Regional Transportation Planner (Transportation Program Planner III)

Position Summary:

MassDOT and other state agencies have been presented with many new opportunities to obtain funding for transformative infrastructure projects. This is an exciting time for MassDOT and the Commonwealth as it administers funding for high impact projects across the state. The Regional Transportation Planner will be instrumental in connecting funding opportunities with local and regional needs, developing grant applications, communicating between MassDOT departments and other state or federal agencies, and organizing grant-related information. All municipal facing work will be conducted with an emphasis on supporting rural and environmental justice (EJ) communities. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

The selected applicant will be assigned to the Municipal Grants Engagement section of the Office of Transportation Planning and will manage several federal programs as well as liaise with MassDOT’s regional partners. Specific duties include the following: 

• Develop and implement procedures and guidelines to accomplish regional planning objectives, ensuring alignment with agency goals, funding priorities, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee Transportation Planners by assigning work, reviewing performance, and recommending process improvements to the Manager of Municipal Grants.
• Supervise the execution of regional plans and technical assistance programs, assisting municipalities in developing project designs and grant applications, with a focus on rural and environmental justice communities.
• Review and recommend changes in operations, policies, and procedures in response to evolving program objectives, regulations, and funding trends.
• Develop appropriate methods for conducting transportation studies and financial analyses, integrating best practices to improve funding competitiveness.
• Conduct research, input data, and facilitate stakeholder communication during project initiation using GIS applications, the Massachusetts Project Intake Tool (MaPIT), and other relevant tools.
• Utilize GIS software and geographic web-based applications from MassDOT’s GIS Services Group to support municipal funding strategies and improve project targeting.
• Collect and analyze financial data related to funding programs and ongoing projects to support data-driven decision-making.
• Proactively research and identify relevant federal, state, and local transportation funding opportunities, ensuring alignment with organizational and municipal priorities.
• Lead discussions with MassDOT Divisions, state and federal representatives, municipal staff, and regional stakeholders to identify project priorities and funding needs.
• Provide guidance to municipalities on selecting the most suitable funding programs, including state and federal opportunities, and organize webinars or meetings to support applicants.
• Oversee targeted outreach to municipalities with projects well suited for specific grant programs, ensuring equitable access to funding, particularly for rural and environmental justice communities.

Preferred Qualifications:

While there is an expectation that the individual in this role will still have room to develop and hone some skills, the ideal candidate for this position will be able to demonstrate the following skills or interests:

• Project management – an ability to assist the group in the management of administrative tasks associated with consultant support projects, including the development of work scopes, procurement of consultant services, management of consultant teams, budget oversight, etc. The Office uses public resources to complete transportation planning studies and reports, and also often employs private consultants in these efforts. It is imperative that the candidate know how to manage a budget and schedule on-time and within budget.
• Business administration - The ideal candidate will have a solid foundation in business administration, particularly as it applies to transportation planning projects. This includes experience wit