Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer

SALARY RANGE $125,000-$145,000

Connect Transit is the primary public transit system serving Bloomington-Normal and McLean County, committed to providing safe, reliable transportation that enriches lives and strengthens the community. We value collaboration, integrity, and excellence in service. Our dedicated team works to ensure that all residents and visitors have convenient access to affordable transit options, supporting economic growth and fostering a sense of connection throughout the region. By continually investing in innovative technology, modern vehicles, and customer-focused initiatives, Connect Transit strives to improve mobility and enhance the overall quality of life for everyone in the community.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and is responsible for the overall performance, coordination, and strategic direction of Connect Transit's core operational functions, including Transportation, Service Delivery, Maintenance & Facilities, Safety & Training, and Technology Services.

This position provides organization-wide leadership to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service delivery aligned with the agency's strategic business plan. The COO translates organizational goals into operational execution, drives continuous improvement, and ensures that all departments operate cohesively to meet service, financial, and customer experience objectives.

The COO works closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees, and executive leadership to develop and implement short- and long-term strategies, optimize organizational performance, and foster a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and innovation.

A strong emphasis is placed on leadership development, labor relations, regulatory compliance, and data-driven decision-making to ensure high-quality service and long-term sustainability.

Essential Duties

• Provide executive leadership and oversight of all operational departments, including Transportation, Service Delivery, Maintenance & Facilities, Safety & Training, and Technology Services.
• Translate the agency's strategic business plan into actionable operational initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals related to service quality, efficiency, safety, and financial sustainability.
• Direct and coordinate day-to-day operations to ensure safe, reliable, and customer-focused transit service delivery.
• Establish performance expectations, metrics, and accountability systems across departments to monitor operational effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
• Lead workforce planning, employee development, and succession planning across operational departments.
• Foster a strong organizational culture centered on safety, collaboration, accountability, and customer service.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including FTA, IDOT, ADA, and labor requirements.
• Partner with the CEO and executive team to develop and manage operating and capital budgets; monitor performance and identify cost efficiencies and revenue opportunities.
• Support and lead initiatives to improve service delivery, including route performance, service design, and customer experience enhancements.
• Oversee labor relations strategies, including administration of collective bargaining agreements, negotiations support, and grievance resolution.
• Collaborate with leadership to identify and implement technology, innovation, and data-driven solutions to improve operational reliability and performance.
• Lead safety initiatives and ensure system-wide adherence to safety policies, training programs, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate cross-departmental efforts to support major projects, including capital programs, facility development, and service expansion.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, union leadership, community partners, and regulatory agencies.
• Serve as a proxy for the CEO, as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Transportation, Engineering, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in public transit, transportation, or a comparable operational environment.
• Significant experience overseeing multiple functional areas or departments.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, operations management, and organizational leadership.
• Experience working in a unionized or represented workforce environment strongly preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.

Certificates & Licenses

• Valid driver's license required; must maintain insurability under agency standards.
• Ability to obtain Illinois Commercial Driver's License (CDL) preferred.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., APTA, PMP, SHRM, or similar) are a plus.

Knowledge & Skills

• Valid principles and practices of public transit operations, including service delivery, fleet management, and regulatory compliance.
• Strategic planning and execution in a complex, multi-department organization.
• Leadership and organizational development, including performance management and succession planning.
• Labor relations and collective bargaining agreement administration.
• Budget development, financial management, and cost control strategies.
• Data analysis and performance metrics to drive operational improvements.
• Federal, state, and local transit regulations and funding structures.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to lead change, manage competing priorities, and drive results in a dynamic environment.
• High level of emotional intelligence, judgment, and decision-making capability.

Physical & Work Environment

• Primarily administrative and executive leadership role with regular presence in operational environments (maintenance facilities, operations centers, field locations).
• Combination of office and field work with exposure to transit operational environments.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds and operate standard office equipment.
• Occasional travel for meetings, conferences, and agency representation.

Benefits

• 100% employee health insurance premiums paid; 65% dependent premiums paid.
• Dental, Vision, and Life insurance.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Retirement plan with 5% employer contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement.

Connect Transit is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, and professional development.

Connect Transit is an EEO/AA employer (Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability).