Planning & Engagement Manager

Planning & Engagement Manager

Salary

$192,816.00 - $250,640.00 Annually

Location

3331 N First St, San Jose, CA 95134, CA

Job Type

Project

Job Number

26-CK-7076

Division

Office of the General Manager

Department

BART Program Delivery

Opening Date

07/02/2026

Closing Date

7/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Join VTA in leading one of the most transformative transportation infrastructure projects in the Bay Area.

VTA is seeking an experienced Planning & Engagement Manager to lead stakeholder engagement efforts supporting the BART Silicon Valley Program. This position plays a critical leadership role in advancing major capital projects by building strong partnerships with local stakeholders, public agencies, and elected officials.

The successful candidate will oversee multidisciplinary engagement initiatives, supervise staff and consultants, develop engagement strategies, and serve as a trusted representative of VTA before boards, commissions, community organizations, and the public. This is an exciting opportunity for an innovative leader who excels at balancing technical project delivery with meaningful engagement to help shape the future of public transportation throughout Santa Clara County.

About the Bart Department

VTA's BART Silicon Valley Extension Program (BSV) will expand BART service into Santa Clara County, bringing frequent and reliable regional rail service to over 1.7 million county residents. The project is being built in two phases.

• Phase I (Complete) extended service from Alameda County into Santa Clara County, with stops at Milpitas and Berryessa/North San José. Service began on June 13, 2020.
• Phase II, currently in design and engineering, will extend service from the Berryessa Transit Center to stations at 28th Street/Little Portugal, Downtown San José, Diridon Station with the end of service in Santa Clara.

More than a transit project, BSV is an entire program of improvements that will transform Silicon Valley. Facets of the project include transit oriented communities, multimodal transportation connectivity, as well as roadway, utility and environmental improvements.

Definition

Under direction, the Planning & Engagement Manager plans, organizes, supervises, and coordinates transportation planning, community outreach, and public engagement programs related to the BART Silicon Valley Program.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This single-position classification is responsible for managing staff and projects related to the BART Silicon Valley Program. Substantial judgement and initiative are essential for resolving problems and making recommendations with regards to projects. The incumbent is responsible for assigned transportation planning activities as related to capital project delivery as well as coordination of community outreach and education, management of public engagement programs related to assigned capital projects, and associated transportation planning initiatives, and representing VTA to various public and private sector organizations.

This classification is distinguished from the Media & Public Affairs Manager in that the former is focused on transportation planning and integrated public engagement projects as related to the BART Silicon Valley Program. This classification is distinguished from Senior Transportation Planner in that the former is required to have extensive experience in one of the following: media relations, community engagement or public relations.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a strategic, collaborative, forward-thinking leader with extensive experience managing stakeholder engagement or transportation planning initiatives for major capital infrastructure projects with an interdisciplinary team. They possess demonstrated success building partnerships with elected officials, public agencies, community organizations, businesses, and diverse stakeholders while balancing complex project priorities.

They are a relationship builder who can successfully navigate complex projects, competing priorities, and sensitive community issues while maintaining productive partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

They have experience supervising and mentoring professional staff, managing consultants, managing project schedules and budgets, and communicating effectively. They are equally comfortable discussing technical details of the project with engineers, presenting recommendations to governing boards, and engaging directly with stakeholders to address concerns, build trust, and strengthen long-term partnerships.

They are comfortable working in fast-paced environments where collaboration, sound judgment, and strategic thinking are essential to successful project delivery.

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 transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region.

VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services, as well as participates as a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.

As the county's congestionmanagement agency, VTA is responsible for countywide transportation planning, including congestion management, design and construction of specific highway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvement projects, as well as promotion of transit-oriented development.

VTA provides these services throughout the county, including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa Clara County.

As we continue to implement our VTA Forward Plan, we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services.

For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit: https://www.vta.org/VTAForwar

Family-Friendly Workplace Certification Program (FFWCP)

The County of Santa Clara FFWCP recognizes VTA as a business that creates supportive workplaces for employees and their families.

Family-friendly workplaces improve health outcomes and job satisfaction for employees and increase work productivity and retention for employers. Employers can create a family-friendly workplace by meeting and exceeding state and federal employment laws relating to parental leave, lactation accommodation, and work/family balance.

