Chief Executive Officer

Salary: $175,000 - $225,000

Located among the Columbia, Yakima, and Snake Rivers in southeastern Washington, Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) is a municipal corporation which provides public transportation services in a 616 square mile area in Benton and Franklin Counties. BFT administration offices are in Richland, which, along with its sister cities of Kennewick, Pasco, and West Richland, make up the Tri-Cities (population 283,000). The area is in the heart of wine country and averages 300 days of sunshine a year, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities, including water sports, golf, wine touring and outdoor theater.

BFT is governed by an appointed nine-member board of directors. The overall management of BFT is divided into five departments: Fleet & Facilities, Human Resources & Labor Relations, Marketing & Communications, Planning & Service Development, and Administrative Services. BFT has a 2024 operating budget of $63.6 million and has a current capital budget of $22.7 million. BFT employs 418 FTEs, both union and non-union. In addition to fixed-route services, BFT also provides paratransit (Dial-A-Ride) services to the Public Transit Benefit Area (PTBA), Night and Sunday Service, and Demand Response services, as well as connector services for outside of BFT’s PTBA. The agency has one of the largest Van Pool programs in the nation. In 2023, combined ridership for all modes of service totaled approximately 3,170,000.

Under the direction of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) plans, directs, and administers all functions of the agency, develops strategic objectives and initiatives to present to the board, and executes decisions for the board. The CEO has oversight and responsibility for capital development programs, including expansion of bus services, transit facilities, and other related projects. The CEO will interface with national, state, and local political constituencies for transit-related matters, and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations regarding transit operations, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Affirmative Action, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

A bachelor’s degree in business administration, transportation, public administration, or related field from an accredited institution and five years of increasingly responsible executive-level management experience; or an equivalent combination of experience and education is required. A master’s degree from an accredited institution and/or ten years of experience in a senior-level management position, with at least five years in a senior transit management position is preferred. While experience in a transportation agency is preferred, a candidate who demonstrates strong executive leadership experience and skills will be highly considered.

Benefits include but are not limited to medical, vision and dental; life insurance and AD&D; long-term disability; employee assistance program; health reimbursement account; flexible spending account; paid leave program; Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS); and paid time off. Relocation packet negotiable.

For a complete position profile, full job description, and to apply online, visit Prothman at https://www.prothman.com/ and click on "Open Recruitments". For questions, call 206-368-0050. Ben Franklin Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. First review of applications: May 5, 2024 (open until filled).