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LOCATION: CTtransit (HNS Management Company, In c.), Hartford, CT

CUSTOMER: Connecticut DOT

OVERVIEW: Top executive responsibility for First Transit’s largest managed property, operating fixed-route, commuter express, and BRT service in the greater Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford areas with headquarters offices in Hartford. The system operates a fleet of 485 buses, employs some 1,100 operators, maintenance personnel, and administrative staff, and administers an annual operating budget of $150 million. Oversees a First Transit team consisting of five Assistant General Managers: Transit Operations, Maintenance and Technology, Planning and Marketing, Administration, and Procurement and Capital Projects.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Overall responsibility for operations and administration of the second largest transit operation in New England. Direct liaison with Connecticut DOT staff to report on operations, budget adherence, and other key performance indicators. Lead negotiator for collective bargaining agreements with the ATU (representing drivers and hourly-rated maintenance personnel) and Teamsters (representing first-line Transportation Supervisors in Hartford and New Haven). Principal point of contact for the organization with other State, regional, and local agencies. Coordinates the development and implementation of policies and procedures for the organization. Supervises the Internal Auditor. Develops annual operating and capital budgets. Assists the CTDOT customer in the oversight of other CTtransit operations (e.g., centralized procurement and warehousing). Working with the CTDOT customer, develops and implements a strategic vision for the organization in such areas as providing new services, deploying new technologies, and setting goals and objectives on short, near-term, and long-range basis. Performs other duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

College degree or equivalent experience is required. An advanced degree is desirable. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are required; must be adept at public speaking and making public presentations. Knowledge of fixed-route transit operations, maintenance, administration, planning, and marketing is required. Experience managing in a unionized environment is required. Experience as lead negotiator for collective bargaining agreements and managing grievance proceedings is highly desirable. Minimum seven years of progressively responsible senior management experience on a transit property or in relevant positions is required. Must be adept at multi-tasking and in overseeing numerous projects and priorities at the same time. Familiarity with basic regulatory compliance requirements specific to public transit is required. Ability to develop and articulate a strategic vision for the organization is required. Leadership, team-building, initiative, and self-direction are essential qualities. Incumbent in this position must be available most of the time on a 24/7 basis, given the nature of CTtransit operations. A current and valid driver’s license is required, as this position requires frequent travel throughout Connecticut.

ABOUT THE AREA:

Connecticut is renowned for its excellent public schools, public parks, and social, recreational, and cultural attractions. Hartford is the capital city and a thriving economic center for the insurance and banking industries, as well as headquarters for several Fortune 500 companies.

Connecticut enjoys a true four-season climate. Hartford is approximately 100 miles from Boston and New York City, approximately 50 miles from ocean beaches, and 50-100 miles from the Berkshire and White Mountains. Starting in 2018, there will be commuter rail service from Hartford to Grand Central Terminal in New York; Bradley International Airport provides nonstop flights to 30 destinations, including Canada, Ireland, and the UK.

CTtransit is unique in that First Transit operates three separate fixed-route transit systems serving Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford with one management. Also, the First Transit team reports directly to staff of the Connecticut DOT, so there is no board of directors or reporting to local elected officials. All revenue from the operation is deposited directly into the State Treasury, and operating funds are provided from the Special Transportation Fund appropriated by the legislature and administered by CTDOT. Subsidy funding for the operation is 100% from CTDOT, with no local funding.