Project Manager, Planning

Job Description

SALARY: $81,702.40-$96,137.60

LOCATION: 33 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43215

BENEFITS:

Medical, Vision, Dental, Supplemental and Life Insurance

Paid Parental Leave

Employee Discounts

COTA Bus Pass

Wellness Initiatives

On-Site Chair Massage

On-Site Health Coach

Tuition Reimbursement

Student Loan Repayment Program

Public Pension through OPERS & Ohio Deferred Compensation

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Project Manager, Planning, is responsible for leading and managing multiple planning initiatives, including short-range and long-range transit projects, policy development, and special projects. This role requires expertise in project management methodologies, stakeholder coordination, and strategic implementation to support COTA's mission and long-term transportation goals. The Project Manager facilitates cross-departmental collaboration, external partnerships, and institutional relationships to implement innovative transportation solutions. This position ensures project milestones are met, manages risks, provides strategic direction, and oversees the execution of key transit projects. Key responsibilities include managing planning projects related to COTA Service Planning and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Small Starts corridor-based initiatives, overseeing consultants and technical teams, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, including the FTA. The role serves as a subject matter expert throughout corridor development and construction while supporting the LinkUS Program Manager.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Lead, plan and execute key planning initiatives from conceptualization to implementation, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget

Develop and maintain project scopes, schedules, risk assessments and budgets, ensuring alignment with COTA's strategic goals

Track project performance and progress, implementing corrective actions as needed

Facilitate collaboration between internal departments, government agencies and external partners to drive project success

Organize and lead cross-functional project teams, ensuring effective communication and alignment of project objectives

Prepare/present updates to the Board of Trustees, senior leadership and community stakeholders

Manage contractor and consultant activities, ensuring quality performance and compliance with project requirements

Conduct quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) reviews to maintain high project standards

Review and approve invoices, ensuring accurate financial tracking and budget adherence

Ensure projects comply with federal, state and local regulations, including FTA requirements

Maintain complete project documentation for grant reporting and regulatory submissions

Assist in the preparation of planning documents such as the Short- and Long-Range Transit Plans, Project Management and Public Involvement Plans

Identify funding opportunities and contribute to grant applications for transit projects

Collaborate with regional, state and federal entities to secure financial support

Ensure compliance with funding requirements and proper allocation of resources

Review technical documents including plans, specifications and cost estimates for transit projects

Support engineering project managers in design reviews at various stages (30%, 60%, 90%) to ensure stakeholder input and project alignment

Assists in Development of Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) for professional services or Request for Proposals (RFP) for contractor activities; assists in the negotiation, preparation and administration of professional services

Manage and provide leadership in the selection of consultants and contractors; ensures the organization meets its DBE goals for consultants and contractors; takes corrective action as necessary on a timely basis and in accordance with policy

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Bachelor's degree in city and regional planning, transportation and logistics or related fields

Seven (7) years of experience in transit planning

Master's degree in city and regional planning, civil engineering or business administration preferred

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred

Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred or willing to earn certification

COTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are of core importance and essential to the success of the organization. All employment decisions are based on job needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. COTA believes that diverse and inclusive organizations gain the benefits in creating a stronger and more effective workforce resulting in services that better meet the needs of consumers and in result Move Every Life Forward.

Job Posted by ApplicantPro

Full-time