Deputy Director

Job Description Deputy Director of Highway Program About the Highway Program Deputy Director The Highway Program Deputy Director, reporting to the Chief of Engineering and Program Delivery, manages a diverse and talented team of seasoned staff who is well-versed on the delivery of capital projects related to the State highway system and other roadways in the county. This position is responsible for directing and leading collaboration on planning, design development (including technical analysis in support of preliminary engineering and final design), project-related right-of-way activities (in coordination with VTA Real Estate), construction management and close out, overall program/project management (including scopes, costs, schedules and quality of work), management of staff resources (both VTA and consultant), coordination with project stakeholders within VTA and beyond (e.g., local agencies, Caltrans, federal agencies, resources agencies, utilities, etc.), and community and other outreach (working with VTA public information and government affairs staff). About VTA The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County's authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all. Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused, innovative, and environmentally responsible transportation options promoting the region's vitality. VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services and participates as a funding partner in regional rail services, including Caltrain, Capital Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express. To learn more, go to: vta.org About the Engineering & Program Delivery Division This division is responsible for the design and construction of all capital projects and infrastructure required to provide a safe, reliable and efficient transportation system for Santa Clara County. These responsibilities include program and project management, design development, engineering management, project controls, construction management and turnover of various projects that are part of VTA's rail, facilities and highway transportation improvement programs. This division is also responsible for the implementation of the projects identified in the 2000 Measure A Program, which includes the planning, design, and construction of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART Silicon Valley) Project. This project will extend the BART regional heavy rail system to Milpitas, San Jose and Santa Clara. Click here for the Divisional Organization Chart. Our Community Santa Clara County, sometimes referred to as "Silicon Valley", is unique for its innovation, natural attractions, and social diversity. With numerous amenities and perfect weather, it has long been considered one of the best places in the United States to live and work. calendar of festivals and celebrations supports the community spirit. Nearby open space provides easy access to mountain parks, trails, lakes, streams, and beautiful coastal beaches. San José has received accolades for its vibrant neighborhoods, healthy lifestyle, and diverse attractions from national media, including Business Week and Money magazines. The county's population of 1.9 million is the largest in Northern California and is rich in ethnic culture and diversity. Enjoy access and the option to explore our closely neighboring counties of San Francisco and Alameda. The Ideal Candidate The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is seeking a strategic, motivated, and flexible leader to join VTA to lead its Highway Program. In this role, experience in leading the delivery of capital improvements on the State highway system is required; such experience in the San Francisco Bay Area is highly desirable. An ideal candidate will exhibit high-level people skills, including the ability to work with the already existing very capable team of engineers and support staff who are charged with managing phases of work from the planning phase through the close of projects. Superior collaboration and communication skills in working with both other VTA divisions and external partner agencies and stakeholders are crucial for this position. The ability to maintain and to build upon the existing relationships that the Highway Program (Program) has developed both within and outside of VTA will be critical for the continued success of the Program. The position will be responsible for budgeting, staffing and communication of items going to the VTA Board of Directors (Board). Communication on items to the Board requires an ideal candidate to possess superior written and verbal communication skills. The position will be responsible for the reviewing and developing of Board memos as well as the presentation of the items at committee and Board meetings. Working knowledge of the Caltrans Project Development Procedures Manual (PDPM) and the existing Caltrans process for updating design specifications, standards and other procedures/policies documents is required. Other required technical working knowledge include but is not limited to the following: State and federal regulations regarding transportation design, construction, financing, real estate, and environmental requirements/programs; principals and practices of public works management and administration, with emphasis on State and local transportation programs; VTA and State complete streets programs, including related policies and programs; sustainable practices related to the delivery of capital programs/projects, and diversity, inclusion and equity related programs related to the delivery of capital programs/projects. If you have a strong affinity and passion for delivering improvements on the State highway system within the environment of a dynamic multi-modal agency, we encourage you to apply. Please consider joining us to take your career to another level at one of the largest programs charged for improving the State highway system. Your leadership will make a significant impact on the future of transportation in our community. The successful candidate will possess a combination of equivalent experience and education that provides the knowledge and abilities necessary for successful job performance. Included in this are graduation from an accredited college or university, with major work in civil or transportation engineering or a related field, and extensive increasingly responsible professional level experience in engineering, construction management, contract administration and supervision on VTA or State highway projects including managing design and/or construction teams in a public agency or similar organization. Registration as a professional engineer in the State of California is preferred. Definition Under administrative direction, the Deputy Director, Highway Program manages and directs the activities of all phases of the Highway Program, from planning through construction of highway and highway-related projects, including associated consultant services and construction contract management. Distinguishing Characteristics This is an at-will executive management position that serves at the discretion of the General Manager. This position is responsible for the oversight of planning, environmental clearances, engineering designs, and construction of highway and highway-related projects. Upon completion, these are either delegated to the State of California or are operated by VTA (in the case of express lanes) and therefore, must comply with both VTA and Caltrans administrative procedures. The Deputy Director, Highway Program is tasked with managing all phases of work by multiple professional consultants and construction contractors of VTA's highway projects, including express lanes using both VTA and consultant staff as necessary; coordinating with other VTA staff on project planning and design, environmental, public information/outreach, real estate acquisition and grant funding; and ensuring the smooth transition, delegation, and closeout of highway projects to federal and state agencies as necessary. Non-Represented This application will close when filled and may close without warning.This posting has been extended and will close no later than Friday 5/24/2024. Interviews for this position will take place in early June 2024. You will be notified of your status by the end of May. Essential Job Functions Position Highlights The Highway Program Deputy Director is expected to hit the ground running to lead ongoing efforts on a wide variety of projects and related efforts, such as: Delivery of a wide range of projects with funding from the 2016 VTA Measure B Highway Program. Delivery of a wide range of projects as listed in VTP 2024, the county's regional transportation plan. Delivery of improvements sponsored by several local agencies on the State highway system. Delivery of capital improvement project on the State highway system that include significant bicycle and pedestrian elements. Delivery of capital improvements on the State highway system to accommodate wildlife. Delivery of capital improvements to help expand VTA's express lanes program including improvements to the express lanes operations center. Directing multiple professional services contracts to deliver engineering documents for all phases of the Caltrans project delivery process. 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