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