Careers in Quality

Valley Metro is seeking a Chief of Capital Development to assist in executing Valley Metro’s mission to connect communities and enhance lives while planning, designing, building and operating a multi-modal transportation system. This is an opportunity to join one of the nation’s largest and most innovative transit systems.

ABOUT VALLEY METRO

Founded in 1983, Valley Metro was created to build and operate a regional public transportation network; in 2008, Valley Metro Rail opened with 20 miles, the largest light rail starter line in FTA history.

The agency is led by two Boards of Directors consisting of elected officials from 19 cities and towns, as well as Maricopa County, who sets the policy direction of the organization.

We are supported by 400 employees, and thousands of contractors and financed by local, regional and federal funds, fares and advertising.

We served 34 million riders on fixed-route bus and rail in FY23. Across a 525 square mile service area, Valley Metro provides 40 million revenue miles via 100 bus routes, 28 miles of light rail, three miles of streetcar and 280 vanpools.

We are also building 20 more miles of rail transit, totaling $3 billion, to create a 50-mile high-capacity transit system by 2030.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief of Capital Development (CCD) leads the Capital Development Division, which is responsible for light rail, streetcar, bus and facility capital planning, design and construction. The CCD reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and coordinates closely with the Chief Transportation Officer; Director of Safety, Security, and Quality Assurance; Chief Maintenance Officer; and Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives, among others.

The CCD is responsible for ensuring successful project delivery across modes, from project development through final design and construction. They will serve as the primary contact with executive management to coordinate the Capital Development Division’s work activities and address significant project issues.

Communicates work activities and direction with the CEO to the Boards of Directors; actively participates with Valley Metro’s Executive Leadership Team to develop agency priorities, address significant issues facing the agency, and coordinate work activities across divisions; and provides leadership, mentorship and direction to the Capital Development Division staff and consultants.

DUTIES/KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

The following statements describe the general nature and level of work only and not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties and skills. Other duties may be added or the description may be amended at any time.

• Directs major transit corridor projects from planning through construction to ensure they adhere to scope, schedule, budget and quality commitments. Oversees preparation of all supporting documentation for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)’s Capital Investment Grants Program funding process. Works closely with Safety and Security and Operations and Maintenance Divisions to ensure division priorities are addressed during the final design and construction phases.
• Supervises the Division’s leadership team and engages them routinely to establish and carry out the priorities of the Division.
• Serves as the senior liaison with the FTA and their Project Management Oversight Contractors on Valley Metro’s FTA-funded capital projects.
• Directs small rail and bus capital projects, including modernization and upgrades of existing facilities and implementation of new passenger and operating facilities in support of transit operations.
• Supervises staff, to include: prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff is trained; ensuring employees follow policies and procedures; maintaining a healthy and safe working environment; and making hiring, termination and disciplinary recommendations.
• Allocates staff time and resources as necessary to carry out provisions of the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan.
• Oversees coordination between capital planning, design and construction functions across the division of all projects.
• Leads corridor planning and concept development program with other Valley Metro divisions to ensure that their needs and requirements are considered.
• Establishes and enforces the use of best practices and procedures in capital delivery and remains up-to-date on industry standards, best practices, new technology and innovation.
• Oversees management of the agency’s capital budget and supervises the Capital Development Division’s operating budgets.
• Directs the development of an annual and five-year work program for the division, including preparation of priorities, staffing plans, project schedules and budgets.
• Directs the agency’s environmental program, including the development of environmental and mitigation plans and documents.
• Seeks funding opportunities for future transit and transit-related projects.
• Presents program and project recommendations, status and issues to elected officials and policy boards.
• Coordinates capital program and project development e? orts with state, regional and local agencies.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state and local laws, regulations, codes and/or standards in all work products of the Division.
• Regularly communicates and reports project status and issues to the CEO and Valley Metro leadership.
• Performs other duties of similar nature and level as assigned by the CEO.

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Principles and practices of engineering and management.
• FTA capital development process, including New Starts/Small Starts program.
• Transit operations and transportation infrastructure.
• Politics governing multi-jurisdictional transit systems.
• Methods, practices and procedures involved in management of a public transit system.
• Local, regional, state and federal agencies, groups and organizations involved in transit planning and development.
• Applicable local, state and federal laws governing transit operations, including capital design and construction.
• Social, political, equity and environmental issues influencing local and national transit programs.
• Fiscal management and internal controls.
• Extensive public transit industry knowledge with a focus on bus, light rail, streetcar and emerging technologies.
• FTA and State Safety Oversight functions, regulations and relationship management strategies.
• Principles and practices of program development and public administration.
• Administration and budget management for a complex organization.

SKILLS IN

• Using computer and related software applications.
• Mentoring and evaluating employees.
• Prioritizing and assigning work.
• Planning, organizing, coordinating and providing overall executive direction and leadership for capital development activities.
• Delegating responsibility and authority to management staff.
• Representing the agency to legislators, civic groups, regulatory agencies and others in the community.
• Working and collaborating across many partners and teams to achieve a common goal.
• Monitoring and overseeing budget processes and major capital projects.
• Developing effective work plans, goals and objectives.
• Preparing and delivering oral presentations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, urban planning, construction management, or related ?eld.
• Ten years of proven, progressive experience managing complex engineering, planning, construction and transportation or transit projects, including ?ve years of supervisory/management experience.
• Five years of experience with budget development, schedule oversight and workload distribution.
• A master’s degree is highly desirable.

TO APPLY

For more information or to be considered for this exciting opportunity, please submit your resume and cover letter to Gregg Moser, Principal at K&A, at gmoser@kapartners.com.

Valley Metro is an Equal Opportunity Employer