Role: Deputy Director

The Deputy Director is NOTA’s second-in-command, responsible for overseeing the NOTA’s door-to-door transit service. This critical role ensures safe, reliable, accessible, and customer-focused transportation while managing complex operational, staffing, scheduling, and regulatory challenges. The Deputy Director works closely with the Executive Director on strategic planning, service expansion, and organizational leadership, and serves as acting Executive Director when needed.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations & Service Management

• Lead daily transit operations, ensuring safe, timely, and efficient trips under challenging conditions, including service disruptions, staff shortages, vehicle issues, and severe weather.
• Oversee dispatch, scheduling, and fleet utilization; make real-time operational adjustments to maintain service reliability.
• Ensure strict compliance with ADA, MDOT, FTA, and internal policies.

Staff Leadership & Organizational Development

• Supervise drivers, dispatchers, schedulers, and operational support staff, balancing performance management, safety, and morale.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, training, and development; conduct evaluations, coaching, and corrective actions.
• Foster a collaborative, service-driven, and inclusive workplace culture.

Scheduling, Routing & Technology Oversight

• Optimize complex routing and scheduling systems; monitor productivity and on-time performance benchmarks.
• Lead adoption, integration, and training for dispatch and AVL technology to improve efficiency and service quality.

Compliance, Safety & Quality Assurance

• Manage rigorous safety programs, including vehicle inspections, incident reporting, and regulatory adherence.
• Investigate service disruptions, accidents, and complaints; implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Customer Experience & Community Engagement

• Ensure a positive and accessible rider experience from scheduling through drop-off.
• Resolve complex accessibility and service issues; coordinate with community partners to enhance mobility options.

Data, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Track and report on KPIs, including on-time performance, ride productivity, service denials, cancellations, and safety incidents.
• Use data-driven insights to recommend operational improvements, policy adjustments, and efficiency measures.

Strategic Planning & Agency Leadership

• Partner with the Executive Director on long-term service strategies, pilot programs, and expansion initiatives.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and oversight of operational expenditures.
• Participate in emergency operations planning, continuity procedures, and serve as acting Executive Director when required.

Qualifications:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s in Transportation, Public Administration, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years of progressively responsible transit, operations, or logistics experience; supervisory experience preferred.
• Knowledge of public transit operations and Michigan regulations (MDOT/FTA) is beneficial.
• Strong operational leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to accessibility, equity, and customer-focused service.
• Valid Michigan driver’s license; ability to pass background and DOT/FTA testing.

Working Conditions:
Primarily office-based with fieldwork; may require early mornings, evenings, weekends, and on-call duties.

Performance Metrics:
On-time performance, trip reliability, safety compliance, staff development, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

 Please submit a resume and cover letter to djurik@ridenota.org to apply.