Transit Director Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary: The Director of Transit is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the City of Roanoke's public transit functions, including the management of the operational contract for Valley Metro and serving as the City's liaison to the Greater Roanoke Transit Company (GRTC). This position provides strategic direction, contract oversight, and policy guidance to ensure the delivery of high-quality, equitable, and efficient transit services that support the mobility needs of Roanoke's residents, visitors, and businesses. The Director also represents the City on the GRTC Board and collaborates with regional partners to advance public transportation goals. The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer. To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community. This is an exempt position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide oversight of the Greater Roanoke Transit Company (GRTC) and the City's operational contract with Valley Metro, ensuring service quality, performance standards, and compliance with applicable regulations.
• Serve as the City's representative on the GRTC Board of Directors, participating in policy discussions and contributing to strategic planning efforts.
• Monitor transit system performance, including ridership trends, operational data, and customer satisfaction, and make recommendations for service improvements.
• Collaborate with regional, state, and federal agencies on funding opportunities, transportation planning, and system coordination.
• Develop and manage transit-related goals, budget recommendations, and policies aligned with City priorities and community needs.
• Engage with City departments and external stakeholders to support transit-oriented development and align transportation services with sustainability, land use, and economic development efforts.
• Address inquiries from elected officials, community members, and partner agencies regarding transit services and projects.
• Represent the City in regional transportation forums and at public meetings and events.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, urban planning, transportation management, business administration, or a related field.
• At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in public transportation, including supervisory or management roles.
• Experience in contract oversight and intergovernmental collaboration.
• Master's degree preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of public transportation systems, operations, and funding structures.
• Understanding of federal and state transportation regulations, grant programs, and compliance requirements.
• Experience managing service contracts and evaluating third-party vendor performance.
• Strong strategic planning, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including elected officials, board members, staff, and the public.

Supplemental Information:

Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret journals, financial reports, or governmental regulations. Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints orally and in writing. Ability to communicate effectively with management, public groups or employees of organization.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions

Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written or oral form.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and sit. The employee is occasionally required to walk. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.