Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) seeks to fill an integral leadership position – Regional Planning Director. Reporting to the CEO, CFAO, and/or COO, the Regional Planning Director is responsible for providing leadership in the development, implementation, and oversight of strategic and operational plans for RFTA. This position’s tasks include leading the creation and maintenance of the Regional Transit Development Plan, the Comprehensive Corridor Plan, Bus Rapid Transit extension, Capital Improvement Plan, service standard development, First Last Mile Mobility (FLMM), and close coordination with local and state jurisdictions on other regional and local planning efforts.

The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority has been in operation since 1983, and functions as a Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). RFTA is the second largest transit system in Colorado, the largest rural transit system in the U.S., and the first rural transit agency to construct and operate a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. VelociRFTA BRT began operation in September 2013. In 2014, in its first full year of operation, VelociRFTA transported 827,000 passengers. In 2024, RFTA moved more than 5 million passengers. 

RFTA seeks a candidate who will effectively partner with internal teams, external stakeholders, and government agencies to ensure projects are aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and regional mobility goals while improving and expanding the agency’s infrastructure, services, and customer experience. Duties will include strategic planning and development, oversight of staff and project progress, funding and budget management, stakeholder engagement and collaboration, team leadership and development, policy development and compliance, and coordinating and reporting on transportation operating and performance data.

A typical way of demonstrating qualifications is to hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban and/or Regional Planning, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Political Science, or a related field, plus demonstrate a minimum of 10 years of experience working in the transit industry as well as six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in transportation planning or a related field, with at least three (3) years in a leadership role. A master’s degree is preferred, as is AICP certification.

Additionally, candidates must possess strong knowledge of transit and transportation planning; capital improvement planning; and community support and engagement including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation. Candidates must also have the ability to maintain positive internal and external relationships with staff, decision makers, and the general public; respond to concerns in a proactive manner; possess excellent written and verbal communication; and possess proficiency in Microsoft Office platforms.

This is an excellent opportunity that offers attractive compensation and equal opportunity. RFTA values diversity at all levels of its workforce – diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. To be considered, please visit https://www.KL2connects.com/openings, select the RFTA listing, and upload your letter of interest, resume, salary expectations, and four (4) to five (5) professional references (preferably supervisory and including name, title, phone number, email address, and relationship to you). For more information on this exciting opportunity, please connect with KL2’s Bob Babbitt at Bob@KL2connects.com. Thank you!