Director of Transportation Planning and Data

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) is seeking a candidate for Director of Transportation Planning and Data to lead a team planning for and managing infrastructure and information for the region. LVPC is the regional transportation leadership entity responsible for the planning, development, implementation and management of multi-modal and long-range infrastructure goals and projects subject to Federal and state requirements of metropolitan and county planning. Additionally, the LVPC is the largest public data repository and analysis center, managing and providing key information utilized by all sectors of the economy for decision-making. The Director of Transportation Planning and Data performs complex professional, stakeholder development and administrative work under the general supervision of the LVPC Executive Director. Managing seven team members with the support of the Associate Director of Transportation Planning and Data, the Director also, works closely with the community, Lehigh Valley Planning Commissioners and Lehigh Valley Transportation Study Board. As such, possessing excellent communication and time management skills, and the ability to manage the work of others is key. Communication is critical skill for the Director, whether conveying concepts to an audience or writing technical analyses.

The successful candidate must exhibit a thorough understanding of transportation planning and principles and have a degree in Urban, City, Regional or Transportation Planning and/or Civil Engineering, or a related field.

In addition to the above required skills, experience in any of the following areas is desirable:

• Metropolitan Planning Organization/Regional Planning
• Transportation finance
• Data science, analytics and management, travel demand modeling, Geographic Information Systems
• Freight transportation
• Transit, pedestrian, bicycle and rolling infrastructure
• Land Use Planning
• Public outreach and engagement

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, Transportation Study + Region

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission is the official planning commission for Pennsylvania’s Lehigh and Northampton Counties. The Lehigh Valley Transportation Study serves as the Metropolitan Planning Organization, or transportation and infrastructure planning agency for the region. The Lehigh Valley is strategically located on the eastern border of Pennsylvania, north of the Philadelphia region and west of the New York-New Jersey metropolitan statistical area. The fastest growing region in the Commonwealth, the Lehigh Valley is known for a high quality of life, recreational and cultural amenities, as well as, its variety of housing and communities from rural to urban. The region is unique, in that it is home to three cities and 59 other communities including dense urbanized boroughs, old and new suburbs, cross-roads villages and rural landscapes. The Director of Transportation Planning and Data will assist the Executive Director with the prioritization of infrastructure projects and investments while balancing the overall needs of the Lehigh Valley’s communities as well as, a strong and expanding economy.

The current LVPC work program includes:

• Management of the 2021-2024 Transportation Improvement Program, totaling $451.8 million
• Administration and implementation of a robust freight planning program
• Implementation FutureLV: The Regional Plan and Walk/RollLV: Active Transportation Plan
• Continued advancement and public communication of the regional traffic counting and segment inventory program with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
• Administration and management of the regional Transportation Alternatives Set Aside Program providing direct grants to communities
• Direct municipal technical assistance including economic, data analytics, scenario and urban/community design services and development of an annual program to enhance direct services to municipal and county governments.
• Coordination of associated partners from Lehigh Valley Greenways to public health professionals and pedestrian and bicycle advocates to regional freight carriers
• Public transit planning assistance for the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority, especially around the implementation planning for the regional Enhanced Bud/Bus Rapid Transit System
• Review of land development plan transportation elements and studies
• Cross-regional collaboration with the neighboring regions including: North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, New York Metropolitan Transportation Council, Delaware Valley regional Planning Commission, Berks County Planning Commission and others

Duties + Responsibilities

• Works as member of the LVPC Senior Management Team.
• Handles long-range transportation issues daily. Develops and/or coordinates elements of the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)/transportation integration with the Regional Comprehensive Plan including research and analysis of roads, bridges, public transportation, air, rail, freight, and non-motorized transportation.
• Coordinates transportation aspects of land development review with the LVPC Community and Environmental Planning Sections, municipalities, developers, Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANta), Lehigh and Northampton Airport Authority, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, United States Department of Transportation.
• Develops and maintains the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
• Handles multi-modal transportation issues daily. Meets with local governments concerning transportation infrastructure from roadway systems and rail networks to pedestrian and bicycle facilities, reviews grant requests and assists local agencies in leveraging project grant funding.
• Organizes workshops and presentation for the purpose of informing local agencies on transportation issues affecting the region.
• Grows and manages the Geographic Information Systems, travel demand modeling, economic forecasting and Data science and analytics aspects of the LVPC.
• Develops population projections, maps and financial forecasts for the LRTP and analyses environmental and societal impacts. For projects and developments, presents plan aspects to citizens and government officials at the local, regional, state and federal levels.
• Oversees the work of consultants retained to work on transportation projects.
• Works with state and federal officials to advocate for transportation equity across all modes of travel.
• Serves as staff liaison to the US Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
• Serves as staff liaison to LANta, the regional transit-agency. Provides agreed transit planning services, coordinates with LANta in the development of the LRTP and TIP and advocates for effective coordination between the agencies.
• Coordinates the public involvement process for the Transportation Section. Stages public appearances and announcements, organizes public meetings, gives presentations, and generally educates the public concerning transportation issues.
• Serves as LVPC liaison to the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee, various citizen traffic advisory committees.

Minimum Job Requirements: A degree in Urban, City, Regional or Transportation Planning, Engineering, or related field plus eight years or more of experience in a related field. Master’s degree preferred. American Institute of Certified Planners, Professional Engineer or other related professional certification preferred. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Other Requirements: This position requires participation at some early morning, evening and weekend meetings and events. Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license is also, required within six months of employment. Successful candidate must locate in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within one year of employment.

Annual Salary: $106,199-$159,299, dependent on experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits and generous time-off package. Collegial environment where innovation is supported and encouraged.

HOW TO APPLY
Please email to jobs@lvpc.org:

a. Current resume detailing your education and experience

b. Letter of interest describing how you meet the qualifications for this position and why you would like to be considered. Please address the letter to Becky A. Bradley, AICP, Executive Director, 961 Marcon Blvd, Suite 310, Allentown, PA 18109

c. Minimum of three (3) references with names, address, telephone number, e-mail and relationship information for each person

Position open until filled. Lehigh Valley Planning Commission/Lehigh Valley Transportation Study is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance with their application or that need this announcement in an alternative format, may call (610) 264-4544.