DIRECTOR OF TRANSIT

Summary: 
The City of Lawrence seeks a collaborative, passionate, and innovative transportation planning and operations professional to lead Lawrence Transit boldly into the future.  The Director of Transit oversees an award-winning public transit service, providing fixed-route, paratransit, and on-demand ride services in coordination with the University of Kansas and our shared operations contractor. Lawrence Transit provides three million rides per year and supports a thriving community of 100,000 people. Lawrence values multimodal transportation and the Director of Transit is a key contributor to these strategies, including providing oversight of the Public Parking Services Manager and his team. Upcoming capital initiatives include Downtown Station development, bus fleet electrification, and the development of safe and accessible rider amenities. Upcoming operational initiatives include World Cup 2026 planning, a sales tax referendum and long-range financial planning, and strategies to grow ridership and improve the rider experience.  

Responsibilities: 
Key responsibilities include analyzing and providing recommendations for current transportation functions; preparing the annual budget and capital program; liaising with the University of Kansas, supporting the community’s evolving transportation needs, complex contract management, and procurement; cultivating relationships with third-party providers and funding partners; supervising transit and parking staff; complex administrative reporting; ensuring adherence to City customer service standards; and ensuring safety and risk mitigation.  The incumbent will be a key contributor to internal and external transit and transportation boards, committees, and professional associations and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. 

Qualifications: 
A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in Transit Planning or a closely related field, is required. The ideal candidate will have at least five (5) years of experience in transit service planning, budget management, federal and state grant administration, and contract management. A sound understanding of DOT, FTA regulations and compliance strategies, third-party service provider oversight, and triannual evaluations is critical to performance. This position requires excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present information on local, state, regional, and national platforms. Previous experience with transit-related software (e.g. Remix, Passio, Transloc Architect, TrAMS, Trapeze, Luminator) is ideal but not required.   

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Please include a cover letter and resume with your application.  

The successful candidate must pass a background check, post-offer physical, and drug screening. 

Benefits: 
Health/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance: Various dependent coverage levels available; FREE Well Care Clinic through LMH; other wellness benefits/perks 
Paid Time Off: 12 Vacation days, 12 Sick days accrued per year; 2 days Personal Leave, 10 Paid Holidays 
Retirement: Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS)  

Position open until filled; initial review begins January 23, 2025