demand forecasting. Some experience should include significant project/task management. 
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) required.
• Experience with both quantitative and qualitative methods required.
• Must be able to read and interpret technical materials.
• Excellent analytical, verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

All employees are responsible for performing their job safely and in accordance with the safety objectives, goals and program of the organization, ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations.

Other Important Information

Selected candidates are subject to a physical examination/drug test and background check to verify information regarding education, employment, vehicle and criminal history. Relocation is not available for this position.

To apply for a position at Metra, please send your cover letter which must include the position title, your resume and salary history to the following email. Please be sure to list the job title in the subject line of your email.

E-mail: jobs@metrarr.com

Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States. Metra does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B or TN status) for this employment position.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Metra / 547 W. Jackson Blvd. / Chicago, IL 60661