Title: TOD and Innovative Transit Finance Program Manager

State Role Title: Prog Admin Specialist II

Hiring Range: up to $129,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept of Rail & Public Trans

Location: Northern VA

Agency Website: https://drpt.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Northern Virginia office at DRPT seeks a transit-oriented development (TOD) specialist with expertise in public-private finance to help advance transit-oriented development and innovative transit funding across the Commonwealth.

This new position will lead the creation of DRPT’s TOD and Innovative Finance program, informed by recommendations from the DRPT Statewide TOD Study (anticipated Fall 2026), while supporting broader regional coordination activities in Northern Virginia.

The TOD Program Manager will help DRPT maximize the benefit of its investment in transit through initiatives that foster more supportive land-use, increasing housing production and affordability in the Commonwealth.

This position reports to the Northern Virginia Senior Transit Planning and Policy Manager, but may work out of either the Richmond or Alexandria office.

Key responsibilities are anticipated to include, but are not limited to the following.

- Transit-Oriented Development Program Development and Implementation to include:

• Serve as DRPT’s subject matter expert in innovative TOD and transit financing structures and strategies.
• Develop, evaluate, and implement legislative and other policy proposals to fund, finance, and/or facilitate TOD and transit expansion.
• Coordinate with other state agencies on TOD-related initiatives and cross-agency partnerships.
• Prepare clear financial briefings and decision materials to translate complex financial analysis into practical materials tailored for DRPT staff, local government, transit agencies, and boards or commissions.
• Provide technical assistance to localities and transit agencies requesting support with feasibility analyses, market studies, land use planning, code updates, financing, and funding opportunities for TOD and transit expansion.
• Convene peer exchanges and promote knowledge sharing.
• Support WMATA and other joint development activities with localities.
• Identify additional opportunities for DRPT to support transit-supportive land use, innovative finance, and TOD planning and implementation across the Commonwealth.
• Manage consultants on Phase II of the TOD Study and potential future needs.

- Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Regional Planning Activities to include:

• Attend and represent DRPT at assigned Northern Virginia MPO meetings.
• Provide input on Federally required MPO financial & planning documents.
• Manage FTA Section 5303 Metropolitan Planning Program grants.
• Coordinate communication of transit-related Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) amendments.
• Serve as DRPT’s Northern Virginia point of contact on assigned regional bodies and technical committees.

- WMATA and VRE Program Support such as:

• Support NOVA Senior Planning and Policy Manager in monitoring key developments from WMATA and VRE Board meetings, budgets, and initiatives.
• Analyze proposed budgets and review Annual Consolidated Financial Reports.
• Track compliance with state legislation and Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) policies.

- Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, public administration, housing, real estate, planning, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Some progressively responsible experience in development finance or other public-private finance. Candidate should have familiarity with housing policy and a range of financing tools, such as tax increment financing; tax incentive programs; Federal debt financing programs, or other value capture, infrastructure financing, and/or public private partnership opportunities.
• Understanding of best practices in TOD policy and implementation, including working familiarity with federal, state, and local programs and tools.
• Ability to build and shape a new program or function with limited direction.
• Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate complex concepts in both written and verbal formats to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to represent the agency effectively and build collaborative partnerships with local, regional, and state stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, learn, and adapt quickly.
• Proven ability to show an interest in advancing transit, housing, and economic development goals in alignment with DRPT’s mission.

Additional Considerations

Preferred Qualifications
• MBA or Graduate degree in real estate finance or similar programs.
• Experience with Virginia localities, housing authorities, or other Virginia state agencies.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

About DRPT:

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) works to improve mobility and expand transportation choices across the Commonwealth. Our mission is to connect and improve the quality of life for all Virginians with innovative transportation solutions. We foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven work environment where employees can make a meaningful impact.

WHY JOIN DRPT?
• Impactful Work: Contribute to projects that improve transportation and mobility across Virginia.
• Professional Growth: Access to training and development opportunities.
• Work-Life Balance: Supportive environment with competitive benefits.
• Inclusive Culture: DRPT is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT?
Apply today and join a team dedicated to improving transportation across Virginia!

Contact Information

Name: DRPT HR

Phone: 804-786-4440

Email: askhr@virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.