Essential Job Functions

Typical Tasks

• Selects, supervises, leads, trains, motivates, assigns, evaluates, counsels, and disciplines staff; supervises consultant staff as assigned;
• Oversees and coordinates project planning and access throughout project duration for functional area;
• Prepares Board memorandums and official VTA correspondence;
• Coordinates public outreach for planning in functional area and implementation of Construction Outreach and Education Program including the Construction Transportation Management Plans;
• Prepares and presents items to boards and committees;
• Serves as liaison with cities, other local/regional agencies, and community groups regarding transportation, land use, and related issues; assists with responding to media as required;
• Develops work plans, schedules, and budget estimates for studies and projects;
• Coordinates planning and outreach activities for multiple contracts in functional area involving VTA staff and external partners;
• Manages and coordinates community outreach and education programs for transportation and transit capital projects in functional area;
• Facilitates and coordinates interactions between the public and planning and design staff, consultants, and construction contractors during project planning, project development, and construction phases;
• Develops strategies to engage the public and address community concerns;
• Coordinates with planning, engineering, and construction staff to ensure adequate resources are allocated for community outreach and engagement;
• Participates in the development of contracts and RFPs to ensure that community outreach requirements are incorporated into capital project and transportation planning initiatives;
• Analyzes and evaluates assigned programs for effectiveness; recommends alternatives and implements approved enhancements;
• Represents VTA on boards, commissions, and committees as assigned; represents VTA in engagements with outside groups and before community members at public meetings;
• Plans, writes, and edits material for presentation to various boards and commissions;
• Manages and supervises staff and activities to ensure fulfillment of VTA's Strategic Plan;
• Participates in the development and administration of the annual budget;
• Serves as a member of the management team in meetings/negotiations with labor unions;
• Prepares confidential reports and correspondence; reviews reports prepared by others;
• Ensures compliance with VTA policies and procedures regarding equal employment opportunity, discrimination, and harassment prevention;
• Ensures and enforces compliance with capital project communications and community outreach policies and procedures;
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Employment Standards

Sufficient training, education, and experience to demonstrate possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Development of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is typically obtained through a combination of training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a four-year degree in communications, public relations, urban or transportation planning, or a closely related field, and four (4) years of professional level experience in a community outreach/public relations capacity, with emphasis on large capital projects.

Experience in a large transit organization, public agency, and/or the construction industry is desirable. Demonstrated lead or supervisory experience is required.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of:

• Principles and contemporary practices of multi-faceted community outreach and public engagement programs for major infrastructure projects;
• Concepts, principles, techniques, and legal aspects of transportation planning;
• Methods of research and statistical analysis;
• Current technologies employed in public engagement;
• Computer software common to the planning function (i.e., word processing, spreadsheet, modeling);
• Project management methods and techniques;
• Public transportation funding sources and processes;
• Principles and techniques of communications and public education campaigns;
• Social media and internet technologies as applied to effective public information and media relations programs;
• Principles and practices of organization, administration, budgeting, and personnel management in a public agency;
• Principles of supervision, leadership, training, employee development and motivation, and effective discipline;
• Development of public and private sector working relationships and partnerships.

Ability to:

• Select, supervise, train, motivate, assign, evaluate, counsel, and discipline subordinate staff;
• Ensure that community outreach and engagement components are integrated into assigned transportation planning and capital project delivery programs;
• Accurately estimate and administer budgets for transportation planning studies; effectively manage associated schedules;
• Analyze issues and numerical measures associated with transportation planning projects, including estimates derived from computer models, engineering estimates of costs and benefits, and public input;
• Perform analyses and make recommendations based on findings in planning studies, field observations, and public feedback;
• Prepare correspondence, confidential reports, planning and technical documents, Board memoranda, fact sheets, and other documents;
• Implement and effectively manage community outreach and engagement programs for transportation and transit capital projects, including the BART Silicon Valley Program;
• Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues and concerns;
• Analyze and evaluate complex situations; recommend and implement effective improvements;
• Coordinate and oversee projects completed by consultant staff;
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Effectively represent VTA in a variety of public and private sector activities;
• Manage multiple projects, effectively utilize resources, and meet deadlines;
• Be creative in formulating and introducing new and feasible solutions and take initiative in implementing those solutions;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

General Application Instructions

Please read this job announcement in its entirety before applying. We recommend printing or saving a copy for future reference.

