Chief Operations Officer

Department/Division:       Executive

Location:                           Administration Building

FLSA Status:                     Exempt - Non-Represented

The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is seeking a Chief Operations Officer (COO) to assist with the transit system’s work towards enhancing the quality of life in Milwaukee County through great public service. MCTS connects our community with essential transit services in an endeavor to achieve racial equity and become the healthiest County in Wisconsin. COO candidates will have detailed knowledge of principles, policies, and practices of operating a large urban transit system, along with a deep understanding of mass transit strategies and the role of operations-related performance metrics. The successful candidate will have an ability to communicate complex concepts about objectives and achievements for multiple audiences: employees, labor unions, transit passengers, elected officials, and other stakeholders. In addition, experience evaluating talent, holding staff accountable for performance, and evaluating whether the right person is in the right seat will contribute to organizational success. Finally, a demonstratable commitment to racial equity with respect to employees and engagement with community members will be a key to success for the individual candidate and MCTS. 

JOB SUMMARY:

The Chief Operations Officer serves as a member of the Executive Team and provides support and coordination across the Transportation and Maintenance departments. The direct reports of this position include the Director of Transportation and the Director of Maintenance. The Chief Operations Officer provides strategic direction for these areas and ensures proper management staff and methods are in place to ensure company success. This position is expected to identify and implement new approaches, optimize organizational effectiveness, and improve performance, safety, and teamwork continuously and consistently with the organization’s mission, vision, and values. The Chief Operations Officer reports to the Vice President/Deputy Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Exercises broad management skills to ensure Company policy is complied with including proper interpretation of the Labor Agreements. 
2. Provides guidance and direction to department directors with respect to attainment of corporate objectives and promotes coordination among all departments with respect to cross-jurisdictional matters.
3. Establishes performance objectives for operational departments.
4. Communicates corporate strategic alignment to operations personnel.
5. Assists in creation, oversight, and monitoring of department budgets.
6. Improves and changes organization from reactive to proactive culture.
7. Develops, implements, and adjusts resources, training, data collection systems and procedures that support process improvement.
8. Communicates operational efforts, processes and goals to leadership and elected officials.
9. Acts as a member of the executive team to motivate employees across the organization to actively engage in work, develop potential and create a positive work environment.
10. Works with all levels of organization to achieve corporate goals.
11. Performs other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s degree in business, Public Administration or related field required. Master’s degree preferred. Related work experience may be considered in lieu of the educational requirement.
2. Five (5) years of experience required in a related management role.
3. Experience in public transportation or similar government structure preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge of  FTA (Federal Transit Administration), ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) laws and related public transit operations, trends and needs.

1. Knowledge of MCTS areas and departments.

1. Knowledge of local, state, and federal government funding programs as they relate to public transit.
2. Knowledge of organizational and management practices relating to risk management, procurement, policy development, budgeting, contract compliance, information technology and staff development.
3. Knowledge of financial principles.
4. Skilled in computer operations and spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software.
5. Ability to manage conflict and balance competing interests from multiple stakeholders.
6. Ability to develop and execute company strategies to attain outcomes for set goals.
7. Ability to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships.
8. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
9. Ability to work independently.

Submit applications to https://globalus241.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePortal/en-US/mcts/Posting/View/3383.

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT:

The above are general requirements that must be met for consideration.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of job qualifications or job duties.

Milwaukee County Transit System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age; protected veteran status, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law.