Chief Administrative Officer

Chief Administrative Officer (Human Resources & Administration)

Carbondale, Illinois

Join the Executive Leadership Team at JAX Mass Transit

JAX Mass Transit is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and people-focused Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to join our executive leadership team.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the CAO serves as the agency's lead executive for human resources, employee relations, organizational administration, and workforce compliance. This position plays a critical role in supporting our employees, strengthening workplace culture, ensuring regulatory compliance, and advancing the mission of providing safe, reliable, and accessible public transportation throughout Southern Illinois.

As a member of the executive leadership team, the CAO works closely with the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operations Officer, and Chief Safety Officer to support strategic initiatives and organizational success.

Key Responsibilities

Human Resources Leadership

• Lead all human resources functions, including recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, employee relations, performance management, and personnel records.
• Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Advise executive leadership on workforce planning, employee engagement, organizational development, and personnel matters.
• Maintain confidential employee records and HR information systems.

Drug & Alcohol Program Management (DAPM/DER)

• Serve as the agency's Designated Employer Representative (DER) and Drug & Alcohol Program Manager (DAPM) in accordance with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
• Administer and oversee all aspects of the agency's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program, ensuring compliance with 49 CFR Part 40 and 49 CFR Part 655.
• Coordinate pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with collection sites, Medical Review Officers (MROs), Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs), and third-party administrators.
• Maintain confidential testing records and ensure proper documentation and reporting requirements are met.
• Monitor program compliance and prepare required federal reports and audits.
• Provide guidance and training to supervisors regarding reasonable suspicion determinations and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with agency leadership to ensure a safe, drug-free workplace and compliance with all applicable federal regulations.

Compliance & Rider Advocacy

• Serve as one of the agency's ADA Rider Advocates.
• Respond to rider concerns, complaints, and service-related inquiries with professionalism and empathy.
• Collaborate with operations and safety staff to improve accessibility and customer service.
• Support ADA compliance initiatives and accessibility programs.
• Monitor customer feedback and recommend service improvements.
• Interact with the public and advocate for the ADA Paratransit Services.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum three (3) years of experience in human resources, administration, public administration, or a related leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of human resources practices, employment law, and workplace compliance.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and business software systems.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.

Benefits & Perks

• Participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension system
• Employer-sponsored health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Generous paid time off (PTO) program
• Paid holiday schedule
• Flexible work scheduling
• Potential hybrid work opportunities, subject to organizational needs
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Stable public-sector employment with long-term career growth potential

Why JAX?

At JAX Mass Transit, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on employees, riders, and communities throughout Southern Illinois. This position offers the chance to help shape organizational culture, support workforce development, and contribute to the future of public transportation in our region.

If you are a strategic thinker, strong communicator, and dedicated public servant who thrives in a collaborative environment, we encourage you to apply.

JAX Mass Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.