Transit Director

Salary Range $115684-$186251

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to provide strategic leadership direction and oversight for developing and executing DeKalb Countys transit strategy in alignment with County priorities and community mobility needs. This role guides long-range transit policy planning and capital investment initiatives; ensure compliance with applicable federal state and local laws and regulations; and serve as the principal advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and County leadership on transit policy planning and system performance.

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar related or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Directs enterprise transit strategy and policy development; establishes the Countys long-range vision for mobility and public transit aligned with County strategic priorities economic development goals and regional transportation plans; advises the Chief Executive Officer Board of Commissioners and executive leadership on transit policy system performance and capital investment strategies; develops and advances countywide transit policies initiatives and programs in coordination with executive leadership including the Chief Economic Development Officer and Chief Housing Officer; provides executive oversight of major transit planning initiatives consultant engagements and procurement activities including the development and implementation of the Transit Master Plan; coordinates with regional transit authorities state agencies and federal partners to align County transit investments with regional mobility strategies; and directs long-term system planning for service expansion infrastructure investment system resilience and sustainable mobility.

Directs financial strategy and capital investment planning and policies that shape decisions for bus rapid transit corridors transit hubs and stations new rail lines or extensions micro transit and other forms of public transportation; establishes long-term operating and capital funding strategies to support transit programs infrastructure development and service expansion; develops administers and monitors annual operating and capital budgets to ensure fiscal sustainability and alignment with County priorities; identifies and secures federal state and regional funding opportunities grants and strategic partnerships to advance transit initiatives; ensures financial accountability through transparent fiscal oversight performance monitoring and compliance with County state and federal funding requirements; and provides strategic financial analyses investment recommendations and budget briefings to the Chief Executive Officer Board of Commissioners and senior leadership; engages with Federal Transit Authority USDOT and attends statewide transit meetings with the Georgia Transit Association.

Leads regional state and local partnerships and public engagement; serves as the Countys chief representative and spokesperson on transit policy planning and system performance; represents the Chief Executive Officer in intergovernmental coordination and strategic engagement with regional and state transportation partners including MARTA ATL GDOT ARC regional transportation committees and working groups; engages with local transit agencies airports city councils school districts and other mobility partners; advances County transit priorities through regional policy discussions planning initiatives and funding collaborations; presents transit strategies capital investments and system performance updates at CEO briefings Board of Commissioners meetings public hearings and community forums; promotes equitable accessible and community-responsive transit services; and cultivates collaborative partnerships with community stakeholders advocacy groups business organizations and regional agencies.

Provides executive leadership and organizational governance; directs and evaluates the work of department staff contractors and consultants to ensure effective program delivery and operational excellence; establishes organizational priorities performance measures and accountability frameworks for transit programs and initiatives; promotes a culture of safety innovation transparency and customer service across transit operations; advances workforce development leadership capacity and succession planning initiatives; and ensures compliance with applicable laws regulations policies and performance standards governing transit programs and services.

Drives innovation and sustainable mobility initiatives; leads the modernization of the Countys mobility network through the adoption of innovative transit technologies service models and data-driven performance tools; directs the integration of clean energy technologies electric and low-emission vehicle fleets micro-transit services and smart mobility solutions to enhance service delivery and environmental sustainability; aligns transit planning and operations with County sustainability resilience and climate action goals; leverages data analytics and real-time service technologies to improve system efficiency reliability and customer experience; and monitors national trends emerging technologies and industry best practices to guide long-term system transformation and continuous improvement.

Drives digital transformation and advanced mobility technologies; leads the integration of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to enhance transit planning operations and decision-making; implements smart mobility solutions such as predictive analytics demand-responsive services and real-time performance tools; oversees technology procurement and governance to ensure alignment with County priorities and data security standards; leverages data-driven insights to improve efficiency reliability and customer experience; and monitors industry trends to support continuous innovation and system modernization.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in Public Administration Urban Planning Transportation Management or a related field required Masters preferred; 10 years of progressively responsible experience in transit or transportation management; or any equivalent combination of education training and experience which provides the requisite knowledge skills and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia drivers license.