JOB DESCRIPTION

The Director provides leadership and oversight of the Birmingham Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), including regional transportation planning, multimodal planning initiatives, federally funded planning programs, staff, budgets, and operations. This position works closely with local governments, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), federal agencies, elected officials, and regional partners to advance transportation priorities, improve mobility, and support economic growth throughout the Birmingham metropolitan region.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Direct and manage the planning, administration, and operations of the Birmingham MPO, ensuring an effective and compliant regional transportation planning process.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of key MPO planning documents and programs, including the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), Public Participation Plan, air quality conformity determinations, and required self-certifications.
• Supervise, mentor, and support Planning Department staff while establishing priorities, managing workloads, and promoting professional development.
• Develop and manage departmental and program budgets, monitor expenditures, and oversee the effective use of federal, state, and local resources.
• Prepare requests for proposals and qualifications (RFPs/RFQs), manage consultant contracts, and oversee project scopes, schedules, deliverables, and budgets.
• Coordinate with ALDOT, federal agencies, local governments, elected officials, transit providers, and other regional partners to advance transportation planning priorities.
• Prepare and present technical analyses, recommendations, and planning initiatives to MPO committees, policy boards, public officials, and community groups.
• Oversee grant administration, program reporting, performance monitoring, and compliance with applicable federal and state requirements.
• Direct public participation and outreach initiatives to promote meaningful public involvement in the transportation planning process.
• Maintain current knowledge of transportation planning legislation, regulations, funding opportunities, emerging practices, and regional planning trends.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of regional transportation planning principles, practices, methods, and emerging trends.
• Knowledge of federal and state transportation legislation, regulations, funding programs, and requirements governing MPOs and the continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive (3C) planning process.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects, establish priorities, meet deadlines, and oversee consultant work.
• Experience developing and managing budgets, allocating resources, administering grants, and monitoring expenditures.
• Ability to supervise, mentor, and develop staff while fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical information clearly and effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to build consensus, resolve conflicts, and collaborate with elected officials, public agencies, technical professionals, and community stakeholders.
• Working knowledge or proficiency in ArcGIS/ArcGIS Pro
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to balance competing priorities.

Preferred Education, Experience and Credentials:

• A bachelor's degree in urban or regional planning, transportation planning, engineering, urban studies, public administration, or a related field is required. A master's degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in transportation planning, regional planning, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of supervisory or management experience, preferably involving professional staff, budgets, programs, and consultant contracts.
• Certification as an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Professional Engineer (PE) or Professional Transportation Planner (PTP) is desired.
• Experience working with a metropolitan planning organization or regional planning agency.