Director of Planning

The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA) is a public transit organization providing vital transportation services to the Corpus Christi metropolitan area. Recognized for its commitment to enhancing mobility and accessibility, the CCRTA operates various transit programs and services aimed at meeting the community's evolving transportation needs. As a major regional transit provider, the CCRTA plays an essential role in supporting economic growth, environmental sustainability, and improved quality of life through efficient and effective transit solutions. The agency is known for its dedication to customer service, innovative planning, and compliance with federal regulations such as the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Title VI requirements. This ensures equitable and non-discriminatory transit services for all community members.

The Director of Planning at CCRTA will serve as a key leadership position within the Service Development Department, directly reporting to the Managing Director of Operations. This exempt role is based at the Staples Street Center, with some location variability, and functions within a Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm work schedule. The compensation for this position ranges from $55.89 to $91.09 per hour, reflecting the experience and expertise required for the role.

In this capacity, the Director of Planning is entrusted with managing and directing the Service Development Department's comprehensive transit planning efforts. The incumbent will lead the creation of system-wide transit service plans, providing a strategic linkage between current operations and multi-year planning horizons. Responsibilities encompass operational and capital improvements, aligning transit service programs with CCRTA's strategic initiatives and budgetary processes. The role demands oversight of third-party service contracts and projects, ensuring compliance with regulations and effective resource management.

Moreover, the Director will oversee important regulatory compliance functions, including the administration of the FTA Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requirements and National Transit Database (NTD) reporting efforts. The individual will also facilitate ridership and performance analyses, supporting decisions related to fare adjustments and service equity. This role will require close collaboration with local municipalities, counties, TxDOT, and other stakeholders to coordinate bus stop improvements and transit service changes.

Public engagement is another critical component of the Director's duties. They will participate in community outreach activities and public hearings, ensuring transparency and fostering positive relationships with the public and stakeholders. The position includes serving as a member of the Corpus Christi Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Technical Advisory Committee, attending meetings and contributing to regional transportation planning discussions.

The ideal candidate will exhibit strong business and management acumen, with expertise in transportation planning, resource allocation, and leadership. Familiarity with innovative transit design, FTA regulatory requirements, and the use of scheduling software and geographic information systems is also essential. Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills are necessary for preparing detailed reports, delivering presentations, and leading a professional team in a dynamic and complex environment.

This position not only demands technical knowledge and management capabilities but also the ability to manage multiple projects, work under deadlines, and maintain cooperative working relationships across different departments and external partners. The CCRTA promotes a safe work environment, requiring participation in emergency response efforts as part of the team to serve the public during critical situations.

Overall, the Director of Planning at CCRTA plays a vital role in shaping the region's public transit landscape by driving strategic service development, fostering regulatory compliance, enhancing customer experiences, and ensuring sustainable transit growth aligned with community needs and federal requirements. The role offers a challenging and rewarding career opportunity in public transportation planning within a supportive and mission-driven organization.