Department Manager - Modeling

Description

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a seasoned planner with a combination of "big picture" vision, on the ground modeling experience, and strong leadership skills to fill the role of Department Manager of Modeling. Under general direction of the Deputy Director of Regional Planning Policy & Analysis, this position will assume full responsibility for the Modeling department including leading the development and implementation of department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities. This position plays a critical role in our agency, ensuring through modeling of transportation and air quality emissions that SCAG demonstrates transportation conformity to federal air quality plans and standards, and other state and federal requirements. The successful candidate will possess experience identifying, researching, and resolving technical issues related to modeling projects, modeling operation, and output analysis with a proven track record of managing large teams.

The Modeling Department provides essential modeling services to support the analysis of SCAG's key plans and projects. It updates transportation, air quality, and scenario planning models for each Connect SoCal cycle, ensuring accurate outputs for both internal and external analyses. The department is also responsible for the Scenario Planning Model (SPM) and its various analytical components to support scenario creation and performance analysis. There are three business units within the Modeling Department that the Department Manager will oversee:

• Model Enhancement: Develops and refines modeling tools and data to support both internal and external needs
• Activity-Based Model & Travel Survey: Develops and enhances the SCAG travel demand model to support the analysis of SCAG’s key plans and projects, including collecting travel survey data
• Heavy-Duty Truck & Air Quality Modeling: Maintains and enhances the Heavy-Duty Truck (HDT) model while coordinating and providing air quality model support for Connect SoCal.
  
  

The Modeling Department resides in the Regional Planning Policy & Analysis (RPPA) subdivision of the Planning division, which focuses on the alignment of planning research, analysis, technical tools and capacity with regional planning and policy needs. The subdivision is responsible for fulfilling several key state and federal requirements for metropolitan planning organizations, including the development and analysis of the Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy, environmental clearance of the plan, and transportation conformity to state implementation plans for meeting national ambient air quality standards. The Subdivision is comprised of three departments: Planning Strategy, Modeling, and Forecasting and Spatial Analytics.

WHO WE ARE

As a mission-driven organization, SCAG is committed to attracting and retaining talent who embody SCAG’s values. SCAG's workforce is passionate and committed to innovation that improves the quality of life for all Southern Californians. When you join SCAG, you can expect a culture where collaboration and teamwork is fostered.

As part of our Work@SCAG policy, employees are eligible for two work models: in-office and hybrid. Eligibility for these models will depend on the department, position, responsibilities, and duties, as determined by management. All work models require employees to be based within the SCAG region. This position is expected to follow the hybrid model and be in the office 2 days per week.

WHAT WE BELIEVE
MISSION
To foster innovative regional solutions that improve the lives of Southern Californians through inclusive collaboration, visionary planning, regional advocacy, information sharing, and promoting best practices.

VISION
Southern California's Catalyst for a Brighter Future.

SCAG CORE VALUES

• Be Open: Be accessible, candid, collaborative and transparent in the work we do.
• Lead by Example: Commit to integrity and equity in working to meet the diverse needs of all people and communities in our region.
• Make an Impact: In all endeavors, effect positive and sustained outcomes that make our region thrive.
• Be Courageous: Have confidence that taking deliberate, bold and purposeful risks can yield new and valuable benefits.
• Cultivate Belonging: Embrace differences, foster equity, champion inclusion, and empower all.

In this role you can expect to

• Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work plan for the Modeling department to ensure the effective and efficient development, maintenance, and operation of SCAG transportation models including necessary calibration, validation, and state/federal review and approvals
• Identify, research, and resolve technical issues related to modeling projects, model operation, and output analysis for the SCAG’s main plans and projects
• Lead problem-solving efforts, evaluate alternative solutions, and provide technical direction to ensure effective and timely resolution
• Advise the Deputy Director and Chief Planning Officer and coordinate with Planning Division departments to provide modeling and analysis support for key SCAG plans and projects including air quality modeling and transportation conformity analysis
• Provide models and data on request to external stakeholders

• Manage department staff including providing direction, assigning and reviewing work, providing coaching and guidance, providing opportunities for professional development, and conducting performance evaluations
• Establish performance measures, monitor progress and provide feedback to staff members
• Develop and administer department annual budget, forecast department resource needs (staffing, data, equipment, etc.), seek external grant and partnership opportunities, and direct the monitoring and approval of department expenditures
• Collaborate and advise SCAG executive management in the development and coordination of regional planning and policy proposals/strategies
• Collaborate with policy and regional council members and represent the agency at local, regional, state, and federal meetings
• Lead the development and coordination of planning initiatives, serve as a liaison with the public and private sector, and engage in relevant forums
• Ensure SCAG’s compliance with policies and contracts, as well as Federal, State, and local regulations
• Perform other duties as assigned

What you'll bring to this role

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 7 years of experience in urban planning, modeling, forecasting or related field, 4 years of management or direct supervisory experience, and a Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, or a related field.

Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be considered.

We’ll be a great match if you also have:

• Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of managing large teams
• Experience with travel demand, activity demand, and air quality models
• Knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal laws, policies, and planning practices
• Knowledge of research methodologies and survey design
• The ability to perform data and statistical analysis
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to develop and/or review clear, concise communications and reports
• The ability to synthesize technical information for a broad audience
• The ability to communicate effectively and build strong relationships with staff, management, SCAG board members, and stakeholder
• The ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments
• Strong problem solving skills with the ability to identify and proactively respond to issues and resolve challenges
• Experience with budget development and administration
• Knowledge of GIS and the ability to use intermediate features of Microsoft Office Suite

Supplemental Information

Please note, this posting will remain open until June 24, 2025 with the first application review taking place on June 9, 2025. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply prior to that date. We anticipate interviews for this position will be held in five weeks.

Insurance Coverage
Employees may choose from nine HMO and two PPO health plans administered through CalPERS. SCAG contributes the following amounts towards the monthly health premium: $850 for employee only coverage; $1500 for employee plus one dependent; $1800 for employee plus family. Employees may waive SCAG-sponsored health plans by providing evidence of other health coverage each plan year. Upon meeting eligibility requirements, employee is eligible to receive opt out amount of $200 per month, paid as taxable earnings. Premiums for dental and vision are covered 100% by SCAG. Life insurance in the amount of $150,000 is provided by SCAG. Supplemental life insurance is available at a minimal cost to the employee. Short-term and long-term disability insurance plans are provided by SCAG.

Retirement
Employees become members of the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). Effective January 1, 2013, for new members of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), the retirement formula is calculated at 2% @ 62 with a Three Year Average Formula. In accordance with the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the new member will have a mandatory contribution of 7% of reportable compensation. Employees who are current members of CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS reciprocity, or who have less than a six-month break in service between employment with SCAG or in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency will be enrolled in the 2% @ 55 benefit formula.

Empower deferred compensation plan is available and all non-management positions receive a 50% match, up to $1,500. Employees do not pay Social Security.

Paid Parental Leave
12 weeks of paid parental leave to employees following the birth of an employee’s child or the placement of a child with an employee in connection with adoption or foster care. Employees become eligible for this benefit after 12 months of employment at SCAG.

Holidays
Employees receive 10 designated holidays and 44 hours of Personal Floating Holidays (PFH) per fiscal year, 11 hours for each full quarter worked.

Vacation Accrual
Ten to twenty days per year depending on length of service with SCAG.

0-3 years: 80 hours
4-10 years: 120 hours
11-16 years: 140 hours
17+ years: 160 hours

Sick Leave
Employees accrue sick leave at the rate of one day per month.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Tax-exempt savings plans are offered to pay for eligible expenses associated with healthcare, dependent care, and parking.

Transit Reimbursement Program
SCAG reimburses up to $230 per month for commute to the office via public transit via bus, rail, or train. Employees must commute a minimum of 8 days per month in order to receive reimbursement for monthly passes.

Flexible Time/Modified Work Week/Telework
Employees may work a modified 9-80 work schedule, with every other Friday off. SCAG offers a flexible work schedule to allow employees some flexibility on daily work hours. SCAG has developed a hybrid workforce program called Work@SCAG to provide two work model options (office and hybrid) to choose from, based on their position, within the SCAG Region.

Technology Allowance
Employees in hybrid and remote work models will receive a one-time stipend of $300 to be used for remote office setup. In addition, all employees receive a $140 monthly technology allowance to cover phone usage for business use and to offset utilities costs while working remotely.

Other Benefits
Educational assistance up to $5,250 per year is offered for qualified courses after one year of employment. Professional membership reimbursement up to $300 per year for professional associations.

Closing Date/Time: 6/24/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

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• Southern California Association of Governments

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