Executive Director, Transportation

Executive Director, Transportation

At Minneapolis Public Schools, we know the school day begins at the bus stop. For many of our students, the yellow bus is the bridge to their education and future. As Executive Director of Transportation, you will be the architect of that experience. You will lead a vital operation that bridges the gap between home and myriad educational opportunities for thousands of students each day, ensuring that we are efficiently using all of the resources available to uphold the promise to our community to safely, reliably, and sustainably support families regardless of their zip code.

Under limited supervision, plans, organizes, and directs the Transportation Department, including strategic planning and management oversight of student transportation, transportation technology systems, bus safety training, technical and financial reporting, and fleet maintenance operations.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, organizes, and directs the district's Transportation operations, including student transportation, safety & skills training, routing, scheduling & dispatch, technical & financial reporting, and vehicle maintenance operations.
• Develops and implements District Communication Center communication strategies to promote solutions for emergency and non-emergency calls, including transportation and security needs for school families and staff.
• Plans, organizes, and administers warehouse operations, curriculum distribution, trucking, receiving, inventory control, and mailroom operations for the District.
• Conducts long-range planning activities, including cost analysis and recommendations for improving the overall effectiveness of transportation services.
• Exercises independent judgment within broad policy guidelines; analyzes issues and recommends and implements solutions; provides leadership in planning, policy development, and operational priorities.
• Provides strategic direction and oversees project management to support solutions for department operational improvement needs; monitors operations and assures the quality of the services and work products; develops action plans and metrics, and analyzes operational results; assures the effective allocation and utilization of funds.
• Directs department staff, develops priorities, and assigns tasks and projects; evaluates performance and resolves workload and technical issues; assures that appropriate services are provided, and goals are defined and achieved.
• Selects, supervises, trains, evaluates, and develops staff skills, including school bus drivers, vehicle mechanics, dispatchers and schedulers, and other assigned staff, and conducts performance evaluations; meets regularly with staff to discuss and resolve priorities, workload, and technical issues.
• Handles complaints, resolves problems, and responds to requests for information from parents and community members pertaining to the district's transportation of students.
• Assures the Transportation Department activities and procedures are in compliance with all laws, policies, regulations, and standards.
• Manages the preparation and distribution of technical and financial reports to accurately reflect the operational trends and costs of the MPS Transportation operations; reviews and approves operational and summary reports to state and Federal agencies.
• Develops budgets and controls expenditures; reviews, approves, and maintains department records, scheduling, payroll reporting, and work activity reports.
• Manages life cycle analysis and reporting for Transportation vehicles, including replacement planning.
• Directs the management of contracts for special services.
• Provides advice and assistance on Transportation issues, interprets policies and procedures, and assures the consistent interpretation and application of Federal, state, and MPS rules and regulations.
• Collaborates with other public agencies, community organizations, and other district departments.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent's goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records, and MPS information.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Transportation Management, Business, or Public Administration, or related field; AND Five (5) years of managerial experience in transportation and fleet services operations; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience as determined by Human Resources.
• Knowledge of: Principles and practices of employee supervision, including selection, work planning, organization, performance review and evaluation, and employee training and discipline Federal, state, and local codes and regulations governing public transportation. Principles and practices of public sector administrative management, including cost accounting, budgeting, purchasing, contract management, customer service, and employee supervision. Best practices for efficient and cost-effective management of resources. Principles and practices of conflict resolution and negotiation strategies. Techniques and methods for long-range strategic and financial planning. Federal and state safety rules and regulations, including OSHA requirements. Environmentally responsible and resource-efficient transportation policies.
• Skill in: Planning, assigning, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of staff; training staff in work procedures; developing effective work teams and motivating individuals to meet goals and objectives, and provide customer services in the most cost-effective and efficient manner Directing and coordinating a complex Transportation system. Interpreting and applying applicable Federal, state, and local rules and regulations, and MPS policies. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Reviewing operations and assuring MPS compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and rules. Analyzing problems and developing effective solutions. Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands. Preparing, reviewing, and presenting management reports. Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, community leaders, government agency representatives, clients, and the public. Promoting and enforcing safe work practices. Operating a personal computer using standard and specialized software.
• License and Certification Requirements: Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation. Minnesota State Driver's License.

Physical Demands and Working Environment: The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in a standard office environment, which requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with long periods of computer work and heavy phone usage.

Organizational Information: Bargaining Unit: Non-Rep Grade: E18 FLSA Status: Exempt Job Group : Transportation Operations

Final candidates may be invited to interview with a committee. Final appointment to this position will be contingent upon passing a criminal background check.

Commitment to Diversity: Diversity is one of Minneapolis Public Schools core values and is essential to our goal of putting children first and making them college-ready. Diversity of our workforce provides us with a competitive advantage and allows us to better understand, communicate with and educate our diverse student body. Minneapolis Public Schools will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status. Minneapolis Public Schools strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply.