Newark Department Of Engineering, Division Of Traffic & Signals, Manager

The City of Newark, New Jersey is conducting a search for a highly motivated individual to serve as the Manager of the Division of Traffic & Signals (T&S) within the Department of Engineering. A proven transportation professional with established administrative experience will be selected to lead the office responsible for improving mobility in Newark, including transportation planning and street design and maintenance.

The selected candidate will also have the opportunity to conduct an organizational assessment and identify restructuring proposals within the division and across the administration. The goal is to ensure that the city’s transportation and infrastructure policies, programs and investments are designed, managed, and operated in accordance with the Mayor Baraka’s Newark Forward agenda and his commitment to providing excellent public services and enhancing the quality of life in all neighborhoods.

The City of Newark consists of five wards, more than 25 dynamic neighborhoods, a thriving downtown, and world-class arts, entertainment and recreational amenities. Situated just 12 miles west of Midtown Manhattan, it is the Essex County seat and largest city in New Jersey. The city has a population of 284,242, and is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the Tri‑State region, with a Black majority and significant representation from Hispanic and Latino, Asian and Caucasian residents.

Located on the Passaic River just miles from New York Harbor, it encompasses 26 square miles with easy access to New York City and attractions across the nation’s most densely populated state.

• Determine organizational goals and objectives and establish policies that ensure that Newark’s transportation infrastructure and programs are “best in class” and meet the diverse needs of the city.
• Work closely with the Mayor, partner agencies and other stakeholders to conduct an organizational assessment of the division and position it to develop and achieve Newark’s mobility and access goals.
• Manage budgets and contracts to enhance, operate and maintain Newark’s transportation policies, programs, services, and infrastructure, while also identifying additional funding sources such as public–private partnerships and grant opportunities.
• Determine agency fiscal and personnel needs; craft and regularly update agency budgets; and invest in infrastructure repairs and improvements.
• Develop and implement long‑ and short‑range strategic plans that are based on data‑driven performance measures and prioritize the needs of the community while optimizing the department budget.
• Serve as the public face of transportation policy in Newark; communicate the Division’s vision, purpose, and actions; and represent the city in meetings, public engagement sessions, conferences and other venues.
• Operate an effective, responsive and accountable organization that can attract and retain top quality staff and provide professional development opportunities to all staff in order to successfully innovate and implement the best practices to serve the evolving needs of residents.
• Measure performance through improved data collection, provide comprehensive information to the public, and guide investments in the city’s transportation assets to improve mobility and reduce operations and management costs where feasible.
• Foster collaborative and innovative partnerships with city, regional, state, and federal agencies, community groups, industry organizations and the non‑profit and private sectors to advocate for the city’s policy and investment priorities.
• Settle disputes or conflicts related to the division’s responsibilities and provide testimony as an expert witness.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Transportation Planning, a closely related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• PE, MBA or AICP certification preferred.

• A passion for safe, sustainable transport and infrastructure development and a desire to seek and apply innovations made in the field.
• A set of values characterized by a commitment to innovation, equity, compassion for people, service excellence, and…