Executive Director
Stanislaus Council of Governments

Stanislaus Council of Governments (StanCOG) is seeking an Executive Director.  The Executive Director should possess deep expertise in multimodal transportation planning and funding, with a clear understanding of state and federal transportation programs, including Caltrans processes, TDA, IIJA, and Cap-and-Invest mechanisms. They will use data-driven analysis to prioritize investments, improve performance reporting, and strengthen confidence in StanCOG’s fiscal and operational integrity.
The successful candidate will be a visionary advocate—capable of aligning regional priorities across jurisdictions, advancing innovative mobility initiatives, and securing resources for the region’s evolving transportation needs.
As Executive Director, you will:
  • Serve as a visionary convener and regional strategist, leading staff, guiding policy, and building partnerships across multiple agencies and jurisdictions.
  • Navigate the evolving landscape of transportation, sustainability, and equity — and turn emerging opportunities (such as state and federal infrastructure programs) into tangible outcomes for the Stanislaus region.
  • Represent StanCOG’s ambitions before state and federal leadership, advocating for Stanislaus’ voice in major transportation and climate investments.
  • Help cultivate a culture of innovation, transparency, and community connection — fostering trust with local governments, stakeholders, and the public.
  • This is not a purely administrative role. It is one of leadership, influence, and regional impact. The Executive Director will shape the trajectory of how Stanislaus moves — physically, economically, and socially — over the coming decades.

Education and Experience
Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical path to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
  • A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in public or business administration, public policy, finance, planning, engineering, or a field related to work.
  • Ten (10) years of management or administrative experience in a Metropolitan Planning Organization, Regional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA), general transportation and/or transit planning, or public program administration.
  • Experience working with an elected board and demonstrated experience in organizational turnaround, fiscal transparency, and stakeholder engagement is highly desirable.

Location: Modesto, California
Salary: $265,000 - $295,000
Final filing date: Open Until Filled: First resume review November 24, 2025.
Please make sure to have your Resume, Cover Letter, and List of References ready for upload before you start the application process. One combined document that includes all three items is preferred.