Public Transportation Office Director

State of Oregon•Salem, OR

7d•$115,248 - $178,272•Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Transportation is hiring a Business Operations Administrator 1 to direct the Public Transportation Office within the Policy, Analysis & Data Division in Salem. The director leads the strategic direction and operations of statewide transit and passenger rail services, oversees significant federal and state funding, manages regulatory requirements, and provides guidance that shapes transit operations across Oregon. The role includes directing statewide transit and passenger rail strategy, program and funding decisions, and office priorities. The director manages staff and develops budget priorities and funding requests, while representing the office in agency executive meetings and policy discussions. The position also serves as a liaison to executives, legislators, and the Transportation Commission, and builds partnerships to advance multimodal transportation priorities. Work is performed in an office environment, with hybrid work options and in-person office work required at least once per week. Frequent statewide travel and occasional interstate travel are required, sometimes involving overnight stays. The director may need to be available for emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. Driving is an essential function, and a valid U.S. driver license and acceptable driving record are required. The position is part of the state’s management team. The listed monthly salary range is $9,604–$14,856, described as the non-PERS range; it increases by 6.95% for participating or eligible PERS members. The employer does not offer visa sponsorship.

Requirements

Five years of management experience in business operations; or two years of management experience in business operations and a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
A valid U.S. driver license and an acceptable driving record; driving is an essential function of the position.
Ability to foster a supportive, inclusive, high-performing team culture by establishing and executing a vision, empowering staff, and communicating openly.
Knowledge of transportation, public transit, rail, or related mobility systems and challenges.
Ability to build alignment, foster collaboration, and lead across diverse teams, organizations, and partners to achieve shared goals.
Ability to assess complex programs, policies, and organizational systems, identify critical interdependencies, and execute coordinated processes.
Experience managing complex funding programs, including regulatory compliance, resource allocation, performance monitoring, and financial accountability.

Responsibilities

Direct statewide transit and passenger rail strategy and operations.
Oversee statewide program, grant, contract, and regulatory compliance.
Direct transportation funding and investment decisions.
Establish office goals, priorities, and strategic direction.
Manage hiring, staff development, and performance management.
Develop and present biennial budget priorities and funding requests.
Represent the Public Transportation Office in agency executive meetings and policy discussions.
Coordinate cross-divisional collaboration on major transportation initiatives.
Serve as liaison to executives, legislators, and the Transportation Commission.
Build and maintain strategic partnerships to advance multimodal transportation priorities.