Chief Operating Officer - Rock Region METRO

Rock Region Metropolitan Transit Authority seeks to fill an impactful leadership position – Chief Operations Officer. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO will serve as a strategic partner in shaping the future of public transit in Central Arkansas, delivering effective public services and fostering exceptional company culture within the organization and throughout the community.

Founded in 1986, Rock Region Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO) is Arkansas’s largest public transit provider, delivering nearly three million passenger trips annually throughout the Little Rock region. As a dynamic and community-focused agency, METRO is committed to expanding mobility options, improving equity of access, and shaping a more sustainable and connected Central Arkansas. The organization comprises five branches – METRO Local, METRO Streetcar, METRO Links paratransit service, METRO Connect on-demand ride-sharing service, and METRO Pool jobs-access vanpool service – and is funded through partner jurisdictions, federal formula funds, rider fares, the Arkansas Public Transit Trust Fund, one-time competitive grants (when available), and miscellaneous income streams.

METRO seeks an individual who will confidently and effectively maintain responsibility for operations management and service delivery; compliance and risk management; financial and budgetary oversight; labor relations, departmental safety, and departmental human resources; community and stakeholder engagement; and strategic leadership and organizational culture. The successful candidate will not only ensure compliance with Federal, State, and Local transit regulations, but also drive continuous improvement, embrace new technologies, and strengthen community impact. 

A typical way of demonstrating qualifications is to: 

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in transportation, business administration, public administration, or a related field (advanced degree preferred); 
  

• Possess extensive experience leading multi-modal transit operations with a demonstrated record of delivering service improvements at scale; 
  

• Have accrued a minimum of seven years working in progressively responsible transit operations roles, including at least three years in executive or senior management.
  

Additionally, candidates must have proven success in unionized labor relations; expertise in ADA compliance, transit safety/security regulations, and service planning; knowledge of emerging mobility technologies, sustainability practices, and innovative funding models, visionary leadership; exceptional relationship-building skills; a transparent, collaborative, and decisive decision-making style; a demonstrated commitment to advancing equity, sustainability, and community impact; and a proven ability to inspire cultural change and develop future leaders. Compensation for this position includes an annual salary range of $125,000 to $135,000, plus healthcare, retirement, paid leave, and relocation assistance if applicable. Please see our brochure for additional details.

This is an excellent opportunity that offers attractive compensation, relocation, and equal opportunity. METRO values diversity at all levels of its workforce – diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. To be considered, please visit https://www.KL2connects.com/openings, select the METRO listing, and upload your letter of interest, resume, salary expectations, and four (4) to five (5) professional references (preferably supervisory and including name, title, phone number, email address, and relationship to you). For more information on this exciting opportunity, please connect with KL2’s Kristen Joyner at [email protected]. Thank you!