Program Lead, Regional Planning
Listed on 2026-02-16
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Engineering
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Transportation
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is seeking to fill a critical role in driving the strategic planning, execution and continuous improvement for RTA programs with an experienced Program Lead . This role will provide leadership across cross‑functional teams, ensure alignment with organization goals and serves as a key point for program performance, outcomes and stakeholder engagement. The RTA oversees financing, secures funding, and conducts transit planning for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace.
The RTA manages these three Service Boards’ five‑year capital programs. Also, to help riders with disabilities and older adults across Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties, the agency issues Reduced Fare and Ride Free permits, assesses eligibility for ADA Paratransit service, and oversees specialized travel training support initiatives.
A new era has begun for transit in the Chicago region. In December 2025, Governor Pritzker signed the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act, landmark transit funding and reform legislation. The NITA Act includes an estimated $1.2 billion in new annual operating fundingfor CTA, Metra, and Pace. This sustainable funding means riders will not experience service cuts or fare increases in 2026 and instead will benefit from continuedimprovements to service frequency, reliability, and safetyin the coming years.
The legislation reorganizes the transit system under a new regional authority, the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA), transforming the RTA to take on new responsibilities including setting fares, enhancing and coordinating service, overseeing long‑term capital planning, and leading implementation of unified rider‑focused tools such as more seamless mobile ticketing. More information can be found here regarding the legislation.
As the RTA transitions over the next year to NITA, we will continue the work of the agency and begin to take steps towards setting NITA up for success. The 2026 regional operating budget totals $4.352 billion.
Under the direction of the Division Manager, Regional Planning, this position will lead regional transit service planning work including inter‑agency service analysis, route design and optimization, data collection, data processing, technical analysis, and policy analysis. Assists with development of service plan process and creation of regional service standards. Assists with maintenance, improvement and application of technical tools including GIS‑ based access measure tools and travel demand models and outputs.
Supports RTA’s Strategic Plan implementation and development and broader work of the Regional Planning division. Provides technical support for transit project sponsors in the region. Contributes to performance measurement activities, market analysis, strategic planning documents, surveys, and studies. Prepares written content and presents analyses to RTA and Service Board staff and working groups, and RTA Board.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
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