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Basic Functions:

The Chief Innovation Officer is responsible for managing the innovative processes within the organization that identifies strategies, business opportunities and new technologies. Develops new capabilities and architectures with partners, new business models and new industry standards to sustain METRO as a state-of-the-art transportation agency and a leader in the transit industry. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures. Responsibilities and Specific Duties:

•Provides primary managerial direction and performs personnel administrative functions of direct report staff (e.g. training, supervising, work assignments, timesheets, performance evaluations, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining necessary staffing, enhancing productivity of staff and ensuring necessary department outcomes are achieved.

•Provides oversight for new ideas relevant to METRO coming from internal staff and departments, government, entrepreneurs, private sector entities, academia or the public to improve the quality of transit services for the region.

•Partners with transportation/transit professionals, local government and the private sector to research leading edge ideas and philosophies to address current and anticipated transportation challenges.

•Develops and implements a comprehensive strategic plan framework that includes input from the Board of Directors, President & CEO, local/national partners, employees and stakeholders that will set the strategic direction of the agency.

•Conceives and develops new technologies, practices, systems and products to improve the quality of the transit system and to address transportation challenges.

•Supports METRO by developing, piloting and implementing new and experimental programs and policies towards more innovative partnerships through vehicle connectivity and automation, and other transit related service opportunities.

•Develops ridesharing partnerships by working with other local, state, federal and public/private sector partners.

•Takes a leadership role in staff development, leadership development, and departmental succession planning.

•Serves as a member of the Executive Leadership Team as an active participant/partner to meet the shared mission, vision, values and goals of METRO.

•Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.

•Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications/ Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning or related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Minimum of twelve (12) to fifteen (15) years’ experience in high level managerial positions with five years in a corporate or executive level management capacity; experience in transportation industry/public sector preferred. Experience in complex budgetary and audit processes, including financial reporting; experience related to effective organization and personnel management, and related administrative processes.

Must be able to develop and implement objectives, policies, procedures, and internal controls. Exercise sound judgment and creativity in making decisions. Must have excellent (verbal and written) communications and interpersonal skills.

Additional Information:

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.