About the Atlanta Beltline:
Atlanta Beltline, Inc. is the official implementation agency for the Atlanta Beltline, the 22-mile rail-to-trail conversion that’s one of the largest, most wide-ranging urban redevelopment programs in the United States. Its vision is to be the catalyst for making Atlanta a global beacon for equitable, inclusive and sustainable city life. The Atlanta Beltline is building a more socially and economically resilient Atlanta with our partner organizations and host communities through job creation, inclusive transportation systems, affordable housing and public spaces for all.
Role Overview:
The Director of Transit Strategy and Operations plays a critical role in advancing the Beltline Transit program's mission to deliver innovative, equitable, and sustainable transit solutions across the 22-mile Atlanta Beltline corridor. This position is responsible for supporting the planning, design, implementation, and oversight of transit initiatives that will reshape mobility for one of the nation's most transformative urban redevelopment projects.
Working in close collaboration with Beltline Transit staff, this position will guide pilot projects, advance long-term strategic initiatives, and serve as a liaison to partner agencies at the local, state, and federal levels—including the City of Atlanta, MARTA, the Georgia Department of Transportation, and other key stakeholders. The Director will bring technical expertise and a collaborative approach to advancing transit expansion efforts that address both immediate community needs and the corridor's long-term mobility vision. This position provides direct leadership and mentoring to a multidisciplinary team of transit professionals, fostering their growth while building the organizational capacity needed to deliver complex projects. The Director will also oversee program budgets, consultant contracts, and resource allocation to ensure effective stewardship of public investments and efficient project delivery.
With a primary focus on strategic planning and operations planning, the position will also support design and construction initiatives to ensure seamless integration across project phases. The ideal candidate will leverage global best practices and emerging technologies—including innovative transit modes, data-driven decision-making tools, and various planning frameworks—to deliver transformative mobility systems that support sustainable growth, reduce disparities, and improve access for all Atlantans.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the development and refinement of long-term transit strategies for the Beltline corridor, integrating equity considerations to ensure transit investments address historical disparities and serve underrepresented communities creating a clear roadmap that drives implementation forward and builds community trust.
- Conduct research and analysis on transit technologies, service delivery models, and implementation approaches, while monitoring federal, state, and local policy developments and funding opportunities to inform strategic decision-making that accelerates project delivery and positions the program to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
- Develop policy recommendations and analysis to advance organizational positions on transit-related issues building stakeholder support and removing barriers to implementation..
- Support the development of operational plans for new transit services, including service standards, performance metrics, and ridership projections, and analyze ridership data and demographic trends to optimize service planning, ensuring the program delivers implementation-ready frameworks that facilitate efficient service launch..
- Coordinate with MARTA, City of Atlanta, and other partners to ensure seamless integration of Beltline transit services with the regional transportation network.
- Support the planning and evaluation of pilot projects and demonstration initiatives to test innovative transit concepts.
- Serve as a liaison to the City of Atlanta, MARTA, state and federal agencies, and other partners, representing Beltline Transit in interagency working groups, technical committees, and regional planning forums maintaining alignment and unlocking critical resources needed to advance the
- Support community engagement efforts and build relationships with transit industry peers, consultants, and thought leaders to stay current on best practices and emerging
- Provide strategic support for transit design and construction projects, reviewing technical documents to ensure consistency with operational requirements and coordinating with project teams to address operational considerations.
- Develop input for environmental review processes, grant applications, regulatory submissions, and prepare presentations and briefing materials for leadership and board meetings.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience working with public transit agencies, metropolitan planning organizations, or local/state transportation departments.
- Experience with transit planning processes, including service planning, corridor studies, and operation plans.
- Understanding of transit technologies, including fixed-route bus, light rail, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and emerging mobility solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with multiple stakeholders and navigate complex interagency dynamics.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences.
- Experience with federal transit programs, FTA grant processes, or federal transportation funding mechanisms
- Experience managing consultants, contracts, or project
- Strong analytical and quantitative
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple people, priorities and meet
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with GIS, transit planning software, or data visualization tools preferred
- Understanding of the impacts of institutional and systemic barriers on marginalized communities and a commitment to integrating equity and inclusion throughout all facets of your work.
Education and Experience:
- Master's degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Public Administration, or a related field
- Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in public transit planning, transit operations, or related field.
What We Offer:
- Competitive total rewards package that reflects our commitment to employee wellbeing and long-term financial security
- Affordable medical plan offering exceptional coverage and full family eligibility
- Employer-paid dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance plans
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Competitive PTO benefits to support work-life balance
- Paid parental leave
- Comprehensive retirement program including employer funded 401(a) plan, plus optional employee funded 457(b) and Roth IRA options
- Professional development opportunities
- Paid volunteer days
- Planned employee engagement activities
- A people-first culture where every voice is valued, and your unique contributions help shape the future of Atlanta
