Chief Operations Officer

Join the leadership team at Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) as its new Chief Operations Officer. Reporting to the General Manager/Chief Executive Officer (GM/CEO), the COO serves as the primary strategy and operational leader for transit service delivery with overall accountability and oversight for a wide range of operations including Bus Operations and Maintenance, Rail (Light and Commuter) Operations and Maintenance, Paratransit and Microtransit Services, Service Planning and Scheduling, and Maintenance of Way. The COO also oversees capital vehicle procurement and is tasked with ensuring the agency continues to optimize its core business function of delivering public transit services in support of customers.

Headquartered in Denver, RTD covers 2,324 square miles and eight of the twelve Colorado counties in the Denver-Aurora-Boulder Combined Statistical Area. Governed by a Board of Directors, RTD delivers public transit services (bus, commuter- and light-rail) to a population of just over 3 million. Its bus fleet consists of 1,028 buses. RTD owns and operates 607 of the buses for its fixed routes; private carriers manage and operate 421 non-RTD facilities that vary according to their specific transit function.

As RTD’s operational leader, the COO impacts RTD's organizational success by providing management oversight of the day-to-day transit delivery operational functions; guiding long-term decisions regarding the provision of public transportation with insight into operational/functional impacts; effectively managing the operating resources and capital assets while providing efficient and equitable services; and inspiring, leading, and implementing innovative transit delivery technologies and initiatives.

A typical way of demonstrating qualifications for this position include possessing a bachelor’s degree in business, political science, planning, public administration, or related field, plus a minimum of seven (7) years of C-suite leadership experience, five (5) years of leading and managing second level management, and five (5) years of working in a public sector or other highly-regulated entity. A master's degree in public administration, business administration, transportation management, planning, or related field is preferred.

The ideal candidate must demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of business management principles, excellent communication skills, the ability to motivate staff, and the ability to develop effective financial plans. An equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.

The expected salary range for this role is between $200,744 and $282,551.50, depending on experience. The maximum salary for this position is $311,154. This position closes November 30, 2024. To be considered for this role, it is encouraged that applications are submitted early as they will be reviewed to move forward in the process early December.

This is an outstanding career-defining opportunity that offers attractive compensation, benefits, and relocation. RTD is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to the race, sex, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

To be considered, go to https://jobs.kl2connects.com/jobs/current, select the RTD COO listing and upload your letter of interest, resume, salary expectations, and four or five professional references (preferably supervisory and/or clients, including their name, title, phone, email address, and relationship to you). For more information, please contact KL2’s principal Kristen Joyner at [email protected].