Director of Planning & Scheduling

Join a Mission That Moves Richmond GRTC is seeking an innovative and strategic Director of Planning & Scheduling to lead the development, design, and optimization of public transportation service throughout the Richmond region. This is a unique opportunity to join one of the nation's most forward-thinking transit systems and help guide the future of mobility in a rapidly growing metropolitan area.

As the region continues to experience significant population growth, economic development, and transformative transportation investments, the Director of Planning & Scheduling will play a critical role in advancing GRTC's mission to connect people to opportunities through safe, reliable, equitable, and innovative transit services.

From expanding Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors and implementing emerging mobility solutions to leveraging advanced analytics and technology-driven scheduling tools, this position offers the chance to directly influence how hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors move throughout Central Virginia. Why GRTC? At GRTC, we are redefining what public transportation can be!

You will join an organization recognized nationally for innovation, including pioneering fare-free transit service and advancing major mobility investments that support economic development, access, and quality of life throughout the region. This position offers the opportunity to: Lead planning and service design for one of the fastest-growing transit systems in Virginia.

Influence major transit expansion initiatives, including BRT and regional mobility projects. Work directly with executive leadership, local governments, planning agencies, and community stakeholders. Utilize advanced planning, GIS, scheduling, and performance analytics tools to shape decision-making. Build and mentor a talented team of planners and schedulers.

Drive projects that have a visible and lasting impact on the community. Grow professionally within an organization that values innovation, collaboration, and leadership development. SUMMARY: The Director of Planning & Scheduling provides strategic leadership and oversight for system planning, service development, service performance analysis, scheduling, transit network design, Title VI service equity analysis, and long-range transit planning initiatives.

This senior-level position is responsible for aligning service investments with community needs, organizational priorities, available funding opportunities, and regional growth strategies while ensuring efficient and reliable transit operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning & Service Development Develop short-range, mid-range, and long-range transit service plans. Lead transit network redesign initiatives and service optimization efforts. Evaluate emerging mobility trends and recommend innovative service strategies. Support development and implementation of BRT, regional transit, and mobility expansion projects.

Identify opportunities to improve ridership, accessibility, equity, and customer experience. Scheduling & Operational Performance Direct all fixed-route scheduling activities. Oversee run-cutting, blocking, service changes, and schedule implementation. Monitor route performance and service reliability using performance metrics and data analytics.

Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance teams to ensure effective service delivery. Ensure schedules maximize efficiency while maintaining excellent customer service. Data Analytics & Innovation Guide the use of planning and scheduling technology platforms. Lead analysis of ridership trends, travel demand, demographic changes, and service performance.

Develop data-driven recommendations for service investments and operational improvements. Advance the use of predictive analytics, GIS mapping, AI-enabled tools, and business intelligence solutions. Regional & Stakeholder Coordination Represent GRTC with local governments, MPOs, transportation agencies, developers, consultants, and community organizations.

Lead public engagement efforts associated with service changes and planning initiatives. Serve as a key partner in regional transportation planning and funding discussions. Present recommendations to executive leadership, governing boards, and public stakeholders. Leadership & Team Development Lead, mentor, and develop planning and scheduling staff.

Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, continuous improvement, and collaboration. Manage departmental budgets, consultant contracts, and project resources. Support succession planning and professional growth opportunities for team members. OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: In accordance with our mission statement, additional duties and/or tasks may be assigned to maintain seamless service for the agency.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

/ Experience / Certifications: Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Engineering, Public Administration, Geography, or a related field. Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in transit planning, scheduling, transportation planning, or related disciplines. Three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.

Demonstrated experience with transit scheduling systems and planning software. Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Engineering, or related field. Experience with BRT planning, transit network redesign, or major service expansion initiatives. Experience with GIS platforms, transit performance analytics, and planning technologies. Knowledge of federal and state transit funding programs and planning requirements.

AICP certification or ability to obtain certification. Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing consultant contracts. PHYSICAL DEMANDS : The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

GRTC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER WHO VALUES DIVERSITY IN THE WORKFORCE