Executive Transit Director - The Otter Express
Executive Transit Director | The Otter Express | Fergus Falls, MN
The Otter Express is hiring a full-time Executive Transit Director to lead and manage its public transit system. This strategic leadership role involves overseeing operations, administration, budgeting, planning, and employee relations. We're seeking a visionary and experienced professional committed to enhancing public transportation services in our community.
Key Responsibilities:
The Executive Transit Director is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing all functions of The Otter Express system including:
- Community outreach and marketing:
- Develop and execute strategies to increase ridership, strengthen customer support, and enhance community engagement through targeted marketing and public relations efforts.
- Budget and asset management:
- Oversee financial operations and resource allocation to ensure fiscal accountability, operational efficiency, safety, and high-quality transit service delivery.
- Employee supervision:
- Lead and support a team of four Leads, fostering a collaborative environment and ensuring effective supervision and performance management.
- Liaison responsibilities:
- Serve as the primary liaison to MnDOT and external stakeholders, ensuring effective communication, regulatory compliance, and representation in key discussions and negotiations.
- Prioritization and signature author:
- Establish operational priorities and exercise signature authority to ensure strategic alignment and compliance with organizational policies.
- Strategic planning:
- Collaborate with the Joint Powers Board and key partners to guide strategic planning, system design, and policy development while actively participating in regional and state transit organizations.
Required Qualifications:
Qualified candidates must meet minimum experience and education or related work experience requirements.
- Minimum of 5 years’ management/supervisory experience, and demonstrated success in the areas of:
- Service planning, development & operations.
- Working with boards and diverse community organizations
- Contract negotiations and proposal development.
- Personnel management
- Candidates could possess a college degree, preferably in Business Administration, Public Administration, Planning, Finance, or a related field. However, relevant work experience may be substituted for the degree. Examples could include eight years of experience in a related field or an associate’s degree and six years of related experience.
- The Executive Transit Director must be able to work effectively in an office environment. Physical demands include being able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
- A valid class D driver’s license and the ability to travel to local, regional, and state locations and events as necessary to represent Otter Express and its best interests are required for this position.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Three years of experience in public transit operations management.
Salary Range Upon Hire: $80,000-$100,000
Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package will be offered as part of this role.
To Apply:
The Otter Express is receiving applications for this position through Lakes Country Service Cooperative. An application can be submitted online at: https://www.applitrack.com/lakescountry/onlineapp/default.aspx?all=1
About The Otter Express:
The Otter Express provides fare-based public transportation services to residents of Fergus Falls, Perham, and Breckenridge. Our services are inclusive and accessible, offering transportation options for individuals of all ages and abilities—including adults, children, youth, seniors, and people with disabilities—within the city limits. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
