Director of Transportation

GRTC Transit System • Richmond, VA

2d • $134,000 - $140,000

About The Position

Join a Mission That Moves Richmond

GRTC is deeply connected to the communities we serve, offering opportunities to shape the future of public transit through innovative service designs, major capital projects, and a growing regional network. Every day, our work powers more than 30,000 transit trips and supports mobility for people across the region. With new routes, expanded connections, and a second bus rapid transit line in development to complement the Pulse, our ITDP Bronze Medal-winning flagship system, GRTC continues to expand its role as the backbone of regional mobility. Joining GRTC means being part of a mission-driven team with the chance to make a lasting impact on how people move and connect.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Transportation Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field (required); Master’s degree (preferred).
• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in transit operations, including at least five (5) years in a senior leadership or management role. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis in lieu of a Degree.
• Experience managing unionized workforces, overseeing labor relations, and participating in contract negotiations.
• Experience with multiple transit modes (fixed route, paratransit, microtransit) strongly preferred.
• Valid Virginia Driver’s License required; CDL preferred or must be obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Must maintain an active driving status acceptable under GRTC’s insurance policy, including consenting to periodic monitoring of driving records as a condition of employment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of public transit operations, labor relations, customer service, and transportation safety.
• Demonstrated success in managing large, unionized operational teams in a high-pressure environment.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate, manage conflict, and develop talent.
• Expertise in contract and vendor oversight, especially related to transportation services.
• Solid understanding of technology systems used in transit operations (CAD/AVL, scheduling software, vehicle monitoring).
• Proficiency in data analysis, KPI tracking, and performance-based decision-making.
• Skilled communicator in both written and oral formats; comfortable speaking with internal teams, executive leadership, and public stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree
• CDL preferred or must be obtained within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates strong leadership daily to guide the Transportation Department in alignment with GRTC’s vision and goals.
• Exercises full operational authority over GRTC’s largest department, with responsibility for all modes of transportation service (local fixed-route, express, BRT, paratransit, and microtransit).
• Develops and implements operational policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives to enhance service performance, safety, and reliability.
• Oversees supervision staff responsible for window dispatching, board building/scheduling, bus assignment coordination, radio controllers, payroll, and field supervision.
• Oversees the Transportation Control Center (TCC) to ensure consistent service delivery standards and adherence to GRTC performance expectations.
• Provides indirect oversight of all transportation staff, including more than 300 bus operators and support personnel.
• Oversees the implementation, integration, and maintenance of technology systems used in daily transit operations, including CAD/AVL, vehicle locator systems, operator scheduling software, and emergency communication platforms.
• Collaborates with the Information Technology Department to ensure operational technology systems support service reliability, staff efficiency, and data reporting needs.
• Acts as GRTC’s liaison with union officials; supports and participates in labor negotiations as a member of the Company’s bargaining team.
• Conducts first-step grievance and disciplinary hearings, ensuring consistent application of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and internal policies.
• Reviews and evaluates disciplinary actions and may represent the agency in arbitration proceedings.
• Works with Human Resources to implement training programs that promote staff development and succession planning.
• Provides leadership development opportunities for transportation supervisors and ensures accountability at all levels of the department.
• Directly manages a team of transportation supervisory staff and provides high-level oversight of all personnel within the department.
• Oversees the accurate completion and submission of payroll for all Transportation staff.
• Conducts routine staff meetings and drafts/prepares written communications to ensure staff are informed, aligned, and motivated.
• Coordinates with key internal stakeholders—including Maintenance, Safety & Security, Planning, and Customer Service—to ensure cross-functional alignment of goals and operational needs.
• Ensures sufficient staffing, vehicle deployment, and route coverage to meet daily service demands.
• Analyzes service problems and accident records to identify root causes and implement improvements to safety and customer experience.
• Oversees the investigation and resolution of customer complaints related to transportation services and operator conduct.
• Supports the implementation of safety initiatives, emergency preparedness, and compliance with FTA safety directives.
• Serves as contract administrator and primary liaison for GRTC’s paratransit contractor and subcontractors, ensuring full contractual compliance with service quality, safety, ADA, and reporting requirements.
• Works closely with the contractor’s General Manager to ensure reliable service delivery, effective coordination, and mutual accountability.
• Monitors performance data (on-time performance, missed trips, vehicle readiness, complaints) to assess contractor effectiveness and enforce corrective actions.
• Reviews and validates contractor reports, ensuring timely and accurate submissions while processing liquidated damages for non-compliance.
• Works with Procurement and Finance on contract modifications, renewals, and budget impacts.
• Leads quarterly and annual contract reviews, supports RFP development, and coordinates internal audits, including FTA triennial reviews.
• Maintains documentation and compliance tracking, ensuring transparency and accountability in managing public funds.
• Participates in the development and administration of the annual Transportation Department budget.
• Forecasts workforce and resource needs based on ridership trends, service plans, and capital priorities.
• Monitors expenditures and identifies cost-efficiency opportunities while maintaining high service standards.
• In accordance with our mission statement, additional duties and / or tasks may be assigned to continue seamless service for the agency.

What This Job Offers

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