General Manager at Mass Transit Magazine

Salary Range: $155,290.00 – $186,580.00 per year

DTA General Manager – Duluth Transit Authority

The Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) is seeking a General Manager to lead the organization in the delivery of a safe, reliable and impactful transit network. The DTA is an award-winning transit agency that provides public transit service (fixed route and paratransit) within the Twin Ports of Duluth, MN and Superior, WI and its surrounding areas. We transport just under 3 million passengers annually by way of our 75+ bus fleet and we employ approximately 180 team members.

The General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the transit system including, but not limited to route planning, fiscal planning/adherence, operations and maintenance planning/management, labor relations, and personnel management. The General Manager is a member of the senior leadership team and reports directly to the American Transportation Enterprises of Duluth (ATED) Board of Directors in executing ATED goals/objectives. The ATED Board will perform oversight of the General Manager, including conducting regular performance reviews. The General Manager is responsible for direct supervision of all Director-level employees, including those overseeing the following departments: Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Maintenance, Marketing, Operations, Planning & Grants, Paratransit, Procurement, Scheduling, and Safety & Training as well as the Administrative Assistant.

Essential Functions:

Leadership, Management, and Oversight

1. Responsible for effective leadership and management of all director level staff (and Administrative Assistant), setting goals and performance objectives, and monitoring and adjusting to achieve required results.
2. Oversee the safety, customer service and cost-effective delivery of all bus, paratransit transportation and maintenance services.
3. Lead negotiations of the collective bargaining agreements and oversee labor relations issues with assistance from the Director of Human Resources and Director of Operations & Training.
4. Deliver presentations to the DTA Board of Directors, other boards, and legislative bodies regarding transit system services and issues.
5. Partner with the Director of Finance in preparation of annual operations and capital budget along with monthly and annual reporting to the National Transit Database (NTD) and Federal Transit Authority (FTA).
6. Ensure compliance with all aspects of Americans with Disability (ADA) transportation regulations.
7. Oversee strategic planning initiatives.
8. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and other reporting requirements and provide operating reports/statistics to appropriate parties as needed.

Operations

1. Oversee the safe and efficient delivery of Fixed Route and contracted Paratransit transportation services.

Maintenance and Facilities

1. Ensure vehicles, equipment and facilities are properly maintained for safe and effective operations.
2. Oversee the monitoring and controlling of expenditures to maximize financial resources by accurately managing costs of individual vehicles, equipment and facilities.

Management and Supervision of staff

1. Manage all transit system staff.
2. Ensure compliance with policies, rules, regulations and schedules and maintain appropriate written documentation.
3. Assist in screening, interviewing and hiring of direct and/or indirect Administration staff.
4. Planning and preparation of training and re-training programs to new and present Administration staff.
5. Communicate and collaborate with all departments to review and address complaints.
6. Communicate courteously and professionally, maintain respectful working relationships with coworkers and customers in carrying out job functions.
7. Perform other duties and activities as assigned.

Qualifications:

The position requires a minimum of five (5) years senior public transit management and supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience, as well as a bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, transportation or a related field. Required Knowledge, skills and abilities include:

1. Demonstrated background in transit management, including operations and personnel management, administration, planning, and supervision.
2. Knowledge of budget planning/management and/or P & L responsibility.
3. Knowledge of route planning, scheduling, inventory control, procurement/bidding processes, payroll, labor relations, training, safety & security, and risk management.
4. Thorough knowledge of applicable governmental regulations and federal, state, and local transit and employment laws.
5. Ability to coordinate, direct, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinates and maintain confidentiality.
6. Ability to apply collaborative work strategies and gain the cooperation of all levels of employees.
7. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a diverse workforce.
8. Ability to develop new or alternate methods, procedures and policies which result in improved effectiveness, efficiency and/or cost-savings.
9. Ability to write, prepare and proof comprehensive written reports; establish and maintain positive working relationships with agency personnel, union representatives, board of directors and the public.
10. Excellent public speaking and presentation skills to be utilized for diverse audiences of varying sizes; must be comfortable with being in the public eye on a consistent basis.
11. Excellent interpersonal skills to exchange and or convey information, receive work direction, and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of employees, committees and groups; and to diffuse situations/conversations that have escalated beyond normal limits.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Public transit industry knowledge and experience.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

1. Position predominately works in an office environment and requires extended periods of sitting.
2. Position utilizes personal computers, phone, and other office equipment on a regular basis.
3. Position requires moderate travel outside of the office and utilizes company or personal vehicle for travel.
4. The position requires the employee to be available 24/7 in-person or by phone.

Benefits:

The DTA offers an exceptional compensation and benefits package, including:

1. Competitive Salary.
2. Health insurance-fully paid monthly premiums for employee and family.
3. Dental Insurance-fully paid monthly premiums for employee and family.
4. Vision Insurance-fully paid monthly premiums for employee and family.
5. Low $500 health insurance deductible per person annually; $2500 max out of pocket spend for individual, $5000 max out of pocket spend for family.
6. Life insurance-fully paid monthly premiums for employee.
7. 6 Paid holidays.
8. 3 weeks paid vacation annually.
9. 20 hours sick time accrued per month.
10. Money Purchase Pension-company match of 12% of annual salary.
11. Access to Minnesota Deferred Compensation Plan.
12. Free bus passes for employee and immediate family.
13. Training and Career Development Opportunities.
14. Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
15. Flexible spending account (FSA).