Director, Policy

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supports development and implementation of agency policy initiatives especially as it relates to transit supportive development sustainability and resiliency mobility integration and new CTA strategic initiatives.

o Works directly with Planning and Innovation and Agency-wide staff to lead the scoping development and implementation of agency policy priorities.

o Coordinates with third-party stakeholders to execute policy research initiatives and strategies.

o Develops project plans strategic documents peer reviews analyses and cross-functional working teams relevant to advance policies programs and initiatives.

o Produces clear compelling proposals summarizing policy/project goals and benefits.

Builds and coordinates internal and external relationships necessary to understand key issues in the mobility policy landscape and develop and assess the feasibility and impact of new policy initiatives relevant to the CTA. Establishes working relationships with other CTA departments city and regional governmental agencies service boards and community stakeholders to guide the development of CTA policies and programs.

o Engages directly with policy and community groups transit advocacy organizations and riders.

o Identifies gaps in mobility policy landscape impacting CTA and defines appropriate role for CTA (leader supporter impacted).

o Leads efforts to implement further open data policies practices and procedures to build rider trust and strengthen two-way relationships with stakeholders.

Participates in the development and administration of the Planning and Innovation Departments programs policies goals and objectives as directed by Vice President Strategy and Innovation and the Chief Planning and Innovation Officer.

Management of employees and projects along with the supervisory administration (payroll hiring performance agreements/reports performance evaluations/reports etc.) in support of CTA projects programs and employment requirements.

o Assigns or delegates responsibility for specific projects or functional activities to section supervisory personnel as relevant.

Reviews approves and/or evaluates scoping studies RFPs and LIQs for projects that require consulting or other professional services.

Hires trains develops monitors and evaluates performance of staff. Reviews and recommends personnel actions for approval.

Performs related duties as assigned.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to this position are the following jobs:

Job Title

Senior Manager Transit-Supportive Development

Additional positions to be determined

CHALLENGES

Developing policy and projects requiring actions and support of partners outside the agencys direct control.

Developing coalitions around new policies and strategies in a shifting external mobility and policy landscape.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelors degree in Planning Political Science Business Management Technology or a related field plus seven (7) years of experience in policy development process improvement strategic planning with the transportation industry or an applicable public sector industry or an equivalent combination of experience and education relating to this position.

Masters degree and at least two (2) years in a management role are preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery.

Service Area Requirement: Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to understand implications of federal state and local policy for CTA riders and identify and assess policy changes for the benefit of CTA riders including policies with requiring multi-party action.

Strong written and verbal communication skills; Ability to communicate clearly concisely and professionally both orally and in writing.

Strong research analytical and complex problem-solving skills with the ability to translate impacts and opportunities to the human scale.

Familiarity with transportation planning economic and urban policy concepts.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Ability to analyze and synthesize complex quantitative data into easy to understand and actionable recommendations through a consulting mind set.

Ability to manage multiple projects and balance multiple priorities deadlines and budget constraints.

Ability to identify areas of opportunity based on general parameters with limited direction.

Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders internally and externally.

Strong computer skills including knowledge of Excel Word Access and PowerPoint.

Experience with effective design and delivery of presentations.

Demonstrated ability to work and produce finished work products within a short time frame.

Ability to work independently with limited direction.

Working knowledge of data analysis techniques with an understanding of basic statistical concepts informing policy development and strategic planning.

Working knowledge of city of Chicago and state of Illinois transportation policy policies related to micro-mobility options (e.g. Divvy) and ride-hail industry policies related to human services and urban development concepts relevant to CTA riders and stakeholders.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office environment.

May be required to work various extended or irregular hours (including afternoons nights or weekend shifts) in order to respond to CTA issues or emergencies.

May be required to travel throughout the CTA service area including various field locations.

This position is considered a C-List position under the Revolving Door prohibition within the State Officials and Employees Act (5 ILCS 430/5-45) which contains a number of post-employment restrictions CTA employees in C-list designated positions must follow. Among other requirements listed in this statute CTA employees in C-list designated positions are required to follow State notification procedures to the Office of the Executive Inspector General prior to acceptance of any applicable non-State employment or may be fined significant penalties.

EQUIPMENT TOOLS AND MATERIALS UTILIZED

Personal computer and typical office equipment utilized by the Planning & Innovation Department.