Chief Operations Officer

at  Milwaukee County Transit System

Department/Division: Executive
Location: Administration Building
FLSA Status: Exempt - Non-Represented
Salary Range: $129,400 – $161,800
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.

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

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

1. Work is frequently conducted in an office or similar indoor environment or community or outdoor environment with occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts or fumes and airborne particles.
2. Physical requirements are those described as sedentary work exerting 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently.

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.