JOB DESCRIPTION

GBNRTC Employment Brochure - Executive Director

How to Apply:

Send NFTA employment application, resume and cover letter specifying the job number GBNRTC-26 to: NFTA Human Resources, 181 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203 Or email to: application.intake@nfta.com.

The NFTA job application form is available at jobs.nfta.com.

Application deadline: May 1, 2026

Position Overview

As the executive staff position for the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the Director is required to perform overall program management for the organization, including the administrative functions of the MPO work program and direct supervision of professionals in performing transportation planning tasks. A wide array of transportation tasks are contained in the annual work program, including public involvement, preparation of Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), Long Range Transportation Plans (LRTP), and air quality efforts within the urban area.

 The Director must embrace and deploy strategies to link transportation investments to strengthening underserved communities. Management of planning initiatives in support of member agencies and governments through staff and consultant services is frequent. The MPO operates a comprehensive suite of travel demand and advanced simulation models in support of planning studies, and the Director must have competence in the utilization of these tools. Leadership within the agency and externally in the region is necessary and is a critical component of consensus building. Public transportation and emerging micromobility modes are important initiatives in the program and require ability to work closely with the regional transportation authority and other operators.

 The Director must display excellent communication skills and frequently speak in both public and virtual formats. The Director ensures that all federal and state requirements are met for continued MPO certification by federal funding agencies to enable transit operators, local government units and state agencies to maintain eligibility for federal funds. The Director is expected to exercise a high degree of independent thinking, creativity, and initiative. The Director must also demonstrate interpersonal and consensus building skills.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

GBNRTC seeks an excellent communicator and relationship builder/manager who fosters collaboration with MPO members as well as local, regional, state and federal stakeholders.

The Director should:

• Be visionary, understand the region and embrace rapidly changing technology
• Demonstrate the capability to address transportation needs of underserved communities in the context of overall community development.
• Be a strong leader who values input and expertise of staff, supports professional development, internal culture of open communications, trust and accountability
• Maintain strong working relationships with Board and elected officials, local governments, and operational partners
• Provide strategic leadership that elevates the regional perspective while supporting local initiatives
• Build mutual trust between local, state and federal agencies.
• Strengthen relationships with community, civic and business organizations

This is a CEO-level management position with full responsibility for all aspects of the Metropolitan Planning Organization operations. The MPO Director is expected to provide visionary leadership related to the long and short-range planning of multi-modal transportation systems, facilities and services, and their related requirements. The Director is responsible for the management and administration of the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), budget preparation with multiple fund sources, and management of a highly skilled and motivated staff.

Major, transformative transportation projects are currently in the planning phase including transit enhancements, transit-oriented development, major highway reconfigurations, strategically enhanced multimodal arterials, advanced technology and micromobility deployments and numerous others. The Director will be responsible for the prioritization of major projects as well as their progression through the project development process and must be knowledgeable about Planning and Environmental Linkage (PEL), project development phases as well as environmental review/NEPA.

BENEFITS

Benefits include participation in the New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS), medical, dental, and vision coverage, vacation, holiday, and sick leave. For a full description of benefits, please click on the employment brochure link above.