Manager, Program Development
Overview
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Description
Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.
The Strategic Capital Planning Department includes two divisions: Long Range Planning and System Performance and Data. The Long Range Planning Division identifies new opportunities for expanding and enhancing the rail system. Long Range Planning also participates in studies led by other entities that will impact Metra. Under Long Range Planning, the Program Development section develops Metra’s capital program and amendments and prepares all discretionary funding grant applications. The System Performance and Data Division prepares monthly reports on system ridership, on-time performance and capacity utilization of trains. The division also manages periodic surveys, counts and analyses of Metra riders and monitors the agency’s adherence to Title VI and other equity standards for the provision of transportation service.
Reporting to Department Head, Long Range Planning, the Manager, Program Development manages staff and processes involving the application, administration, and oversight of Metra's capital program development and development of discretionary grants; and participates in the Transit Asset Management program.
The primary duties include: Manage the development of Metra's one and five year capital programs including: directing the activities of staff engaged in analyzing project funding needs, selecting, and prioritizing projects, and preparing the required documentation to support project funding. Establish and oversee processes and procedures to identify capital project proposals and assess their readiness, eligibility, and need for review by Metra's senior executives and eventual approval by the Metra Board. Manage the development of the discretionary capital grant project application requests including: drafting of detailed project narratives, scopes, descriptions, and funding needs to meet various grant application requirements in order to compete competitively for discretionary grant funds. Oversee the preparation of quarterly capital program amendments for the Metra Board documenting changes needed to Metra's one and five year capital program plans due to changes in funding availability and agency needs. Conduct on-going analysis of project expenditures; and attend monthly project status meetings to assess future capital projects' funding needs. Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives. Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures. Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary
and/or termination procedures. Occasional field work required within publicly accessible areas at or near Metra stations or attending meetings at remote locations.
Candidates can expect salary offers that range from the minimum to the mid-point of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidate can consider their growth potential.
Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Planning, Public Administration, or related field.
- In addition to #1 above, must have seven years of experience that includes capital program development, financial analysis, and grant writing.
- Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of developing a capital improvement program, including project budgets, scopes, and needs analysis.
- Considerable knowledge of grant writing techniques and government website portals containing program and funding information.
- Considerable knowledge of budgeting and financial analysis.
- Considerable knowledge of Federal Transit Administration (FTA), state, and/or Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) procedures and guidelines pertaining to capital funding.
- Considerable knowledge of federal and state grant research and application processes and procedures.
- Strong interpersonal skills in dealing with internal and external groups and organizations.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and research skills.
- Strong verbal and written communications skills.
- Good math skills, specifically statistical analysis.
- Proficient in Microsoft 365, specifically Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to manage capital program needs, including preparing for ongoing meetings with project sponsors, developing project/plan scenarios, and presenting and reporting to oversight agencies on amendments to capital program.
- Ability to interpret federal grant requirements.
- Ability to lead and facilitate complex funding discussions and provide recommendations on projects cost/benefit analysis.
- Ability to supervise staff.
- Ability to possess a high degree of attention to detail.
- Ability to represent Metra to external agencies.
- Ability to establish work processes and procedures.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
- Must be able to operate a vehicle.
- Must be willing to travel within or outside of Metra’s 6-county region.
- Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.