Executive Director

Reports to: River Bend Transit Board of Directors

Position Overview / Nature of Work:
The Executive Director serves as the chief administrative officer for River Bend Transit (RBT) and has management responsibility over all aspects of RBT’s business development, administration, finance, maintenance, regulatory compliance, and operations. The position has the authority and responsibility to manage day-to-day operations in accordance with the direction and policies established by the Board of Directors (Board) and is required to maintain high standards of operational efficiency and safety, fiscal controls, and leadership in policy execution, budget management and a proactive approach in developing future service opportunities for RBT.

Essential Functions:

• Plans and implements various transit programs and services requiring open and constructive relationships with RBT staff, stakeholders, funding sources and outside agencies, organizations, and individuals.

• Provides strong leadership and guidance to managers and staff responsible for overseeing daily operations, emergency responses, safety programs, and special event activities, ensuring efficient and coordinated transit service delivery.

• Plans, develops and establishes policies and objectives for RBT in accordance with guidance established by the Board. Directs agency functions that will lead to process improvements, service efficiencies and cost-effectiveness, and transparent communications with the Board, RBT staff and external entities.
• Assures service quality and stability through development and implementation of standards and controls, systems and procedures, and regular program evaluation and analysis.

• Prepares an annual budget, regularly monitor financial performance, maintain strict compliance to all financial (audit) and regulatory requirements, and take corrective action as necessary to align expenditures with goals and fiscal constraints. Oversee RBT’s capital improvement plan.

• Complies with all local, state and federal laws and requirements and ensure agency readiness to appropriately respond to changes in mandates, laws, and regulations.

• Acts as a community representative, engaging in activities that enhance RBT’s public image and establishes credibility through community involvement.

• Maintains strong and constructive relationships with local and regional planning organizations, Iowa DOT, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and other entities to foster trust and responsiveness to stakeholders needs. Works with trade industry and transit associations, regulatory agencies, elected state and federal officials, and fellow transit agencies to promote legislative and regulatory policies that are in the best interest of RBT and its constituents.

• Actively participates and maintains membership with the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA), the Iowa Public Transit Association (IPTA), and the Region 9 Transportation Technical Committee. Typical business-related travel (in and out of state) is approximately 10% per year.

• Mentors and supervises management staff through regular performance evaluations, offering constructive feedback and guidance for improvement in order to foster staff growth, accountability, and succession development.

• Actively searches and evaluates appropriate sustainable funding sources to support ongoing operations, capital improvement projects, and future transit programs.

• Performs other duties as assigned by the Board.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, transportation management, or related field preferred. 10-15 years of applicable work experience in a senior management position, in lieu of a degree, will be considered.

• Experience: 5 to 10 years of progressive leadership experience with a minimum of 3 years in a senior management position. Extensive background in operations management, planning, regulatory compliance, fiscal administration, staff development, and experience integrating and coordinating diverse areas of management is highly desirable.

Core Competencies:

• Ability to create and implement strategic plans consistent with established agency goals.
• Commitment to promoting and enhancing public transit and RBT’s roles in the community.
• Working knowledge of basic accounting principles, budget preparation, financial reporting, grant writing, and accountability requirements to regulatory and oversight agencies.
• Demonstrated understanding of transit operations, implementation of safety and risk management programs, and active involvement in customer service improvement processes.
• Ability to lead through change and uncertainty with confidence utilizing a proactive, solutions-oriented approach.
• Working knowledge and proficiency using Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and social media applications.

Desirable Skills / Qualities:

• Strong verbal, writing, organizational, interpersonal communication, and analytical skills.
• Competency with various Microsoft Office programs i.e. Word, Excel, Power Point etc.
• Experience in leading, motivating and building teams to implement and grow programs.
• Ability to work independently, with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working closely with people having a diversity of backgrounds including board members, staff, funding agencies, elected officials, stakeholders and customers.
• Action oriented and innovative approach in managing all aspects of transit operations, staff development, fiscal administration, fund sourcing, and community / government relations.

Working Conditions

• No unusual physical exertion is required.
• Work is typically performed in normal office conditions.
• Exposure to health and accident hazards is not likely.
• Reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Specific Requirements

• Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record (no DUI, or license suspension within the past five years and no more than three non-major violations in the past three years.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check. Any adjudicated felonies within the past seven years would be deemed disqualifying as well as any misdemeanors relating to drug use or possession, violent acts, theft, or sexual misconduct.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
• Ability to legally work in the United States.

Annual Salary Range (based on qualifications and experience): $100,000 - $130,000.

Benefits

• PTO accrual, eight holidays, 4% 401K company match, use of a company vehicle
• RBT does not offer health insurance. In lieu of health insurance, a $500 per month stipend is offered to all full-time employees to defray health insurance costs or other expenses.

River Bend Transit is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will be considered regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, veteran or disability status, religion, age, gender orientation or other protected status.

Application Process

• Submit a one-page cover letter, resume and three references to [email protected] in a single attachment.
• The most qualified applicants will receive a phone call / email and invitation for an interview.
• Interviews are expected to take place within a week of the close of the application deadline. An initial virtual interview can be scheduled for applicants unable to attend in person.
• No phone calls or office visits will be accepted.

Application Deadline: 4:30pm, April 14, 2025