TOD and Innovative Transit Finance Program Manager

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

The Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) plans, establishes, maintains, improves and promotes public transportation services, rail passenger and freight transportation systems, and transportation demand management strategies that provide mobility and transportation choices for the people of the Commonwealth.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

Help shape the future of transit-oriented development in Virginia! Are you passionate about using innovative finance and strategic partnerships to create vibrant, transit-supportive communities? Do you have experience in transit-oriented development (TOD), real estate development, infrastructure finance, or public-private partnerships?

The Northern Virginia office of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is seeking an experienced transit-oriented development specialist to establish a role for DRPT’s in advancing transit-oriented development and innovative financing strategies across the Commonwealth, while supporting regional planning and coordination efforts in Northern Virginia.

This newly created position offers a unique opportunity to build DRPT's TOD and Innovative Finance program from the ground up while working with local governments, regional agencies, and other partners to maximize the value of Virginia's transit investments. The position will identify and lead initiatives that encourage transit-supportive land use, expand housing opportunities, and strengthen communities throughout the Commonwealth, with a primary focus on Northern Virginia.

This position reports to the Northern Virginia Senior Transit Planning and Policy Manager.

The Department of Rail and Public Transportation offers a generous total compensation package. Well qualified candidates will be eligible to negotiate Exceptional Recruitment Incentives. New external candidates of the Commonwealth will be eligible to negotiate cash and leave bonuses upon hire. Existing State employees will be eligible to negotiate leave bonuses upon hire.

Key responsibilities are anticipated to include, but are not limited to:

• Transit-Oriented Development Program Development and Implementation (70%)

  • Serve as DRPT’s subject matter expert in innovative TOD and transit financing structures and strategies.

  • Develop, evaluate, and implement legislative and other policy proposals to fund, finance, and/or facilitate TOD and transit expansion based on recommendations from DRPT’s TOD Study, currently underway.

  • Coordinate with other state agencies on TOD-related initiatives and cross-agency partnerships.

  • Prepare clear financial briefings and decision materials to translate complex financial analysis into practical materials tailored for DRPT staff, local government, transit agencies, and boards or commissions.

  • Provide technical assistance to localities and transit agencies requesting support with feasibility analyses, market studies, land use planning, code updates, financing, and funding opportunities for TOD and transit expansion.

  • Convene peer exchanges and promote knowledge sharing.

  • Support WMATA and other joint development activities with localities.

  • Identify additional opportunities for DRPT to support transit-supportive land use, innovative finance, and TOD planning and implementation across the Commonwealth.

  • Manage consultants on Phase II of the TOD Study and potential future needs.

• Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Regional Planning Activities (15%)

  • Attend and represent DRPT at assigned Northern Virginia MPO meetings.

  • Provide input on Federally required MPO financial & planning documents.

  • Manage FTA Section 5303 Metropolitan Planning Program grants.

  • Coordinate communication of transit-related Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) amendments.

  • Serve as DRPT’s Northern Virginia point of contact on assigned regional bodies and technical committees.

• WMATA and VRE Program Support (15%)

  • Support NOVA Senior Planning and Policy Manager in monitoring key developments from WMATA and VRE Board meetings, budgets, and initiatives.

  • Analyze proposed budgets and review Annual Consolidated Financial Reports.

  • Track compliance with state legislation and Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) policies.

• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Working familiarity with housing policy and land use practices related to transit-oriented development, including strategies that support housing production, affordability, and mixed-use development

• Working knowledge of and experience using financing tools, such as tax increment financing; tax incentive programs; Federal debt financing programs, or other value capture, infrastructure financing, and/or public private partnership opportunities

• Demonstrated progressively responsible experience in public-private finance for real estate or land development

• Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate complex concepts in both written and verbal formats to a variety of audiences

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, learn, and adapt quickly

Additional Considerations

• Demonstrated experience with Virginia localities, housing authorities, or other Virginia state agencies

• Demonstrated experience building a new program or function with limited direction

• Demonstrated experience representing an agency on a Board, committee, or stakeholder meeting

• Strong interest in advancing transit, housing, and economic development goals in alignment with DRPT’s mission