Executive Director, Transportation

About the role

The Executive Director of Transportation plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient, reliable, and sustainable transportation of students in Minneapolis Public Schools. The position involves strategic planning, management oversight, and leadership in various areas including student transportation, safety & skills training, routing, scheduling & dispatch, technical & financial reporting, and fleet maintenance operations.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records, and MPS information.

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.

Skills

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines: 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; 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

• Minnesota State Driver’s License.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

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.

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.