Director, Programs

We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for a Director, Programs to join the CCTA team. This recruitment will remain open until filled.

The Director, Programs is responsible for the oversight and Authority-level management of several transportation programs funded by the Authority. The Authority’s funding is frequently combined with other sources to accomplish sponsors’ operating and service objectives. The Director, Programs will work in collaboration with other government agencies, public and private transit operators and suppliers, and interested parties to facilitate the development of financial and operational plans, organizational and institutional arrangements, and management approach. The Director, Programs reports directly to the Deputy Executive Director, Planning, Programs, and Policy.

The Director, Programs will be responsible for managing the Authority’s oversight and grants for the following programs:

• Transportation Demand Management (TDM) services oriented towards making transit, vanpools, carpools, bicycling and walking more attractive as alternatives to private automobiles;
• Transportation services for the Older Adults and People with Disabilities (accessibility and paratransit);
• Bus and alternative transit services, such as microtransit;
• Express bus services (potentially including capital projects to support them);
• School bus services;
• Ferry services;
• Zero Emission and Electric Vehicle Charging programs; and
• Mobility-on-demand, shared mobility, and micromobility services.
  
  

Distinguishing Characteristics

Required

The Director, Programs must have demonstrated ability and expertise in managing complex transportation programs such as public transit and paratransit operations, ridesharing programs, and school bus programs, and knowledge of State and Federal transportation grant processes, State and Federal capital programming, cooperative agreements, strategic plans, and transit planning. The Director, Programs is required to have in-depth knowledge and experience in the following areas:

• Responsibilities, requirements and protocol associated with working for an elected board;
• Government or stakeholder relations and management;
• Facilitation and management of Authority Board Advisory Committees, such as the Accessibility Advisory Committee and Bus Transit Coordinating Committee
• Financial and operational transportation services planning and monitoring;
• Transportation program implementation and compliance;
• Understanding of transportation funding, regulations, and grants oversight and management; and
• Ability to draft public agency reports and strategic documents, prepare proposed public policies for Authority consideration, and apply program management principles in everyday practice.
  
  

Specific Functions And Responsibilities

Program Management

• Work collaboratively with the staff of four sub-area transportation committees within the county, local agencies, project sponsors, and other interests regarding applications for each program's funds.
• Assist in facilitating the development of financial and operational plans.
• Structure organizational and institutional arrangements with the county, cities, other local agencies and project sponsors.
• Implement a management approach to each application and program using existing Authority policies, procedures, and performance and reporting standards for the programs as a base.
• Prepare additional material as appropriate for Authority consideration, direction, and approval.
  
  

Program Monitoring and Grant Management

• Apply policies, procedures, performance and reporting standards adopted by the Authority to monitor the implementation of each grant within the assigned programs.
• Prepare or oversee preparation of periodic reports to the Executive Director and the Authority.
• Manage meetings with grant recipients and advisory groups, such as those of the Bus Transit Coordinating Committee and the Paratransit Coordinating Council.
  
  

Assistance to Executive Director

• Provide strategic and technical assistance to the Executive Director is areas related to transportation operational programs and program delivery with regard to regulatory issues, emerging technologies, and partnering opportunities.
• Represent the Executive Director at public hearings, meetings and associations.
  
  

Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Programs

• Develop allocation policy recommendations to the Authority.
• Coordinate with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District staff on regional policy issues concerning the Transportation Fund for Clean Air program guidelines and policies.
• Prepare documents for biennial audit, and respond to auditors request for information with the Authority Finance staff.
• Oversee development of the annual Expenditure Plans and Annual Program Reports with stakeholders.
• Monitor compliance with policies during the implementation of the applicable programs and resolve any programmatic and administrative issues that arise.
• Oversee processing of Cooperative Agreements with local agency project sponsors.
• Oversee strategic development and delivery of TDM programs in Central and East County sub-regions.
• Final review and sign off on invoices from project sponsors.
• Oversee coordination efforts between stakeholders with regard to the Regional rideshare program.
  
  

Regional Coordination

• Monitor and facilitate Local Transit Operators pursuit of consensus in working out differences they may have for various programs.
• Provide a forum for addressing the needs of transit operators in Contra Costa County.
• Monitor MTC and State programs to determine funding that may impact local operators and provide information for alternative funding plans.
• Work regionally with other CMA's to refine policies and guidelines.
• Participate regionally for programs that will affect Contra Costa County.
  
  

Special Projects

• At the direction of the Executive Director, work with other agencies, business, environmental and community groups towards the delivery of mutual goals.
  
  

General Responsibilities

• Review and approve invoices for eligible expenditures.
• Manage consultant contracts held by the Authority for the purposes of strategic planning for specific programs.
• Provide assistance to local sponsors in their management of consulting contracts.
• Provide leadership and staff development to staff assigned for program assistance.
  
  

The Director, Programs must have demonstrated ability and expertise in managing transportation programs such as public transit and paratransit operations, ridesharing programs, and school bus programs, and knowledge of state and federal transportation grant processes, state and federal capital programming, cooperative agreements, and transit planning. The Director, Programs is required to have in-depth knowledge and experience in the following areas:

• Responsibilities, requirements and protocol associated with working for an elected board;
• Financial and operational transportation services planning;
• Transportation program implementation issues;
• Understanding of transportation funding, regulations and grants management; and
• Ability to draft public agency reports, prepare proposed public policies for Authority consideration, and apply program management principles in everyday practice.
  
  

Education And/or Experience

• BA/BS degree in transportation planning, civil or transportation engineering, public administration or related field from an accredited college. MA/MS, MBA or similar advanced degree is desirable.
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in transit operations, planning, and/or programming.
  
  

In order for the Authority and the employee to function effectively, the individual in this position must possess the following attributes:

• The ability to (1) work in a dynamic environment requiring timely responses to changing circumstances; (2) function effectively under the pressure of recurring deadlines; (3) prioritize workload; and (4) exercise sound judgment;
• The ability to exercise tact, diplomacy and courtesy in working with members of the general public, Authority Board members, other government officials, professional and technical colleagues and staff, older adults and people with disabilities;
• Excellent customer service skills and diplomatic demeanor;
• Good presentation skills;
• Excellent negotiation skills;
• Proficiency with standard computer programs including word processing, spreadsheets. Database and internet access;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Self-motivated;
• The ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing; and
• Maintains high ethical standards in personal behavior.