Principal Planner - Transportation and Environment

The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) is seeking a qualified individual to serve as a Principal Planner in the Transportation and Environment department. This person will be responsible for leading work plans to implement MARC’s initiatives related to transportation, land use and economic development.

ABOUT US
MARC, the association of local governments and metropolitan planning organization for the bistate Kansas City region, promotes and supports cooperation on regional issues, including transportation, the environment, our workforce and economy, aging services, community development, quality early learning, public safety communications and emergency services. MARC has a collaborative work environment with a culture based on integrity, innovation, diversity and inclusion, excellence in performance and service leadership.

ABOUT THIS POSITION
This position leads a team focused on advancing policy development, planning and implementation of the region’s Centers and Corridors strategy for sustainable transportation, land use and economic development within the context of regional transportation, social, economic and environmental goals and performance objectives. This position supervises one or more other planning positions. This position is responsible for communication and coordination with MARC’s Sustainable Places Policy Committee and Goods Movement Committee and may provide support to other staff who manage other MARC committees.
 
What you’ll do
Program Management

• Leads planning and policy work to advance the region’s Centers and Corridors strategy for sustainable transportation, land use and economic development.
• Collects and analyzes data, prepares reports and presentations, and supports policy analysis and development related to regional transportation investments and development.
• Manages the regional Planning Sustainable Places program of transportation planning grants to area communities and transportation agencies.
• Coordinates MARC’s transportation planning work with other agency initiatives for housing, land use, economic development and environmental sustainability.
• Provides technical and policy guidance to local jurisdictions and agencies on MARC policies and programs.

Committee Management

• Works with the Sustainable Places Policy Committee in preparation of an annual work plan, development of meeting agendas and material, and coordination with co-chairs and members. Cultivates external and internal relationships with agencies and individuals to engage and support the work towards a shared vision.
• Oversees and supports work of the Goods Movement Committee.

Customer Service

• Provides high-quality customer service to agency partners through exceptional management of overall program with internal and external stakeholders, professional communications and prompt resolution of inquiries and concerns.

Management and Leadership

• Motivates and leads staff by encouraging open communication, giving and soliciting feedback. Creates a culture of teamwork and collaboration. Coaches and requires professional development to encourage individuals to grow professionally.
• Allocates work so as to maximize staff strengths, and to create efficient workflows.
• Inspires staff through service leadership and motivates team members to accomplish goals.

Other duties as assigned.

ABOUT YOU
Skills you’ll need

• Ability to establish and effectively communicate goals and objectives.
• Ability to provide strong positive leadership by connecting the work of each individual to greater goals of the organization; identify individual strengths and allocate work in ways that maximize strengths and build a strong sense of inclusiveness and teamwork.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers from diverse backgrounds and work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to facilitate and lead group discussions, make presentations, serve as a spokesperson and a relationship builder. 
• Ability to drive consensus among diverse parties with different interests and perspectives to create change.
• Ability to initiate, plan and complete work with a high level of accuracy and effectiveness.
• Ability to read and comprehend complex city, state, federal and other agency regulations.
• Ability to provide excellent service to internal and external customers, demonstrating a positive approach and providing timely and thorough responses.
• Ability to look for new and innovative ways to accomplish work. Identify internal practices and external systems that are less than effective, recommend and implement viable solutions.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, in a culturally sensitive manner with both individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to conduct research, accurately prepare reports, analyze and present information.
• Ability to understand the big, long-range picture. Recognize where current trends will lead and how they may influence the organization’s direction.  Foresee opportunities that will come and go.
• Ability to understand and manage overall financial health of a program including creating budgets, monitoring, and reporting on expenditures, as well as identifying and addressing future financial needs.  
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Teams, Office 365, and ability to learn and use various software platforms.

Basic requirements

• Master’s degree in transportation, planning, business, public administration, or closely related field.  
• Minimum eight years work experience in the transportation industry, including prior experience in transportation, land use and/or economic development planning and policy. 
• Prior experience working in a non-profit environment preferred.
• Certifications: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred.
• Licenses: None.
• Any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education and experience may be considered to meet minimum qualifications.

SALARY AND BENEFITS
Starting salary for this position is from $72,500 to $92,000 per year, depending upon qualifications. MARC offers an attractive team-oriented work environment along with a competitive fringe benefit package. MARC offers employees the flexibility to work remotely for up to two days per work week.

HOW TO APPLY
To apply, complete our online application form and attach your cover letter and resume. For more information, visit marc.org/jobs. 
MARC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. MARC may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.