San Mateo County Express Lanes Program Director - Unclassified
Program Director – San Mateo County Express Lanes Joint Powers Authority
City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG)
Salary: $144,851.20 – $180,440.00 Annually
Application Deadline: Thursday, August 7, 2025
The City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG), on behalf of the San Mateo County Express Lanes Joint Powers Authority (SMCEL-JPA), is seeking a Program Director to lead operations of the 22-mile Express Lanes on U.S. Highway 101. While hired through C/CAG, this position works exclusively for the SMCEL-JPA and plays a key leadership role in overseeing tolling operations, managing budgets and contracts, advancing equity and community benefits, and representing the JPA locally and regionally.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee daily operations, tolling systems, enforcement, and maintenance through contractor and consultant teams
- Manage program budgets and provide financial oversight and reporting
- Lead coordination with partner agencies, legal counsel, and state and regional entities
- Develop and implement tolling policies and program improvements
- Represent SMCEL-JPA in meetings with the Board, stakeholders, and industry associations
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies
Ideal Candidate:
- Collaborative, self-motivated leader with strong project management and communication skills
- Experienced in transportation, tolling, or infrastructure programs
- Skilled in managing complex contracts and public budgets
- Politically astute and effective at working with diverse stakeholders
- Familiar with Caltrans, BAIFA, and express lanes policy and operations
Qualifications:
- Five years of increasingly responsible managerial experience, preferably in transportation
- Knowledge of public administration, transportation planning, and government operations
- Ability to analyze complex data, manage staff, and communicate effectively across audiences
About SMCEL-JPA:
The SMCEL-JPA is a partnership between C/CAG and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, overseeing express lanes from I-380 in South San Francisco to the Santa Clara County border. Learn more at 101expresslanes.org.
Apply Online: https://jobs.smcgov.org
Final Filing Date: August 7, 2025
Panel Interviews: Week of August 25, 2025