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Job Title: Director, Transportationand Requisition ID number: 59442
Close Date: No established closing date; open until filled
Organizational Unit: Transportation (10000103)
Site: Transportation (0750)
FTE: 1.0; this is based on full-time equivalency with 1.0 being full time
Union: Transportation(09)
Functional Area: Administrative
Resume and Cover Letter are mandatory to apply for any position.

SUMMARY Under limited supervision, plans, organizes and directs the Transportation Department, including strategic planning and management oversight of student transportation, transportation technology systems, bus safety training, technical and financial reporting, and fleet maintenance operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, organizes and directs the district's Transportation operations, including student transportation, safety & skills training, routing, scheduling & dispatch, technical & financial reporting, and vehicle maintenance operations.
• Conducts long range planning activities, including cost analysis and recommendations for improving the overall effectiveness of transportation services.
• Exercises independent judgment within broad policy guidelines; analyzes issues and recommends and implements solutions; provides leadership in planning, policy development and operational priorities.
• Provides strategic direction and oversights project management to support solutions for department operational improvement needs; monitors operations and assures the quality of the services and work products; develops action plans and metrics and analyzes operational results; assures the effective allocation and utilization of funds.
• Directs Transportation staff, develops priorities, and assigns tasks and projects; evaluates performance and resolves workload and technical issues; assures that appropriate services are provided, and goals are defined and achieved
• Selects, supervises, trains, evaluates and develops staff skills including school bus drivers, vehicle mechanics, dispatchers and schedulers, and other assigned staff and conducts performance evaluations; meets regularly with staff to discuss and resolve priorities, workload and technical issues.
• Handles complaints, resolves problems and responds to requests for information from parents and community members pertaining to the district's transportation of students.
• Assures the Transportation Department activities and procedures are in compliance with all laws, policies, regulations and standards.
• Manages the preparation and distribution of technical and financial reports to accurately reflect the operational trends and costs of the MPS Transportation operations; reviews and approves operational and summary reports to state and Federal agencies.
• Develops budgets and controls expenditures; reviews , approves and maintains department records, scheduling, payroll reporting, and work activity reports.
• Manages life cycle analysis and reporting for Transportation vehicles, including replacement planning.
• Directs the management of contracts for special services.
• Provides advice and assistance on Transportation issues, interprets policies and procedures, and assures the consistent interpretation and application of Federal, state and MPS rules and regulations.
• Collaborates with other public agencies, community organizations, and other district departments.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent's goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines
Bachelor's Degree in Transportation Management, Business or Public Administration or related field; AND five (5) years of transportation management experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

Knowledge of:

• Federal, state and local codes and regulations governing public transportation.
• Principles and practices of public sector administrative management, including cost accounting, budgeting, purchasing, contract management, customer service and employee supervision.
• Best practices for efficient and cost-effective management of resources.
• Principles and practices of conflict resolution and negotiation strategies.
• Techniques and methods for long-range strategic and financial planning.
• Federal and state safety rules and regulations, including OSHA requirements.
• Environmentally responsible and resource-efficient transportation policies.

Skill in:

• Directing and coordinating complex Transportation system.
• Interpreting and applying applicable Federal, state and local rules and regulations; and MPS policies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Reviewing operations and assuring MPS compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and rules.
• Analyzing problems and developing effective solutions.
• Managing staff, delegating tasks and authority, and coaching to improve staff performance.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Preparing, reviewing and presenting management reports.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, community leaders, government agency representatives, clients, and the public.
• Promoting and enforcing safe work practices.
• Operating a personal computer using standard and specialized software.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS A valid Minnesota State Driver's License required by date of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in a standard office environment which requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with long periods of computer work and heavy phone usage.

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION

• • Bargaining Unit: MAAS
  • Grade: 72
  • FLSA Status: Exempt
  • Job Group: Transportation Operations

Final candidates may be invited to interview with a committee. Final appointment to this position will be contingent upon passing a criminal background check.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:

Diversity is one of Minneapolis Public Schools core values and is essential to our goal of putting children first and making them college-ready. Diversity of our workforce provides us with a competitive advantage and allows us to better understand, communicate with and educate our diverse student body. Minneapolis Public Schools will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status.

Minneapolis Public Schools strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply.