Executive Director, Transportation

Executive Director of Transportation

At Minneapolis Public Schools, we know the school day begins at the bus stop. For many of our students, the yellow bus is the bridge to their education and future. As Executive Director of Transportation, you will be the architect of that experience. You will lead a vital operation that bridges the gap between home and myriad educational opportunities for thousands of students each day, ensuring that we are efficiently using all of the resources available to uphold the promise to our community to safely, reliably, and sustainably support families regardless of their zip code.

Under limited supervision, plans, organizes, and directs the Transportation Department, including strategic planning and management oversight of student transportation, transportation technology systems, bus safety training, technical and financial reporting, and fleet maintenance operations.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 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.
• Provides strategic direction and oversees project management to support solutions for department operational improvement needs; monitors operations and assures the quality of the services and work products; develops action plans and metrics, and analyzes operational results; assures the effective allocation and utilization of funds.
• 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.
• Collaborates with other public agencies, community organizations, and other district departments.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective…