Transportation Planner

Transportation Planner - Midtown Alliance

Summary of this Role:

THIS IS NOT A LOGISTICS ROLE.

This position represents a unique opportunity to join a dynamic and highly respected organization whose work has led to the growth of one of the most vibrant and successful urban districts in the Southeast.

We work to build the kind of place where people and businesses thrive – a dense district that is at once welcoming and memorable, with unparalleled walkability, tree- lined streets and robust transportation options.

You will join the team responsible for planning and implementing a network of multi- modal transportation projects and public spaces that put people first -- providing safe, connected and high-quality facilities in our mixed-use district. In addition to managing the planning and design of infrastructure projects, this role will also manage and optimize tools to measure transportation performance and pursue opportunities to improve the safety and vibrancy of the public realm.

If you share these ideals and are seeking a challenging and exceptionally rewarding work environment, please read on.

About Midtown Alliance:

Midtown Alliance is a coalition of business and civic leaders focused on promoting economic development by creating an exceptional urban experience in Midtown, Atlanta. Our priorities include streetscape and transportation enhancements; creating publicly accessible parks and plazas; street level arts and activation; public safety, maintenance and beautification programs; and ensuring the active engagement of our leadership and community. Midtown Alliance is a non-profit organization with a staff of 50, governed by a 10-person Executive Committee and a 68-person Board of Directors.

Since 2000, Midtown Alliance has leveraged more than $400 million in public and private funding to plan, design, and construct improvements in the public realm. We undertake these improvements to the public right-of-way through an agreement with the City of Atlanta. To accomplish our work, we coordinate closely with the City of Atlanta, GDOT, other agencies and private development. These investments have transformed Midtown's major corridors by improving safety, access, mobility, and aesthetics - all of which reinforce the district's strong urban identity.

Please visit our transportation page to learn more.

Principal Responsibilities of this Role:

• The Transportation Planner is responsible for developing and designing projects, programs, and policies that accelerate Midtown’s transition to a people-first district. The primary responsibilities of this role are to conduct planning studies to identify needed multi-modal transportation projects, programs, and policies; managing the design of projects from concept through final design; and measuring transportation performance.
• This position plans and coordinates all aspects of the planning and design process to effectively develop projects that meet Midtown’s needs, that are cost effective, and that inspire. This includes properly scoping projects, procuring consultants/vendors, establishing formal agreements with agency partners, conducting public and stakeholder engagement, managing consultants, progress reporting, schedule tracking, and financial management.
• The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated knowledge of the fundamentals of project management with a particular focus on urban street design. This position reports to the Director of Transportation.

Essential duties and responsibilities for this position include:

• Manage the planning and design phase of multi-modal projects
• Manage scope, schedule, budget, and deliverables for consultant contracts
• Coordinate with the Atlanta DOT and others to implement smaller, “tactical” transportation projects
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, the public, and elected officials on highly visible, controversial, and complex projects
• Direct planning meetings to determine objectives, program plans, and project scopes
• Coordinate the consultant selection process; prepare, negotiate, and administer, consultant agreements
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities
• Review traffic studies, concepts, design plans, and construction documents.
• Develop and implement community and stakeholder engagement plans
• Successfully navigate the City’s complex procurement, permitting, and legislative approval process
• Review and approve project invoices. Develop and ensure budgetary controls to effectively monitor progress and budget.
• Manage Midtown’s transportation performance program to include multimodal traffic counts, safety metrics, and other metrics.
• Coordinate with the City of Atlanta and partner organizations on developing, implementing curb management strategies.

Additional key attributes of a successful candidate:

• Passionate about the mission of Midtown Alliance with a genuine interest in the practices, partnerships and projects that create exceptional urban places.
• Organized, detail-oriented and dependable.
• Skilled at creating productive working relationships at all levels.
• Able to effectively communicate with and present to diverse stakeholders, large community groups, and work as part of a team.
• Flexible and willing to lead or support a variety of projects and assignments.

Core Qualifications:

• A degree (master’s preferred) in Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of professional experience in a project management capacity (within transportation is preferred).
• Prior experience planning infrastructure projects for a public agency or in a dense urban area (experience doing this in Atlanta is a plus).
• Prior experience leading public engagement activities.
• Proficient in MS office.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Health and dental insurance
• 403b retirement package
• PTO package

Specifics:

• Staff receive generous paid leave of 15 vacation days with an additional day earned annually (up to 20 days). We close our office for 11 calendared holidays and offer an additional 2 floating holidays for staff to use at any time. At year end, staff are given the opportunity to work remotely to allow for easy travel and more time with their family.
• Midtown Alliance provides full employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, with the opportunity to add subsidized coverage for family members as well as utilize a flexible spending account to support you or your family's health and childcare needs. Midtown Alliance also offers employer-paid short- & long-term disability as well as life insurance. Finally, we offer a 403(b) retirement savings plan with an employer match of 5% of gross pay after one year with the organization.

Additional Benefit Information:

• While we expect our team to primarily work at our office location in Midtown, we offer flexibility with scheduling and are a nimble organization. Our team prioritizes work-life balance, recognizing that life does not revolve around someone's 9-5 (or 8-4 or 10-6).
• Our recently redesigned office space includes beautiful views of Midtown, modern art installations from artists in the community, updated technology, and a zen room for when you need a little escape. Staff are encouraged to work at and explore other parts of Midtown as well whether that's a local coffee shop, museum, or a member facility.
• Staff are also encouraged to utilize Midtown Alliance's travel benefits including a $50 subsidy and pre-tax payroll deductions to order MARTA, Xpress, Cobblinc, or Ride Gwinnett monthly passes.
• Staff receive Midtown member benefits including specials and discounts at area shops, restaurants, theatres and more.