Transit Division Director

A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization. We offer wonderful benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more! If you’re searching for something more than just a job, something akin to a calling, then consider the challenge and opportunity of being a member of Johnson County Government!

Want to work in a public service environment centered around community, innovation and leadership?  Want to provide reliable and accessible transportation options for our diverse and expanding community?  Consider the challenge and opportunity of leading the Transit division within the Public Works department. Johnson County Transit operates as part of the regional RideKC network, offering fixed-route buses, on-demand microtransit, and paratransit services connecting Johnson County with downtown Kansas City, MO, and surrounding communities.

The Transit Division Director provides senior department-level leadership, strategic direction, and fiscal stewardship for all transit services, including fixed-route, express, paratransit, and on-demand transportation. This position is responsible for executing the long-term vision and operational strategy for Transit in alignment with the County’s mission, the Board of County Commissioners’ strategic priorities, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. The position exercises significant independent judgment and financial accountability and manages transit operations using an operations-up leadership model that ensures service delivery decisions are informed by operational performance, customer experience, workforce capacity, and long-term fiscal sustainability.

Summary:

• This position level is responsible for the successful operations of activities of major significance; consists of department/agency wide assignments over a specific area or function; shares responsibility as the Department/Agency Director in his/her absence; acts independently, with guidance/counsel from Department/Agency Director and County Manager’s Office; responsible for training and development, estimating personnel needs, assigning work, and meeting completion dates; provides leadership, coaching and mentoring, normally working within a department/agency leadership team environment; makes recommendations on final decisions on administrative or operational issues affecting major segments of the department/agency or County-wide functions; may oversee a large segment of the department/agency functions.

Management Role:

• Provides department/agency-wide supervision; maintains a link between division leaders and department/agency head; manages subordinate managers, and/or experienced specialists or professional level employees who exercise significant latitude and independence; often provides specialty knowledge for other departments/agencies or County-wide function(s); responsible, through middle management, for overall department/agency staff function or for one or more functions in a major division or group; provides strategic planning and decision making while others carry out the day to day functions.

Policy Creation/Decisions:

• May participate with other senior managers/director in developing and establishing division, group, or County-wide policies.

Freedom to Act, Guidance Given/Assignments Received:

• Acts independently, restricted by the broadest policies and objectives; accountable for final administrative and operational decision affecting the assigned department/agency functions.

Contacts:

• Serves as a principal spokesperson for the division, group, or department/agency on highly-significant matters.

Minimum Job Requirements (Department/Agency Specific):

High School Diploma or equivalent and a minimum between fourteen (14) to eighteen (18) years relevant experience OR Associate's Degree and a minimum between twelve (12) to sixteen (16) years relevant experience OR Bachelor's Degree and a minimum between ten (10) to fourteen (14) years relevant experience.  Five (5) years leading, directing, supervising, or coordinating the work of others.

Johnson County Government requires reference/background screening for all positions.  Specified criteria may vary by Department/Agency.