To be considered, applications must be submitted online through the Human Resources department by the posted deadline. If the job posting is listed as "continuous," we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as the posting may close without prior notice. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an immediate email confirmation.

Personalized responses to Supplemental Questions that connect your past experiences to this specific role are the most effective. AI-generated content may lack the specificity required to address the key criteria outlined in the job description. While we encourage the use of AI as a tool to enhance your work, we want to evaluate your non-AI-assisted communication skills. You may use AI to generate ideas, but please ensure your final responses are in your own voice and reflect your unique experience. Overreliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish your chances of success.

Important: Only online applications will be accepted for this recruitment. We do not accept paper applications, resumes, Job Interest Notification Cards, or incomplete/unsubmitted applications in place of a fully completed application.

Communication & Contact Information

All updates regarding your application-including notices for testing and interviews-will be sent via email. Be sure to select email as your preferred method of communication and maintain a valid, up-to-date email address. Applicants are also responsible for keeping their phone numbers and mailing addresses current in their online profiles.

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual updates. Please check your application status through your online account. For technical support, contact NEOGOV at (855) 524-5627, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (PST), excluding holidays.

Application Review & Processing

All current and prior relevant work experience-including experience with VTA-must be fully detailed in the Work Experience section of your application. Entries such as "see resume" are not acceptable. Incomplete or improperly completed applications may be rejected, even if you meet the minimum qualifications.

While you are welcome to upload a resume, it does not substitute for completing the online application in full. Be sure that your application accurately reflects the education and experience necessary for the position.

Applications are reviewed throughout the recruitment process to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications. Meeting these minimums or advancing through any stage does not guarantee further consideration. Any misrepresentation or falsification of qualifications, experience, education, or training may result in disqualification and/or exclusion from future employment opportunities with VTA.

This classification is non-represented and is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement between VTA and the union.

Tentative Examinations:

Oral Panel: Week of July 27, 2026

Conditions of Employment

Final candidates must successfully complete a Livescan background check, reference checks, verification of education or certifications, and a criminal history review before appointment.

For sensitive positions, VTA requires all safety-sensitive positions to have a 6-month DOT physical clearance. Obtained at the time of preboarding from a VTA-contracted Concentra Location.

Eligibility List

The established Eligible List from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and additional vacancies that may occur. Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment.

Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations

VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the recruitment and examination process. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email Personnel@vta.org at least five business days before the test.

Equal Employment Opportunity

VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national, origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.

VTA offers a generous benefit package including: vision care, a choice of health plans, dental coverage, an employee assistance program, life insurance, and liberal holiday, vacation, and sick leave. A credit union and deferred compensation are also available to employees at their option. Detailed information on VTAs benefits may be found here: https://app.strivebenefits.com/santa-clara-valley-transportation-authority

As defined by the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA):

• Classic Members retirement benefit formula is 2% @55.
• New Members retirement benefit formula is 2% @62.

All Classic AFSCME, SEIU, TAEA, and Non-Rep employees hired on or after 01/09/2012 pay 7.0% of salary toward the required employee contribution to PERS.

All New/PEPRA AFSCME, SEIU, TAEA, and Non-Rep employees pay 8.0% of salary toward the required employee contribution to PERS.

Social Security taxes will be deducted from each employees bi-weekly salary.

01

Describe a situation where you were required to coordinate multiple stakeholders with competing priorities. Include the strategy you developed and implemented as well as the outcome.

02

Describe your leadership style, approach to team building and team collaboration. Include how you assign work, develop employees, manage performance, and ensure successful project outcomes.

03

Discuss a time when you had to lead a multi-disciplinary team (internal staff and consultants) to achieve a significant project milestone. What strategies did you use to ensure effective collaboration and communication across the team?

04

As this role requires strategic thinking and innovation, describe a situation where you introduced a new idea or initiative that significantly impacted the success of a project or program. How did you implement this change?

Required Question

Employer Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority

Address 3331 North First Street, Bldg. B-1

San Jose, California, 95143

Phone 4083215504

Website http://www.vta.org