Planning Manager

Company Description

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

Transportation & Parking (http://www.move.unc.edu/) is an essential service at UNC Chapel Hill and is responsible for coordinating traffic, parking, and transportation to meet the diverse access needs of an academic and health care campus population consisting of 30,000 students, 19,000 employees, and up to 1 million patients and visitors annually. Transportation and Parking strives to provide high-level service to students, employees, and visitors who work, live, and visit the University and UNC Health Care System. Transportation and Parking partners with stakeholders and customers to manage this key University infrastructure system effectively and efficiently balancing limited resources and the diverse access needs of the campus community.

The department manages 10 parking decks and 160 surface parking areas with approximately 23,000 parking spaces providing employee, student, patient/visitor, and event access to campus. The department has 96 permanent employees, approximately 45 temporary employees, and an operating budget of approximately $31 million. The University and UNC HealthCare System rely on a multi-modal transportation system, utilizing local and regional transportation to provide access to the campus and hospitals. UNC partners with local and regional transit agencies to provide fare-free-at-boarding transportation locally and subsidized regional transit opportunities for employees and students. Transportation and Parking plans, manages, and implements traffic, transit, and parking services daily and during major campus events. Transportation provides essential input for the campus Master Plan and Development Plan initiatives to ensure development and operation of key transportation infrastructure services to support institutional missions.

Role Description

The Transportation Planner supports the development and implementation of a comprehensive, multimodal transportation system for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This position conducts research, analysis, and planning related to vehicle, bicycle, pedestrian, and transit mobility across campus, helping guide infrastructure improvements and operational strategies. Responsibilities include evaluating transportation data, performing GIS analysis and mapping, preparing transportation management plans, and collaborating with campus departments, local agencies, and regional partners to address transportation challenges. The role also supports long-range planning initiatives, reviews traffic control and signal plans, and contributes to sustainable transportation policies that improve safety, accessibility, and efficiency across the campus transportation network.

In addition, the Transportation Planner manages and advances Transportation Demand Management (TDM) programs that encourage alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle commuting. Key duties include administering commuter programs such as vanpool, regional transit passes, and micromobility initiatives; developing incentive programs that promote carpooling and transit use; organizing campus outreach events and educational campaigns; and managing program budgets and grants. Success in this role requires strong analytical and communication skills, experience with planning methodologies and GIS tools, the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable recommendations that support the University’s transportation and sustainability goals.