Manager, Systems & Capital Planning - Capital Plan Program

About the position

Metro's Capital Improvement Program is a multi-billion dollar annual program that invests in the improvement and maintenance of Metro's assets. In this position, the candidate will help develop Metro's capital program and advance initiatives that support the Metro system, focusing on improving safety, customer service, and efficiency. This is the perfect opportunity to be involved in the decision-making process, utilize problem solving skills, and collaborate with project managers, asset owners, and other senior leaders across Metro. The candidate will work with stakeholders throughout the agency to support the process that ensures Metro is investing in the right capital need at the right time. This is a non-technical role and the emphasis will be on candidates that have the experience and ability to manage, and direct professional and technical staff's work and communication skills to coordinate the many program stakeholders, both internally and externally. The experienced candidate can expect: Work with leadership across the organization to develop Metro¿s Capital Program and Long-Range Capital Plan Support the capital investment decision-making process Develop Capital Program materials for Metro¿s Board of Directors Contribute to key documents and recurring reporting to communicate key capital issues and the results of the capital programming process Interested candidates should have proven management experience and the ability to communicate at an executive-level. Candidates would benefit from experience in program management and/or project management and should be able to analyze complex projects and/or have experience using analytical processes. Familiarity with capital asset management and transit experience would be an advantage, specifically within the public sector. SUMMARY The Manager, Systems and Capital Planning, is a senior-level role that provides leadership in public transportation planning, policy, and development. The incumbent oversees strategic plans and complex studies focused on Metro's mid- and long-term system and capital planning. Responsibilities include leading long-range plans to project financial expenditures and revenues. The role ensures collaboration across planning, operations, engineering, finance, and external stakeholders. Strong judgment and initiative are essential for resolving issues and guiding impactful recommendations.

Responsibilities

  • Serves as a systems and capital planning program manager.
  • Directs the development and preparation of major inputs to the annual work plan including identification of program goals, determination of staffing and consultant needs, and initiation of projects and studies that support the program goals and the overall mission, goals and objectives of the Authority to expand and improve transit services and facilities.
  • Supports the Authority's vision of WMATA being the region's transit leader by demonstrating leadership in promoting regional transit expansion and utilization and enhancing transit mobility and accessibility.
  • Exercises project management responsibilities in support of WMATA's administration of Federal Transit Administration funded projects and the related grant responsibilities and reporting requirements.
  • Develops technical and policy recommendations on Metro's systems development and capital planning for considerations by the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and the General Manager (GM) that address core capacity, fleet and facilities, networks and corridors, and system financial requirements.
  • Directs assigned transit planning programs, projects, and initiatives to include defining and advancing a shared vision for transit development that is integrated, effective and conducive for the region's growth through the middle of the 21st century.
  • Manages Metrorail system core capacity plans, including rail lines and stations, to identify operating, engineering and architectural improvements, expand core capacity, eliminate infrastructural and operational deficiency and enhance passenger experience. Participates in the review and development federal policies pertinent to the State-of-Good Repair (SGR) and core capacity.
  • Manages Metro's Constrained Long Range Plan (CLRP) update and advocates for Metro's capital and operating/maintenance requirements in the regional forum in collaboration with the Transportation Planning Board and DOTs in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Participates in regional and metropolitan transportation on planning activities to provide technical advice for Metro and the Transportation Planning Board (TPB) on transit ridership forecasts and collaborates on long-range system planning activities.
  • Manages advanced feasibility studies of new Metrorail and Metrobus corridors to evaluate planning, operating and financial requirements as well cost and benefit analysis. Collaborates with Engineering Services on Metro's Compact hearing and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) projects focusing on planning, transportation impact analysis and transit operations. Serves as technical managers for reimbursable corridor projects that are requested by the jurisdictions for advanced feasibility studies.
  • Leads Metrorail operating plan development and system fleet assignment to reflect network changes, passenger demand, operating conditions and fleet and facility provisions.
  • Leads Metrobus network strategic studies to identify Metrobus market opportunities, recommend long-term network restructuring and improve operational efficiency and service effectiveness.
  • Collaborates with Offices of Bus and Rail Operations in the development of Metrorail and Metrobus fleet and facility management plans to identify rehabilitation, replacement and expansion needs, recommend capital improvements to the Metro management and Compact jurisdictions, and meet the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) funding requirements.
  • Responsible and accountable for developing and submitting a realistic and reasonable project budget and for issuing appropriate progress reports as required to record the project's advancements or delays. The report shall include a register of completed tasks, all payments issued and any problems causing delays, redirection of focus or that impacts project delivery timeline or strategy. A progress report will be provided to OMBS as well as the program's front office (Department Chief) as required.
  • Prepares and presents oral/written reports/recommendations within areas of assigned responsibility.
  • The essential duties listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Requirements

  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in planning, engineering, economics, public/business administration, or a related field.
  • Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in transportation planning, public transportation, project management, and/or public transportation advocacy is required.
  • Previous managerial or supervisory experience is required.
  • In lieu of degree, a minimum of twelve (12) years of experience in transportation planning, public transportation, project management, and/or public transportation advocacy.
  • Previous managerial or supervisory experience is required.

Nice-to-haves

  • Master's degree
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