Summary

The MPO Administrator serves as the designated lead staff member to the Richmond Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RRTPO) and works under direct supervision of the Executive Director. The RRTPO is the federal and state designated Metropolitan Planning Organization that serves as the forum for cooperative transportation decision-making to assure excellence in mobility through the Richmond Region. The position is employed by the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission (PlanRVA) which is responsible for providing staff support to the RRTPO and Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) supporting other regional planning and technical assistance functions for the localities of the Richmond region. 

Essential Functions

• Serves as primary liaison with state and federal partners regarding compliance with regulatory requirements and consistency with the 3C process including leadership in preparing for quadrennial certification reviews and regular submission of work status reports to the RRTPO, VDOT and DRPT;
• Coordinates with the RRTPO Policy Board and committees to establish an annual work program known as the Unified Planning Work Program in accordance with federal, state and regional priorities;
• Coordinates with the Director of Transportation to arrange for adequate staffing provided by PlanRVA to fulfill the objectives of the Unified Planning Work Program;
• Develops and coordinates agendas and work status updates with RRTPO Policy Board and Committee Chairs and PlanRVA staff as needed;
• Develops and implements RRTPO policies in coordination with the Policy Board, advisory committees, participating jurisdictions, regional partners and PlanRVA staff;
• Represents PlanRVA and RRTPO in local, regional, state and federal forums with focus on regional transportation needs and priorities including service on various committees and stakeholder groups and representation of the regional planning work at conferences, seminars and public information sessions;
• Reviews legislative and programmatic initiatives of federal, state, regional and local agencies for summary to appropriate stakeholders including member jurisdictions, the RRTPO and local staff; and
• Maintains all official records of the RRTPO including its official business and financial records for grant reporting and compliance purposes.

Competencies

• Significant exposure to and prior involvement with Metropolitan Planning Organizations’ authorization, administration, and requirements.
• Experience in planning across multiple relevant modes of transportation and with context sensitivity to the Richmond region.
• Strong understanding of local government decision making processes and priorities and context within regional planning dynamics.
• Organizational and communication skills that promote transparency, coordination and collaboration and inclusion.
• Strong facilitation and listening skills with strength in consensus building and servant leadership orientation; and
• Ability to manage competing priorities and interests across modes and localities with a focus on customer service.

Supervisory Responsibility

The position may be responsible for supervision of staff positions and requires coordination of work assignments of personnel supervised by a peer manager. The MPO Administrator should have experience in contract/vendor management and demonstrate commitment to teamwork and communication.

Position Type/ Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time exempt position. Flexibility in employees’ schedule is permitted and encouraged to accommodate responsibilities of the position, particularly for positions that may require participation in or attendance at meetings outside the traditional workday schedule.

Travel

Travel within and outside the region is necessary to participate in meetings, conferences, or other events. The position requires a high level of interaction and engagement with local representatives, state and federal agencies and within peer organizations.

Required Education and Experience

A master’s degree in planning, public administration, engineering or a related field is preferred; a bachelor's degree with more than 10 years’ relevant work experience will also be considered. Candidates should have professional experience in transportation planning and program administration and at least five years in a responsible supervisory or programmatic authority position. Achievement of and commitment to specific certifications such as AICP or other professional designations which require or promote continuing education are desirable.

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. 

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

The position requires a credit review and criminal background check. 

Please note:

Applications will be reviewed as they are received with qualified candidates being contacted for first round virtual interviews as early as the week of October 23rd. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. 

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This position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

PlanRVA strives to cultivate and maintain an inclusive culture among its staff members. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at the Regional Commission are based on agency need, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, disability, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations applicable in the Commonwealth of Virginia.