Director of Transportation

Job Summary
The Director of Public and Grant-Funded Transportation is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all aspects of the organization's and county people transportation system. The director oversees day-to-day operations, strategic planning, grant management, and compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations. This role requires strong leadership, financial acumen, and an understanding of public and private transportation grant processes.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Provide leadership, guidance, and direction to a diverse team of transit professionals, fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement long-term and short-term strategic plans to enhance the quality, accessibility, and reach of public transit services.
• Conduct ongoing analysis of operations to improve service, increase ridership, and optimize resource allocation.
• Serve as a primary representative of the transit department at public meetings, board meetings, and with other public and private entities.
• Research, identify, and pursue federal, state, and local grant funding opportunities to support transportation services and capital improvements.
• Oversee all aspects of post-award grant management to ensure compliance with all requirements, regulations, and reporting deadlines.
• Prepare and administer department budgets, monitor financial performance, and ensure fiscal practices are followed.
• Coordinate with finance staff to submit reimbursement requests, reconcile financial transactions, and manage grant-specific funds.
• Direct the day-to-day operations of transit services, including route scheduling, maintenance, dispatching, and workforce management.
• Ensure that all transit operations are conducted in strict compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including regulations from the Department of Transportation (DOT), Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Develop, implement, and enforce safety and security protocols for all vehicles and personnel.
• Manage and oversee the transit fleet, including preventive maintenance programs, vehicle inspections, and asset management.
• Lead audits and reviews conducted by funding agencies.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal departments, external agencies, community groups, and the general public.
• Organize and lead public engagement activities as required by grant-funded projects, soliciting community feedback on transit needs.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for resolving complex customer service issues and complaints.
• Promote public awareness of available transportation services through marketing and community outreach efforts.

Minimum qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in public or business administration, rural route management, transportation, or a related field. A master's degree is often preferred.
• Five to eight years of progressively responsible experience in transportation or transit management, with significant experience in a supervisory or leadership role.
• A valid driver's license; a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Thorough knowledge of transit regulations, including federal (e.g., DOT, IDOT), state, and local rules.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write persuasive grant applications and make public presentations.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in relevant software applications including scheduling software, and Microsoft Office Suite.