Director, LinkUS Safety & Security

Safety and Security Governance (OP-22 Compliance)

The Director implements and maintains the LinkUS Safety and Security Management Program and SSMP in accordance with federal requirements, aligned with the PMP across project phases. The Director coordinates with FTA and the PMOC on risk-based review schedules, targeted assessments (e.g., design control, configuration management, testing/commissioning), status reporting, and OP 22 objective evidence (plans, procedures, hazard/security analyses, certification matrices, records).

Certification Leadership (SSCP, Requirements, SSCVR)

The Director owns the SSCP and certification requirements baseline, including certifiable elements, criteria, verification methods, and acceptance/waiver processes, consistent with FTA/industry guidance. The Director leads the certification process with COTA and project consultants (including the CMAR) and issues the SSCVR to confirm requirements are satisfied prior to revenue service, coordinating with the applicable oversight body.

Safety Management System Integration, Configuration & Change Control

The Director partners with COTA's Safety and Risk leadership to integrate COTA's safety management approach into LinkUS capital projects and align with the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan. The Director establishes hazard and security vulnerability identification, risk assessment/mitigation tracking, performance targets, and safety assurance metrics across the LinkUS portfolio in partnership with Safety & Risk leadership. The Director oversees safety/security design criteria, requirements traceability, human factors, and configuration/change control to embed and verify mitigations throughout the lifecycle.

Construction, Testing & Commissioning Readiness

The Director leads integrated safety/security testing and commissioning plans (FAT/SAT/site), manages open items, and drives certification closure and SSCVR. The Director conducts field inspections, audits, and compliance reviews; holds the CMAR accountable for maintaining safety and security across active work sites. The Director coordinates with Operations, Vehicle Maintenance, and public entities to align pre-revenue testing, role-based training, emergency drills, and service start-up preparedness.

Minimum Education & Experience Required

• Requires a bachelor's degree in Engineering, Safety, Security, Construction Management, Transportation, Public Administrator or related field and a minimum of eight (8) years' progressively responsible experience in transit, major capital infrastructure, or construction program safety/security (including field oversight in active construction environments).
• Three (3) years leading or managing safety/security functions on complex, multi-stakeholder capital projects (owner, designer, contractor/CMAR, operations).
• Professional credentials (e.g., TSSP, PTSCTP, CHST, CSP, PSP, CPP, CISA or equivalent), and/or systems safety/security certification experience preferred.
• Certified OSHA 30-hour Construction preferred.

Position Summary

The Director, LinkUS Safety & Security is responsible for all safety and security activities across the LinkUS Program, including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors and related capital projects. The Director ensures compliance with federal, state, and local safety requirements, including FTA Oversight Procedure 22 (OP 22), and leads the development and implementation of the program's safety and security management framework. Key responsibilities include preparing and maintaining the Safety and Security Certification Requirements, Safety and Security Certification Plan (SSCP), Safety and Security Management Plan (SSMP), the Safety and Security Certification Verification Report (SSCVR), and all documentation required for revenue service. The Director serves as the primary point of contact for the Federal Transit Administration and its Project Management Oversight Contractor (PMOC) during OP 22 reviews and ensures the safety program aligns with the Project Management Plan (PMP).

Essential Job Functions

Perform other duties in alignment with the COTA Strategic Plan and in support of the organization's vision to Move Every Life Forward.

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, Dental, Supplemental and Life Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Discounts
• COTA Bus Pass
• Wellness Initiatives
• On-Site Chair Massage
• On-Site Health Coach
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Public Pension through OPERS & Ohio Deferred Compensation