Director of Transportation & Transit Operations

Hope Network Careers • Grand Rapids, MI

11d

About The Position

Director of Transportation & Transit Operations Position Summary Hope Network is seeking an experienced Director of Transportation & Transit Operations to lead and oversee all passenger transportation operations in West Michigan. This role is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of our bus transportation services, fleet management, compliance, safety, budget oversight, and transportation staff. We are specifically seeking candidates with leadership experience in: School bus transportation Public transit systems Municipal transportation Paratransit services Community transportation programs FTA or DOT-funded transportation operations Experience transporting people — not freight or logistics — is essential. Key Responsibilities Direct and oversee daily transportation operations and fleet management Lead and supervise transportation staff including drivers and operational personnel Ensure compliance with state, federal, DOT, FTA, and MDOT regulations Manage and monitor transportation budgets and operational metrics Oversee vehicle maintenance coordination and capital planning Administer and manage FTA Section 5310 grants and MDOT funding Drive continuous improvement in safety, service quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction Represent Hope Network with regulatory agencies, funders, and community partners Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and employee development Qualifications Required: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or related field (or equivalent experience) Minimum five (5) years demonstrated leadership growth in passenger transportation operations Experience supervising transportation staff or bus drivers Demonstrated budget management experience Strong knowledge of transportation compliance and regulatory requirements Valid driver’s license and ability to meet agency driving standards Preferred: Experience with FTA Section 5310 programs Grant management and reporting experience Experience in passenger transportation operations including public transit, paratransit, or school transportation Experience leading operational change initiatives Why Join Hope Network? This leadership role offers the opportunity to: Lead transportation services that support individuals with disabilities and barriers to access Influence community mobility and social determinants of health Partner with executive leadership to drive operational excellence Make a meaningful impact across West Michigan communities

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum five (5) years demonstrated leadership growth in passenger transportation operations
• Experience supervising transportation staff or bus drivers
• Demonstrated budget management experience
• Strong knowledge of transportation compliance and regulatory requirements
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet agency driving standards

Nice To Haves

• Experience with FTA Section 5310 programs
• Grant management and reporting experience
• Experience in passenger transportation operations including public transit, paratransit, or school transportation
• Experience leading operational change initiatives

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee daily transportation operations and fleet management
• Lead and supervise transportation staff including drivers and operational personnel
• Ensure compliance with state, federal, DOT, FTA, and MDOT regulations
• Manage and monitor transportation budgets and operational metrics
• Oversee vehicle maintenance coordination and capital planning
• Administer and manage FTA Section 5310 grants and MDOT funding
• Drive continuous improvement in safety, service quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction
• Represent Hope Network with regulatory agencies, funders, and community partners
• Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and employee development

Benefits

• Lead transportation services that support individuals with disabilities and barriers to access
• Influence community mobility and social determinants of health
• Partner with executive leadership to drive operational excellence
• Make a meaningful impact across West Michigan communities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director