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About the Role

Be part of a team that plans for and implements strategies to make the Bay Area more affordable, better connected, and even more economically vibrant, healthy, and diverse now and for future generations. As a senior member of the leadership team, the Section Director, Funding Policy & Programs is very important to the overall success of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). The Section Director reports to the Deputy Executive Director, Metro Planning & Policy and functions as a member of MTC's senior management team to anticipate, identify, initiate, implement, and carry to completion the responsibilities for the respective section. The Section Director is responsible for leading and mentoring staff by providing performance oversight and clarifying performance expectations. In addition to overseeing an overall section staff of 26, organized into three units each led by an Assistant Director, the Section Director oversees policy development and investment decision-making including $1.5 billion annually in federal, state, and regional transportation funds. These investments and policies implement the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP)/Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS), a comprehensive blueprint for the development of mass transit, highway, local streets and roads, rail, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities that integrate planning for transportation, land use, and housing. Other areas of focus include transit capital and operating funding, project delivery and timely use of funds, and asset management. In this role the Section Director works closely with a wide variety of transportation stakeholders, including the region's transit operators, county transportation agencies, cities, and state and federal partners. Funding for Bay Area transit operations has become one of the region's most pressing challenges. The Public Transit Revenue Measure District was established by Senate Bill 63 (2025), which also authorizes a regional transportation revenue measure to be placed on the November 2026 ballot. The District is comprised of the same individuals that govern MTC. Should voters approve the measure, the Section Director, Funding Policy & Programs will be responsible for much of MTC's work supporting the District moving forward. The Section Director will lead or directly oversee a diverse and changing set of assignments from conceptualization of the approach to preparation of specific products, to public review, and action by the Commission. The Section Director will also work collaboratively in a team environment with other MTC directors and staff including engaging in MTC's long- and short-term goals and objectives.

Responsibilities

Lead regional policy and programming for transit capital investment, including the Transit Capital Priorities program and the region's major transit projects.
Coordinate the agency's policies and approaches to major or competitive funding programs such as federal Capital Investment Grants, state SB1 programs, bridge toll investment programs, and others.
Translate RTP/SCS recommendations into funding implementation plans for key regional initiatives.
Develop guidelines and procedures for the programming of federal, state, regional and local funds, including the One Bay Area Grant program (OBAG) and the federal Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
Oversee regionwide federal grant and fund administration, project delivery and timely use of funds, and local streets and roads asset management.
Develop financial forecasts, strategies, policies and packages for regional plans and programs, including revenue forecasts for the RTP/SCS and analysis of legislative proposals.
Oversee transit operating allocations and analysis of transit operating needs.
Lead programs that advance safety and Vision Zero, transportation access and equity, and mobility, including MTC's Lifeline Transportation Program.
Prepare financial information for education of policy makers, staff, and the general public.
Lead MTC staff work supporting the Public Transit Revenue Measure District.

Requirements

A track record of working in partnership with transit operators, county transportation agencies, cities and counties, and state and federal agencies.
Strong leadership and management, including a demonstrated commitment to coaching and developing staff and preparing them for future leadership roles.
Ability to work collaboratively with fellow Metro Planning & Policy Section Directors on work planning, strategic planning, and succession planning.
Political acumen and negotiation skills, including the ability to represent the agency in challenging settings and navigate a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.
Excellent communication, presentation, and listening skills, including the ability to explain complex funding issues to the Commission, partners, and the public.
Strategic and analytical thinking, with a commitment to high-quality work products and services.
Commitment to continuous improvement through the exploration of new tools, technologies, and approaches.
Commitment to advancing a fair, just, and inclusive Bay Area through policies, actions, and investments.
Transparency, accountability, and responsibility in providing information and making decisions, including timeliness in project schedules, budgets, and reporting.
Belief in MTC's mission to advance shared local and regional priorities for transportation, housing, and the environment.
A minimum of six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience leading and managing a division or department doing related work is required.
A minimum of four (4) years of senior management experience in regional or local transportation planning, transportation finance, public policy, or a similar position.
Experience may be drawn from direct experience with a government agency or in support of a government agency (i.e., consulting to the public sector).
Applicants with a degree issued by an institution outside the United States who are using that degree to meet the minimum qualifications for the position must have their transcripts evaluated by an academic credential evaluation service and provide proof of equivalency with their application.

Skills

Leadership
Management
Coaching
Staff development
Collaboration
Political acumen
Negotiation
Communication
Presentation
Listening
Strategic thinking
Analytical thinking
Continuous improvement
Transparency
Accountability
Responsibility
Metropolitan transportation planning
Programming process
Federal requirements
State requirements

Location

Bay Area

Work Type

Hybrid work options
On-site work

Experience Level

Senior management experience
6+ years of experience leading and managing a division or department
4+ years of senior management experience in regional or local transportation planning, transportation finance, public policy, or similar
10+ years working in metropolitan transportation planning and programming highly preferred

Education Level

Master's degree from an accredited college or university is desired, with a Master's degree in Public Policy or a related discipline preferred.
Bachelor's degree with an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

About the Company

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) is the transportation planning, financing, and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.
MTC is the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the state designated Regional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA) for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.
MTC provides services to the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG).
For more information about MTC, visit www.mtc.ca.gov.

Equal Opportunity

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission is an equal-opportunity, non-discriminatory employer.
MTC provides all employees and applicants with an equal opportunity in every aspect of the employment experience regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, physical handicap, medical condition or marital status.