Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Hiring/Starting pay range: $170,000 - $210,000/annually, based on experience.

Benefits: Benefits include (but are not limited to): Paid time off, medical, dental, vision, and hearing insurance with FSA/HSA, short-term disability, long-term disability, life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), 401(a) and 457(b) retirement plans, EAP, ski pass, etc. For more detail - https://www.rfta.com/employment/benefits

Position Summary
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key executive role responsible for the day-to-day operations of RFTA. This includes overseeing all transportation services, maintenance, customer service, safety, and operational performance. The COO will work closely with the CEO and other senior leadership to develop and implement strategies to achieve the agency's goals and objectives.

Essential Job Duties

• Objectives and Key Results (OKRs): Set clear goals for service quality, safety, and efficiency, and regularly track progress to ensure we're meeting our objectives.

• Succession Planning: Identify and develop future leaders within the organization to ensure continuity and growth.

• Professional Development: Support employees in growing their skills and advancing their careers within the organization.

• Community Engagement: Connect with our community to understand their needs and improve our services accordingly.

• Operational Leadership: Oversee and manage all aspects of transit operations, scheduling, maintenance, and safety protocols.

• Strategic Planning: Collaborate with the CEO and senior leadership team to develop and implement strategic plans to improve service delivery, increase ridership, and enhance operational efficiency.

• Safety and Compliance: Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to transportation safety and operations. Develop and implement safety programs and initiatives.

• Performance Management: Monitor and analyze operational performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions as needed.

• Budget Management: Work with the finance team to develop and manage the operational budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and financial sustainability.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, and industry partners, to enhance service delivery and address community needs.

• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of operations professionals. Foster a positive work environment and promote a culture of continuous improvement.

• Emergency Management: Prepare and lead response plans for unexpected events to keep operations running smoothly and ensure passenger safety.

• Innovation and Technology: Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and operational improvements.

• Sustainability and Environmental Impact: Strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, with the ability to develop and implement initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental impact of transit operations, such as transitioning to cleaner fuels and adopting energy-efficient practices.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of transportation regulations, safety standards, and industry best practices.

• Proven track record of successful leadership and team management in a complex operational environment.

• Excellent strategic planning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including employees, customers, government agencies, and community groups.

• Familiarity with budget management and financial analysis.

• Experience with emergency management and response planning is a plus.

Education
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Transportation, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).

Experience
A minimum of 10 years of experience in public transit operations, including at least 5 years in a senior management role.

Working Conditions
Works in a normal office environment where minimal to light physical activity is required. While the duties and responsibilities of the job require eight (8) hours per day at a minimum, Monday through Friday, the incumbent will be required to adjust his or her work hours day-to-day, week-to-week, and/or incident-by-incident, based on the related needs and demands of RFTA.

Application Deadline/Closing Date
No deadline. Posting will remain until this open position is filled.

How to Apply Please apply via the RFTA website. This position, and all current open positions, are located here - https://rfta.applicantpro.com/jobs/

RFTA is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.