Project Manager I, Planning

About the role

The Project Manager I, Planning is responsible for managing transportation planning and transit-related projects. This role involves developing project plans, overseeing budgets and contracts, and coordinating with internal teams, regional agencies, and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage transportation planning projects by developing project plans, overseeing implementation, and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.
• Independently manage assigned transportation planning projects, from initiation to completion.
• Develop and administer RFPs, oversee consultant contracts, and monitor project budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Ensure projects adhere to relevant federal, state, and local regulations, environmental policies, and funding requirements.
• Establish project milestones, track progress, and proactively identify and resolve issues that impact project delivery.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for leadership, funding agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with interdepartmental teams to integrate transportation projects with greater planning initiatives.
• Transportation Planning:
• Apply transportation planning expertise to assess mobility needs, conduct transit studies, and develop solutions for RTD’s transit delivery and infrastructure improvements.
• Conduct and manage transportation planning studies to support mobility improvements, transit service enhancements, and infrastructure projects.
• Analyze transportation data, travel patterns, and regional trends to support decision-making and project development.
• Coordinate with regional agencies, local governments, and private sector partners on transportation initiatives and policy alignment.
• Provide technical support in transit-oriented development (TOD), multimodal planning, and transportation demand management strategies.
• Stakeholder Collaboration:
• Engage with stakeholders to ensure project transparency and collaboration.
• Develop and implement stakeholder engagement strategies for transportation projects.
• Organize and lead public meetings, workshops, and outreach events to communicate project goals and gather feedback.
• Build relationships with government agencies, advocacy groups, and community organizations.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and communication materials for leadership, elected officials, and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Environmental Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience.
• Experience managing projects, contracts, budgets, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Prior experience in transportation or transit.
• Knowledge of sustainability initiatives, air quality policies, and multimodal transportation strategies.
• Familiarity with GIS, transportation modeling, or data visualization tools.

Preferred

• Prior experience in transportation or transit.
• Knowledge of sustainability initiatives, air quality policies, and multimodal transportation strategies.
• Familiarity with GIS, transportation modeling, or data visualization tools.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.
• Understanding of transit, mobility, and land use principles.
• Familiarity with regional/state/federal transportation policy and environmental compliance standards.
• Strong written and verbal skills for reports, presentations, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work with government agencies, consultants, and the public.
• Ability to analyze data, assess challenges, develop strategic solutions, and implement improvements.
• Ability to work independently and within a team in a dynamic environment.

Working Environment and Physical Requirements

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those required by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations. This role primarily involves working in an office environment with minimal exposure to excessive noise or adverse environmental conditions. Duties typically involve using a computer and handling documents. Frequent communication is required, including speaking and actively listening.

Pay Range

$84,407.00 - $119,224.25 Annual

EEO Policy and ADA Accommodations

RTD is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless to the race, sex, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, promotions, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to our Employment ADA Coordinator Kris Frazier at adarequests@rtd-denver.com, or the Talent Acquisition team rtd.ta@rtd-denver.com. To learn more or see our EEO policy, please visit our EEO page at: https://www.rtd-denver.com/open-records/reports-and-policies/eeo-policy