Sidewalk Program Manager

Position Summary We are seeking a qualified Sidewalk Program Manager to plan, coordinate, fund, and oversee the construction, inspection, repair, and long-term improvement of sidewalks and pedestrian facilities throughout the City. The position develops work programs for designated Sidewalk Improvement Districts and manages projects from initial planning through design, bidding, construction, inspection, financial reconciliation, and closeout. The employee works with residents, businesses, contractors, consultants, public works crews, City officials, and state and federal stakeholders. The Sidewalk Program Manager works under the general supervision of the Director of Engineering and exercises independent judgment in administering assigned projects and program responsibilities. Onsite: In ithaca, New York Position Summary The Sidewalk Program Manager is responsible for developing and managing sidewalk construction and repair programs that align with the approved budgets and priorities of the City's Sidewalk Improvement Districts. The employee prepares plans, specifications, construction documents, cost estimates, budgets, procurement materials, contracts, and project reports. The position also manages contractors and consultants, inspects construction, oversees material testing, reviews change orders, responds to public questions, maintains sidewalk maps and inventories, and evaluates overall program performance. In addition to managing district assessments, the Sidewalk Program Manager develops supplemental revenue sources through grants and long-term borrowing. The position oversees the allocation of project expenses to the appropriate district budgets and coordinates project closeouts and budget reconciliations. The role also supports pedestrian accessibility by overseeing ADA-compliant design, evaluating pedestrian facilities, collecting field data, and participating in long-term pedestrian planning efforts with professional staff, municipal boards, and the Municipal Planning Organization. Key Responsibilities Sidewalk Program Planning • Develop annual and multiyear work programs for sidewalk construction, inspection, maintenance, and repair. • Align project recommendations with the approved budget of each Sidewalk Improvement District. • Evaluate sidewalk conditions, accessibility needs, public input, inspection findings, and available funding. • Recommend project priorities to engineering and leadership. • Establish project scope, schedule, budget, and delivery requirements. • Monitor projects from initiation through construction and closeout. • Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend operational or policy improvements. Sidewalk Improvement District Administration • Develop work plans for designated Sidewalk Improvement Districts. • Coordinate program priorities with district assessments and available budgets. • Track project activity by district. • Allocate construction and repair expenses to the appropriate district budgets. • Monitor the financial status of each district. • Coordinate financial closeouts and budget reconciliations. • Maintain records supporting district funding, expenses, work completed, and future needs. • Provide program and financial information to leadership and the public. Public Engagement and Communication • Solicit public input regarding proposed sidewalk programs and district priorities. • Explain work plans, construction activities, project schedules, and program requirements to residents and businesses. • Respond to questions regarding project scope, accessibility, funding, schedules, and construction impacts. • Serve as a liaison among City departments, officials, businesses, residents, contractors, and consultants. • Communicate technical and financial information clearly to nontechnical audiences. • Address public concerns professionally and transparently. • Maintain productive relationships with diverse community stakeholders. Plans, Specifications, and Estimates • Develop plans an