Director of Transportation Services

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind•Talladega, AL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is seeking an experienced, strategic, and safety-focused Director of Transportation Services to lead, modernize, and oversee our statewide transportation network. Reporting to executive leadership, the Director is responsible for the overall administration of AIDB’s transportation system—ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient transit for students, consumers, staff, and programs across Alabama. This critical leadership role oversees daily route operations, fleet maintenance, safety and regulatory compliance, departmental budgeting, and a dedicated team of drivers and support staff. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in educational or public fleet management, a proactive approach to risk management, and a deep commitment to supporting AIDB’s mission of serving individuals who are deaf, blind, or multi-disabled. As the Director of Transportation Services, your work directly connects AIDB’s students and consumers to education, independence, and opportunity every single day. By building a gold-standard safety culture, modernizing route efficiency, and maintaining a top-tier fleet, you will ensure our statewide network operates with total reliability. Your leadership will directly empower a dedicated team of drivers, give families peace of mind, and safeguard the vital transportation system that makes AIDB’s life-changing mission possible across Alabama.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree – OR - five years of professional experience in transportation operations, pupil transportation, fleet management, safety, or logistics.
Valid CDL Class B with passenger and school bus endorsement
Clean driving record and insurable under AIDB’s carrier
Five years of supervisory experience
Must meet suitability/background requirements for employment
Demonstrate knowledge of school/educational transportation systems, including routing, scheduling, fleet maintenance, and emergency response planning.
Comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and local safety standards, CDL certifications, driver qualification requirements, and drug/alcohol testing protocols.
Proven ability to recruit, train, evaluate, and mentor transportation personnel while fostering a culture of safety and accountability.
Skilled in managing operational budgets, evaluating fleet performance data, controlling costs, and optimizing route efficiency.
Exceptional interpersonal skills to partner effectively with administrators, staff, families, and diverse community stakeholders.
Must obtain Sign Language Proficiency at the SURVIVAL level within 24 months of employment.
Upon offer of employment, the applicant must submit to a fingerprint background check at an agency designated and paid by AIDB.

Responsibilities

Direct daily statewide transportation services, optimizing routes, schedules, and vehicle allocation to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient transit for all programs.
Develop and maintain contingency plans for service disruptions, weather emergencies, breakdowns, and staffing shortages.
Coordinate student loading/unloading safety protocols in collaboration with school and program leadership.
Ensure strict adherence to all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and AIDB policies governing educational transport and commercial drivers.
Implement a robust safety education program for drivers, staff, and students; oversee pre-employment, random, and post-accident drug screening programs.
Conduct thorough investigations of accidents, incidents, and safety complaints, implementing corrective measures as needed.
Administer a preventative maintenance program for all AIDB-owned vehicles to guarantee mechanical safety and extend fleet longevity.
Oversee vendor relationships, vehicle repairs, state inspections, fuel monitoring, and fleet replacement scheduling.
Supervise the hiring, training, assignment, and performance evaluation of all transportation staff and bus drivers.
Monitor and maintain current records for CDLs, driver certifications, safety qualifications, and mandatory ongoing training.
Track operational metrics, analyze cost patterns (fuel, repairs, mileage), and assist in budget planning to drive efficiency.
Prepare comprehensive operational reports to support organizational decision-making and continuous improvement.
Serve as the primary liaison for transportation services, addressing parent, staff, and agency inquiries promptly and professionally.
Support AIDB’s core mission, maintaining strict confidentiality and fostering an inclusive environment tailored to individuals who are deaf, blind, or have sensory needs.