Planning and Development Manager

Destination Ahead: Master the Big Picture as Our Planning & Development Manager

In this role you will manage multi-modal transportation planning, implementation, analysis and outreach efforts, with a

special focus on public transit and first-last mile connections. This person will coordinate grant writing and administration through project completion while ensuring local, state and federal compliance. Additionally, they will plan for provision and maintenance of critical infrastructure including : bus shelters, transit centers, park & ride lots, and other facilities.

Exciting projects: Lead the Authority's first 10-year Transit Development and Capital Plan, first-last mile pilot projects, emission reduction planning and strategies.

Key Operational Duties:

• Leads the development and implementation of comprehensive transit plans and strategies to meet the evolving needs of our community.
• Conducts ridership analysis, demographic studies, and market research to identify transit demand, trends, and opportunities for service enhancements.
• Collaborates with internal stakeholders, government agencies, community organizations, and other partners to gather input, address concerns, and coordinate transit planning efforts.
• Coordinate with regional counterparts to integrate transportation planning considerations into land use and development projects.
• Develops mechanisms for prioritizing, developing, funding, and maintaining critical infrastructure including : bus shelters, transit centers, park & ride lots, and other facilities.
• Manages and implements fare structure policies and processes, including evaluation of ridership and revenue impacts related to fare changes.
• Evaluates existing transit routes, schedules, and services to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for optimization, including service realignments, frequency adjustments, and new service introductions.
• Manage a team of two planners.

We Value the Details: Discover More in the Full Job Description Here.

Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications by April 27th. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the posting will remain open until filled. Hiring process may take longer based on hiring of leadership roles as we build out this new organization. To apply, please complete our application and submit a resume and letter of interest. Questions? Please reach out to aryn.schlichting@eaglecounty.us.

Driving the Future Forward with EVTA

The EVTA was formed by a vote of the registered electors of the Town of Avon, Town of Eagle, Town of Minturn, Town of Red Cliff, Town of Vail, Beaver Creek Metropolitan District, and Eagle County in the November 8, 2022. The EVTA will assume operation of the existing county-operated ECO Transit system; enhance coordination with local transit systems in Vail, Avon, and Beaver Creek; improve air service; and expand and increase transportation offerings throughout the EVTA service area. The EVTA is governed by an appointed 7-member Board of Directors (“Board”).

Our Culture

We are a people-first organization, committed to a work environment in which you feel valued, supported, and empowered. Our team members embody empathy, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of doing what's right. One individual can make a difference, and a group of dedicated people can drive impactful, lasting change. We firmly believe that small actions yield big rewards.

Service Promises

Welcoming | Accessible | Dependable & Safe | Rewarding

Discover Eagle County on the Map

Eagle County, located just 2 hours from Denver, is a small community with around 50,000 residents, nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Colorado's Rocky Mountains. This dynamic area not only caters to its hardworking local population but also attracts a steady flow of tourists seeking access to its renowned mountain resorts (Vail and Beaver Creek). The county's mountainous terrain and high altitude present both opportunities and challenges for providing efficient transit solutions. Existing transit systems intricately connect key areas such as Vail, Avon, Minturn, and Eagle, serving the local workforce and visitors from around the world. The county's highway network (I-70) acts as a crucial lifeline, providing vital connectivity to remote areas while necessitating specialized transportation infrastructure tailored to the demands of a rural environment and a community that prioritizes reducing its environmental impacts. As a result, a transit organization within this setting plays a pivotal role in enhancing accessibility, driving workforce needs, and meeting the diverse mobility needs of the vibrant population thriving in this picturesque locale.

What’s in it for You? Hmmm, Glad You Asked!

Salary Range for this position is $93,000 - $135,000. As we cultivate our newly formed organization, we recognize the pivotal role of compensation and benefit packages in attracting and retaining top talent. During the initial stages, our leadership team will receive stipends for health insurance, in addition to salary, as we lay the foundation for a robust benefits program. We are committed to implementing full benefits for all employees by this summer, ensuring that each team member feels valued and supported.

In March 2024, our board approved a forward-thinking compensation philosophy aimed at positioning EVTA as an employer of choice, emphasizing competitive benefits and opportunities for all employees. As a testament to this commitment, they have authorized a robust retirement plan with a remarkable up to 10% match for all employees, showcasing our dedication to attracting and retaining top talent.

Your Home

Housing in the Eagle County region is both expensive and limited, and out-of-area applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the market and discuss this matter with the HR team during the hiring process. Offers may include temporary housing or other benefits aimed at facilitating a smooth transition.

A Compass for Equity and Inclusion

We are committed to building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive environment for all employees. The EVTA is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

• A love for transit.
• Knowledge of policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements governing funding programs from Federal, State, and local sources.
• Familiarity with principles of transit operations, scheduling, and route development.
• Familiarity with performance dashboards and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Ability to express ideas and information clearly and concisely in a manner appropriate to the audience both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to take initiative, reason logically, and be creative in developing and introducing new ideas.
• Willing to accept diversity and differences and ability to establish and maintain respectful, professional relationships with clients from a diverse population, community partners, staff, and management.
• Ability to work effectively in teams and to build collaborative relationships with others.
• Expertise in building and maintaining relationships with state, local and federal government agencies; boards and commissions; advocacy organizations; and community volunteer groups.
• Provides excellent customer service, both internally and externally in a tactful, clear and courteous manner while striving to exceed customer expectations; remains calm and focused in stressful and sometimes challenging situations.
• Ability to solve problems using one’s skills and knowledge in real-world settings to solve.
• Being receptive to feedback, willing to learn, embracing continuous improvement.

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent combination of education, training and experience which produces the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience administering current and long-range transit or multi-modal plans.
• Prior experience managing state and/or federal grants.
• Familiarity with transit scheduling software, GIS tools, and other planning technologies.
• Experience setting and monitoring departmental goals, including regular progress reporting to leadership.
• Experience developing and implementing a departmental or organizational budget.
• Experience managing consultant projects and contracts.
• At least two (2) years of professional supervisory experience.
• Valid state drivers’ license and a satisfactory motor vehicle record.
• May be required to obtain professional certifications.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Transportation Planning or Public Administration from an accredited college or university.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience administering current and long-range transit or multi-modal plans.
• Project management experience.
• Previous government experience.