Director of Transportation, Planning, & Engineering

Director of Transportation, Planning & Engineering

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) is seeking a visionary, people-centered executive to serve as Director of Transportation, Planning & Engineering (TPED). This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the most comprehensive and influential regional transportation planning programs serving 2.1 million residents across Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.

As the regional planning agency, NOACA has responsibility for transportation, environmental and economic development planning and is the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). NOACA brings together data, planning, engineering, and collaboration to deliver impactful transportation programs to the communities we serve. The Director of TPED plays a critical role in advancing that mission.

NOACA'S VISION:

We STRENGTHEN regional cohesion

We PRESERVE existing infrastructure

We BUILD a sustainable, multimodal transportation system

We SUPPORT economic development

We ENHANCE quality of life in Northeast Ohio

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Director of Transportation, Planning & Engineering is an executive leadership role reporting directly to the Executive Director & CEO. This position provides strategic direction, operational leadership, and professional stewardship over NOACA's full transportation planning and engineering portfolio.

The incumbent will lead a highly skilled, multidisciplinary team responsible for all aspects of regional transportation planning, engineering, data analysis and modeling, focusing on shaping mobility and access, including the advancement of safety, sustainability, and livable communities for the region.

WHAT YOU'LL LEAD:

The Director is responsible for setting and delivering a shared vision, advancing innovation, and ensuring excellence across all TPED functions, including:

• Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) development and implementation
• Transportation Scenario Planning
• Active transportation planning
• Transit-oriented development program
• Traffic engineering, congestion management, and operations
• Transportation safety programs
• Transportation Asset Management Program (TAMP)
• Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI) program
• Street Supplies Program
• Workforce Access and Mobility Planning
• Transportation Demand modeling and forecasting
• Data collection, integration, analytics, and visualization
• Corridor, systems, and freight planning

The incumbent will also serve as NOACA's senior transportation planning representative to regional partners and agencies, including ODOT, FHWA, FTA, Ohio EPA, USEPA, and local governments, while leading engagement with NOACA's Board of Trustees, policy boards, committees, and advisory councils.

LEADERSHIP EXPECTATION; SERVANT LEADERSHIP ACCOUNTABILITY:

At NOACA, leadership is grounded in service, trust, and accountability. The Director of TPED is expected to model, teach, and institutionalize NOACA's Servant Leadership Accountability approach by:

• Leading with humility, empathy, and purpose
• Creating a culture of psychological safety, collaboration, and excellence
• Developing, mentoring, and preparing staff at all levels for growth and succession
• Communicating clearly, consistently, and productively with staff, peers, leadership, and stakeholders
• Holding self and others accountable for results, behavior, and professional integrity
• Building trust internally and externally through transparency and reliability

This role is as much about growing people and culture as it is about delivering exceptional technical work.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide executive leadership, development, and strategic direction to TPED, including 3 direct-report managers and a diverse team of planners and engineers

• Advance cutting-edge transportation planning and engineering practices across all program areas

• Guide the development of new and emerging transportation strategies and technologies

• Ensure high-quality, timely delivery of studies, plans, and analyses

• Foster strong collaboration across NOACA divisions and with external partners

• Represent NOACA confidently and effectively at regional, state, and federal levels

• Strengthen internal systems, processes, and use of technology

• Champion staff development, training, and succession planning

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required and Preferred Background:

• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in transportation planning, engineering, traffic operations, or related fields

• Strong knowledge of multimodal planning principles

• Expert ability to communicate complicated concepts to diverse audiences

• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline

• Advanced degree strongly preferred

• Professional certification such as AICP, PE (Ohio), or equivalent preferred

Leadership & Management Experience:

• 10+ years of experience leading, managing, and developing professional staff

• Demonstrated success building strong teams and high-performing organizations

• Experience with or commitment to Servant Leadership, Radical Candor, and accountability-based management

• Training or demonstrated excellence in productive, trust-building communication

WHY JOIN NOACA:

At NOACA, you will find:

• A mission-driven organization with regional impact

• A collaborative executive team and engaged policy leadership

• Talented professionals committed to public service

• A culture that values innovation, wellbeing, and continuous improvement

• The opportunity to shape the future of transportation in Northeast Ohio

WORK ENVIRONMENT & BENEFITS:

• Executive-level compensation and comprehensive benefits

• Participation in Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS)

• Hybrid work environment supporting flexibility and balance

• Commitment to professional growth, recognition, and employee wellbeing

If you are a strategic transportation leader who believes that great outcomes are built through strong teams, thoughtful leadership, and service to others, we invite you to apply.

Lead with purpose. Build trust. Shape the region's transportation future.