Job Description

About Houston-Galveston Area Council

The Houston-Galveston Area Council is one of the largest regional planning commissions in the country with a diverse service area of 13 counties and more than 7 million people. We are the pulse of our region addressing issues that cross city limits and county lines every single day.  

We make decisions that affect our transportation system, ensure the safety and well-being of our seniors, connect people to jobs, help families recover from natural disasters, preserve water quality for our children, and so much more. We work to make the region a great place to live, work, and thrive. 

What will I be doing? 

As a Manager for the Houston-Galveston Area Council Metropolitan Planning Organization, you will be solving regional transportation issues and leading a multimodal planning team for the fourth-largest Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in the country.

üLead development, maintenance, and implementation of the region’s long-range Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) in compliance with federal and state transportation planning requirements, including financial planning and coordination with air quality conformity staff

üEnsure transportation planning processes align with federal performance management requirements, environmental

considerations, equity objectives, safety goals, and regional priorities

üDirect consultant teams and internal staff in preparation of technical analyses, planning documents, public engagement activities, and project development efforts

üDevelop and manage program budgets, scopes of work, schedules, grant requirements, and consultant contracts related to planning initiatives

üManage multimodal transportation planning initiatives encompassing roadway, transit, bicycle, pedestrian, freight, resilience, and emerging mobility systems.

üEnsure engagement with regional stakeholders through subcommittees, project stakeholder groups, and other grassroots outreach efforts

üSupervise, mentor, and evaluate planning staff while fostering collaboration, professional development, and operational excellence within the department

Key Qualifications 

üKnowledge and understanding of key functions of Metropolitan Planning Organizations and demonstrated experience with Metropolitan Planning Organizations or relevant organizations such as state Departments of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration

üAbility to interpret and apply relevant Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and policies related to transportation planning

üExperience preparing technical transportation documents, managing projects, and personnel budgets

üExceptional project management, communication, and presentation skills

üUnderstand the needs of key transportation planning stakeholders, along with the ability to build consensus among diverse groups

üExperience developing statements of work, managing contracts, and other procurement-related activities

üAbility to effectively lead and manage a diverse staff in the hybrid work environment

üDemonstrated leadership experience collaborating and working with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Do you have… 

üBachelor’s degree in an applicable academic discipline or related field of study  

ü5 years of experience working with local government, nonprofit programs, school, or in job-related duties 

Preferred Qualifications

üBachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Urban Planning or related field of study

ü8 years of experience working in transportation planning and related project management

üExperience working with the Metropolitan Planning Organization

üComprehensive understanding of transportation policies, best practices, and federal and statewide planning regulations