Deputy Director

Job Description

Job Description

People's Express is a growing nonprofit transportation provider serving Southeast Michigan. Our mission is rooted in compassion, reliable transportation, and a commitment to caring for our clients, communities, as well as one another.

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on operations leader to serve as our Deputy Director. As the organization's second-in-command, you will be the internal engine that keeps our agency running smoothly. Working closely with the Director, you'll turn strategy into action, oversee department heads, strengthen HR, finance, and operational systems, and lead technology initiatives across the agency. You'll serve as Acting Director in the Director's absence, freeing the Director to focus on strategic growth, funding, and external partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations across all departments (Operations, HR, Finance, Maintenance, Administration, and the Detroit Program), ensuring alignment and accountability.
• Translate strategic goals into actionable plans with clear timelines, ownership, and measurable
• Coach department leaders; direct, delegate, and evaluate staff; oversee training
• Lead agency-wide technology initiatives-dispatch and scheduling software, AVL/fleet tracking, reporting platforms-and serve as project manager for system upgrades and vendor coordination.
• Monitor service reliability, safety metrics, and costs; support real-time decisions during disruptions and drive process improvements.
• Support budgeting, grant implementation and reporting, audit preparation, internal controls, and regulatory
• Enforce organization-wide and departmental policies, procedures, and assist in conflict resolution and address internal operational concerns as they foster a unified, mission-driven culture across all facilities and programs.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience overseeing teams and cross-department
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Public Administration, Transportation, Technology Management, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Strong comfort with technology and operational software; able to manage competing priorities and work flexible hours, including some evenings.
• Preferred: experience in public transportation, logistics, or nonprofits; knowledge of FTA/MDOT or federally funded program compliance; and a track record in data-driven operational improvement.