Planning and Business Development Manager

CityBus is seeking a strategic, community minded leader to guide service planning, public engagement, and business development for a growing transit system. This role shapes the agency's long term service vision, strengthens partnerships across the region, and leads high visibility initiatives that improve mobility and enhance the customer experience. The ideal candidate brings a blend of analytical skill, relationship building, and public facing leadership. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Partnerships Build and maintain strong relationships with local governments, regional agencies, community organizations, major employers, advocacy groups, and funding partners. Represent CityBus in public meetings, community events, and regional forums, communicating the agency's mission and impact. Identify and cultivate partnerships that expand mobility options, increase ridership, and support long term organizational growth. Monitor legislative, regulatory, and community trends to position the agency for emerging opportunities. Customer Engagement, Communications & Public Relations Direct the agency's public relations and communications strategy, including media relations, branding, and marketing coordination. Oversee development and distribution of customer facing materials such as schedules, maps, alerts, and digital content. Lead public outreach for service changes and planning initiatives, ensuring transparent and inclusive communication. Manage customer feedback processes to support timely resolution and continuous improvement. Service Planning, Performance & Compliance Lead public and stakeholder engagement for service, fare, and capital planning efforts. Manage performance measurement, data collection, and dashboard reporting to evaluate ridership, productivity, and customer experience. Ensure compliance with federal and state requirements, including Title VI, NTD reporting, and documentation supporting grants and safety standards. Identify service improvement opportunities using data analysis, community input, and industry best practices. Team Leadership & Organizational Development Supervise and develop Planning & Development staff, ensuring high quality analysis, reporting, and regulatory compliance. Foster a positive, accountable, and mission driven culture focused on professionalism, collaboration, and innovation. Oversee scheduling, timekeeping, evaluations, and disciplinary processes in coordination with Human Resources. Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Business, Communications, Marketing, Urban Studies, Public Administration, or related field; equivalent experience considered. Minimum of five years of professional experience in public relations, business development, planning, or a related field. Experience with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) programs and regulations preferred. Additional Requirements Must meet agency standards for motor vehicle licensing, drug screening, and background clearance. Strong communication, analytical, and relationship building skills. Ability to operate with independence, sound judgment, and alignment with executive leadership. CityBus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law. CityBus complies with all federal Equal Employment Opportunity laws, including the regulations of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).