Director Safety Regulatory Compliance

Secure Your Future with SEPTA – A Leader in Transportation

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the sixth-largest transportation system in the U.S., connecting communities across a 2,200-square-mile service region. SEPTA is at the forefront of innovation in the transit industry, ensuring reliable and efficient services while driving economic growth in the Philadelphia region.

We are proud to be recognized as:

2023 FORBES Best in State Employer

Philadelphia Employer of Choice for 2024

We are seeking to hire candidates for our Director Safety Regulatory Compliance

Opening Date: 12/10/2025

Closing Date: 01/04/2025

Job Grade: SAM 42

Salary Range: $104,000.00-$130,

OVERALL DESCRIPTION

The Director of Safety Regulatory Compliance is responsible for planning, managing, facilitating, and coordinating SMS activities throughout SEPTA. The Director of Safety Regulatory Compliance role encompasses developing and updating safety management policies. This leadership role collaborates with the Deputy Chief Safety Officer – SMS and management to define safety roles and accountabilities.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Plans, manages, facilitates, and coordinates SMS activities throughout SEPTA. Works to implement the System Safety Plan Final Rule (49 CFR Part 270), Safety Management Systems based upon MAP-21 Section U.S.C. 5329), the Public Transportation Safety Program Final Rule (49 CFR Part 670), the National Public Transportation Safety Plan requirements, the Public Transit Agency Safety Plan proposed rule (49 CFR Part 673), and all successive FTA and FRA safety regulations as follows:
   • 49 CFR Transportation
   • National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
   • Federal Transportation Administration (FTA)
   • Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
   • American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
   • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
2. Develops and refines safety management policies. Works with the Deputy Chief Safety Officer – SMS and management to define safety roles and accountabilities. Supports training and provides tools for Staff to support their role as leaders in creating a culture of safety within the Authority.
3. Ensures high staff morale and adequacy of manpower and staff training to ensure the department goals and programs are being implemented. Instills a professional, positive, and supportive philosophy in all staff
4. Supervises the daily activities of direct reports, develops individual goals, provides work assignments, ensures implementation of work assignments, and promotes success through training, support, and constructive feedback.
5. Works with the DCSO and other CSO direct reports on Budgetary planning and spending for both Operating & Capital expenses and manages spending and utilization of the department budget.
6. Facilitates two-way communication between internal and external stakeholders on SEPTA's Safety Management Policy, performance targets, federal regulations, educational programs, training, and all aspects of advancing the SMS.
7. Regulatory compliance – Stay current with safety regulations, standards, and industry trends to ensure that SEPT's safety programs are complying.
8. Develops change management strategies that establish performance triggers and thresholds for invoking the safety risk management process.
9. Enhances SEPTA's hazard risk management process inclusive of additional methods and data streams for hazard identification, improved risk matrices, risk registers, and other supporting tools. Ensures that risk management is responsive to changes in safety performance trends, establishes triggers and thresholds for elevating risks to senior management, and informs the development of effective risk mitigations through root cause analyses.
10. Satisfies record-keeping and reporting requirements of SMS to all required federal, state, and local government agencies. Supports the development of software and other data tools to make safety records and data and analysis more accurate and accessible.
11. Works with SEPTA commuter rail staff to coordinate FRA-required safety programs with the overall SEPTA SMS.
12. Develops and implements public safety campaigns and programs, including the oversight of the Operation Lifesaver Program and safety blitzes; and establishes partnerships with external stakeholders.
13. Identifies opportunities for process improvements and innovations to enhance safety practices and outcomes.
14. Cross functional collaborations – Collaborate with various departments within System Safety, Operations, HR, Communications and Legal to ensure alignment of safety efforts with broader SEPTA wide goals.
15. Performs other duties as required by the CSO.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• B. S. Degree in related business, safety, or accident investigation discipline and eight (8) years' experience in System Safety and/or Transportation Operations with specific experience in Safety Management Systems.
• An equivalent combination of experience and education (i.e., two (2) years of related experience, equating to one (1) year of formal post high school education) may be considered in lieu of the above requirements. Post Baccalaureate Degree (Masters, PhD, etc.) will provide up to four years of related experience to the applicant.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Strong knowledge of SSO, FRA, FTA, and NTSB regulations required.
• Experience in operations in the Public Transportation Industry required.
• Must demonstrate the ability to pursue/perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Must have a strong understanding of union and management environment and demonstrate the ability to address health and safety matters directly to Union employees and leadership.
• Must have excellent verbal and strong technical writing skills.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills.
• PC experience with MS Office 365 Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint required.

Why Join Our Team? Enjoy Outstanding Benefits

Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage – Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums.

Retirement Security – Participate in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 457B Deferred Compensation Plan to build your financial future.

Work-Life Balance – Enjoy paid parental leave, generous vacation time, and paid holidays to recharge and spend time with loved ones.

 Employee Wellness – Access wellness programs and resources to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Invest in Your Growth – We offer tuition reimbursement to support your education and career advancement.

Student Loan Assistance – Our positions qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, helping you manage and reduce student debt.

Free Travel Perks – Receive a FREE SEPTA Transportation Pass, giving you unlimited access to all SEPTA services

Join us and take advantage of these incredible benefits while making a difference in your community
 
Join the Best in Transit Apply Today

 Click Apply Now and take the next step in your career with SEPTA

 Have Questions? For more information, please visit How We Hire Careers Page.

 SEPTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

SEPTA 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

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