Project Manager, Planning

SALARY: $81,702.40 - $96,137.60

LOCATION: 33 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43215

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Vision, Dental, Supplemental and Life Insurance
  
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Discounts
• COTA Bus Pass
• Wellness Initiatives
• On-Site Chair Massage
• On-Site Health Coach
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Public Pension through OPERS & Ohio Deferred Compensation

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Project Manager, Planning, is responsible for leading and managing multiple planning initiatives, including short-range and long-range transit projects, service change processes, policy development, and special projects. This role requires expertise in project management methodologies, stakeholder coordination, and strategic implementation to support COTA's mission and long-term transportation goals.

The Project Manager, Planning facilitates cross-departmental collaboration, external partnerships, and institutional relationships to implement innovative transit solutions. This position ensures project milestones are met, provides status updates, identifies and manages risks, provides strategic direction, and oversees the execution of key transit projects.

Key responsibilities include managing planning projects related to COTA Planning, overseeing consultants and technical teams, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, including the FTA.

Performs other duties in alignment with the COTA Strategic Plan and in support of the organization's vision to Move Every Life Forward.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Project Management & Execution

• Lead, plan, and execute key planning initiatives from conceptualization to implementation, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Develop and maintain project scopes, schedules, risk assessments, and budgets, ensuring alignment with COTA's strategic goals.
• Track project performance and progress, implementing corrective actions as needed.

Stakeholder Coordination & Communication

• Facilitate collaboration between internal departments, government agencies, and external partners to drive project success.
• Organize and lead cross-functional project teams, ensuring effective communication and alignment of project objectives.
• Draft and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the ongoing processes.
• Establish and maintain an internal and external feedback database, track action items, and ensure timely closure of the feedback loop.
• Prepare and present updates to the Board of Trustees, senior leadership, and community stakeholders.

Contract & Consultant Oversight

• Manage contractor and consultant activities, ensuring quality performance and compliance with project requirements.
• Conduct quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) reviews to maintain high project standards.
• Review and approve invoices, ensuring accurate financial tracking and budget adherence.

Regulatory Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure projects comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including FTA requirements.
• Maintain complete project documentation for grant reporting and regulatory submissions.
• Assist in the preparation and review of planning documents such as the Short- and Long-Range Transit Plans, Project Management Plans, and Public Involvement Plans.

Grant & Funding Management

• Identify funding opportunities and contribute to grant applications for transit projects.
• Collaborate with regional, state, and federal entities to secure financial support.
• Ensure compliance with funding requirements and proper allocation of resources.

Technical & Design Coordination

• Review technical documents, including plans, specifications, and cost estimates for transit projects.
• Support engineering project managers in design reviews at various stages (30%, 60%, 90%) to ensure collaboration and project alignment.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assists in Development of Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) for professional services or Request for Proposals (RFP) for contractor activities; assists in the negotiation, preparation and administration of professional services;
• Manages and provides leadership in the selection of consultants and contractors. Ensures the organization meets its DBE goals for consultants and contractors. Takes corrective action as necessary, on a timely basis, and in accordance with policy;
• Regular, predictable and punctual attendance required; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in City and Regional planning, Transportation and Logistics or other related fields and seven (7) years' experience in transit planning field. Master's degree in City and Regional Planning, Civil Engineering, or Business Administration preferred.

COTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on job needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Salary : $81,702 - $96,138