AVP - Chief Mobility Officer

Brief Description of Work:

Under the general direction of the SVP/Chief Operating Officer this position is responsible for developing, leading and implementing effective and documented programs that support the safe, secure, effective, and efficient operation of the JTA contracted paratransit services, alternative services (Connexion Plus, Ferry, Readi-ride, Express services etc.), Service Planning and Operations Support Services. This position is responsible for effective employee management, appropriate and effective contract oversight, administrative management, and the support of the Operations Division as pertains to Board/ ELT presentation/preparation, attendance monitoring, policy and procedure management, budget preparation and monitoring, and operating data/report management. The incumbent creates, leads and supports a culture of respect, productivity, ownership and accountability of and by the workforce engaged in providing the subject work.

Essential Functions:

Provides strategic leadership and vision to the Operations Department directors/managers and staff ensuring all contracted paratransit and alternative services are performed in accordance with specified standards, regulations and industry best practices, as well as support services and operations business management are being performed to meet the division and agency standards, provide excellent and efficient service to meet and exceed goals and customer expectations.

Responsible for the identification, design and development of all appropriate programs and structures to address the responsibility of the Operations Alternative and Support Services of the Operations Department.

Develops, delivers, and optimizes internal/external data collection including standardized and specialized reporting. Focuses on structure of efficient, clear and organized reporting for internal and external stakeholders. Collaborates with the Business Intelligence Division to establish appropriate performance measures and to ensure the communication of information back and forth. Develops department scorecards and key performance indicators to enable easily accessible routine reporting and data driven decision making.

Develops short, mid and long-range forecasts for budget, staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies. Responsible for developing, administering, maintaining, and overseeing annual operating and capital budgets for division and department expenditures and implements adjustments. Develops and reviews total cost of ownership for capital projects, facilities, services, and systems as required.

Develops and provides oversight for programs, procedures, and policies supporting agency and divisional/departmental goals for alternative services delivery, cost/process efficiency, reliability, safety, customer satisfaction and overall continuous process improvement while allocating resources accordingly.

Serves on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees. Develops and maintains positive relationships with key stakeholders including contractors, agency partners, federal, state and local officials, and Sound Transit Board members.

Oversees, participates, and directs the administration and management of assigned contracts and third-party agreements involving public and private contractors. Monitors administration of agreement/contract terms and conditions and budget performance and implements corrective actions when needed. Assists in the development of future contracting strategies and negotiation of terms and conditions; negotiates solutions to conceptual issues involving policy and direction change.

Explores incorporation of new developments as appropriate; ensures processes, policies and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively throughout the division.

Maintains accountability and compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, Agency policies and procedures, and rules and regulations.

Provides strategic leadership and vision to the Operations Division, Alternative Services and Support Services leadership members and employees to ensure all public transit programs are developed and performing to meet the department and agency standards and to ultimately exceed goals and customer expectations.

Plans, directs, coordinates, reviews, and evaluates the work of assigned staff; assigns work activities and manages the prioritization of work; provides constructive feedback; makes effective suggestions and recommendations.

Provides labor relations support to and participates in labor relations activities and collective bargaining agreement negotiations alongside the COO, Human Resources and Legal.

Monitors compliance with identified division, agency and department objectives and work scope commitments; conducts regular alternative service reviews that focus on department and division goals; monitors and measures critical success factors and tracks the performance of the division and assigned departments.

Ensures the safe and efficient operation of service by participating in the development of safety, emergency program plans, exercises, audits, and training as appropriate or directed; identifies opportunities for improvement; and directs and implements changes.

Provides assistance to the SVP/COO as required; participates in development of risk identification and mitigation strategies; mitigates impact of issues that affect operations; and makes decisions and takes action regarding the administration and management of short- and long-term transit service and maintenance plans.

Oversees the administration and management of any assigned contracts involving public and private contractors; manages, oversees, and participates in contract negotiations, monitors administration of terms and conditions, and budget performance monitoring; implements corrective actions when needed; manages third party partner agreements to maintain partnerships and ensure compliance and accountability; assists in the development of future contracting strategies and negotiation of terms and conditions; negotiates solutions to conceptual issues involving policy and direction change and effectively leads and influences internal and external decision makers and stakeholders; ensures agreed upon services are completed within the scope, schedule, and budget; and that all objectives are successfully met.

Coordinates and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to include C-level executives, governmental officials, and regulatory representatives of other local, state, and federal agencies; serves as primary contact for assigned department, projects and programs, as well as the SVP/COO, and negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.

Assists with the management of the JTA/JTM relationship with collective bargaining units within the Operations division, including leadership and oversight of assigned contract negotiations, execution and adherence to collective bargaining unit contract negotiations and terms, handling/resolving grievances and other related union-management working relationships and issues.

Provides effective strategic management and direction to support Authority, division and department goals and objectives; participates in development and implementation of division goals, objectives, priorities, and action plans for each assigned division; translates broad organizational goals and strategies into operational objectives and practical action plans; and provides strategic level advice regarding major policy and problem-solving issues.

Develops, administers, maintains, and oversees the annual budgets for the division; makes recommendations and forecasts for future funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; reviews and approves department expenditures and implements adjustments; directs the preparation of and administration of capital budgets for divisions that align with organizational work plans and objectives; and prepares or approves budget presentations and make presentations to decision makers to gain approval for procurements.

Provides support to the SVP/COO and others on matters as directed; serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to area of assignment; and incorporates new developments as appropriate.

Works collaboratively with the COO’s management team on common goals and to enhance the JTA’s reputation for excellence through best practices reviews, accountability for performance, and continuous improvement.

Makes recommendations for the management and professional development of the staff within the operating and maintenance units, for establishing development and operating/ maintenance goals for each manager, and for assisting these managers in achieving their personal goals and the goals of their units.

Performs mandatory storm/disaster job related functions that are essential to the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and/or the EOC.

Ensures accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, Authority policies and procedures, rules and regulations.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree in Planning or a related field with 10 years of progressive, appropriate responsible experience in the transit industry with focuses on Service Planning, Operations Support Services, data collection and management, ADA compliance and contract management.

Preferred Qualifications:

A Master's Degree in Planning or related field with previous senior or executive management experience, preferably as a department or division head.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Please see AVP - Chief Mobility Officer for complete job description.