Manager of Planning

Job Description

Job Description

The San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) and San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) are seeking an experienced Manager of Planning to lead complex, high‑impact planning, grants, and programming activities that support the ACE and Valley Rail (SJJPA/"Gold Runner") passenger rail services.

Under the general direction of the Deputy Director of Planning, Grants & Programming, the Manager is responsible for overseeing advanced transportation planning initiatives, securing critical grant funding, coordinating with key state and federal partners, and supervising departmental staff. This position plays a pivotal role in shaping the region's passenger rail network and ensuring the agency's long‑term success.

• Lead and manage advanced, highly complex planning studies and initiatives, including short‑, mid‑, and long‑range passenger rail and transit planning.
• Oversee planning efforts related to station area development, environmental review, rail corridor upgrades, and integration with other transportation networks-including high‑speed rail.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to advance rail expansion, service improvements, and multimodal connectivity.
• Serve as the agency's subject matter expert in planning, grants, and pre‑award programming activities.

• Identify, secure, and manage all phases of local, state, regional, and federal grant and funding programs for SJRRC and SJJPA.
• Pursue funding that supports planning studies, capital projects exceeding $2 billion, rolling stock procurement, operations, clean energy initiatives, community improvements, and workforce development programs.
• Ensure compliance with all grant, planning, and reporting requirements.
• Prepare, review, and oversee complex grant applications, funding agreements, and program documentation.

• Act as the agency liaison to key partners, including:
  • California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
  • Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
  • California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA)
  • California Transportation Commission (CTC)
  • Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs)
  • Regional Transportation Planning Agencies (RTPAs)
  • Local jurisdictions and community partners
• Advocate for agency priorities and represent SJRRC/SJJPA in meetings, committees, and public forums.

• Mentor, coach, train, and supervise Planning, Grants & Programming staff.
• Provide strategic direction and ensure effective departmental workflow and collaboration with other agency divisions.
• Foster an environment of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement

Please see job description for detailed information.

SJRRC seeks to employ persons whose backgrounds and abilities enhance the diversity of the demographics of the community it serves. The selection process is based on merit, and shall extend to all candidates a fair, impartial examination of qualifications based on job-related criteria.

Applicants best matching the requirements of the position will be invited for an initial interview and may be asked to return for additional interviews as warranted. Select positions may require an assessment prior to interview.

Conditional job offers - All offers of employment are conditional and are subject to successful completion of a background report, and physical and/or drug screen for select positions.

Medical drug screening - All positions may be subject to a physical and/or drug screen, prior to appointment, issued by a qualified medical physician assigned by SJRRC. We are a drug-free workplace.

We are a government agency.