Chief Operating Officer

High Performance. Unmatched Lifestyle. Shape the Future of Transit in Duluth

We are in a period of extraordinary momentum! The Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) is seeking an ambitious, forward-thinking transit operations leader to serve as Chief Operating Officer. Having successfully executed a bold system redesign through the Better Bus Blueprint, the DTA has modernized its entire operations framework, driving steady month-over-month ridership growth and delivering exceptional on-time reliability.

• All Transit Ranks Duluth #4 of 131 similarly sized metro areas
• Ridership has grown over 45% since 2021
• Only 15 OF 320 eligible transit agencies rank higher then the DTA in performance categories, putting us in the top 5%

As COO, you will step onto a strong operational foundation poised for transformational innovation, spearheading the full evolution of high-frequency "Go Line" corridors into full-scale Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), implementing intelligent transportation technology, and rolling out account-based mobile ticketing. Nestled along the dramatic shores of Lake Superior, Duluth, Minnesota, offers an unmatched quality of life—combining a vibrant, thriving community with world-class outdoor adventure and a deeply supportive civic environment. Here, you won't just manage daily service; you will lead an agile, high-performing team with direct executive influence, shaping the future of mobility across the Twin Ports region. If you are ready to leave a lasting footprint on an agency ready to reach new heights, the DTA is your platform.

For more information about the DTA and this position, click here!

DTA Employees enjoy an amazing fringe benefits package that includes:

• Competitive salary, increasing based on paratransit experience
• 12% match of salary to a company sponsored money market pension
• Training and Career Development Opportunities
• Health insurance-full paid monthly premiums for employee & family, $500 deductible per person, max of $1500 per family
• Dental Insurance-fully paid monthly premiums for employee & family
• Vision Insurance-fully paid monthly premiums for employee & family
• Life insurance-fully paid monthly premiums for employee
• Access to Minnesota Deferred Compensation Plan, a 401(k) and a Roth IRA
• Free bus passes for employee and immediate family
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick time
• Relocation assistance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible spending account (FSA)

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with the CEO to determine the goals and needs of the Operations division.
• Implement programs and communicate solutions to attain stated goals.
• Administer company policy and monitor bus operator performance.
• Ensure that an adequate labor force projection is accurate.
• Accurately maintain all necessary records and assure the union contract is correctly interpreted and that its provisions are fairly and consistently applied.
• Prepare all reports as necessary. Review internal and external communications. Review data to determine the goals and needs of the division.
• Monitor the bus service delivery system and ensure that the public is receiving quality bus service that is safe, comfortable, on time, and efficient.
• Handle all Union relations and issues
• Administer the FTA-required Safety Sensitive Drug and Alcohol testing program.
• Serve as a member of the company contract negotiating team for unionized employees. Conduct negotiations in accordance with fair labor practices.
• Assist in the development and management of the divisional budget.
• Represent the company at community functions and events as needed.
• Serve as a DTA representative on boards and committees as required.

Requirements:

• Education or experience in mass transit, transportation, logistics, public administration, urban planning, or related field.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in personnel administration, labor relations, and operations management.
• Ability to coordinate, direct, supervise, and evaluate the work of subordinates and maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a diverse workforce.
• Ability to apply collaborative work strategies and gain the cooperation of all levels of employees.
• Ability to develop new or alternate methods, procedures, and policies which result in improved effectiveness, efficiency, and/or cost-savings
• Ability to write, prepare, and proofread comprehensive written reports; establish and maintain positive working relationships with agency personnel, union representatives, board of directors, and the general public
• Excellent interpersonal skills to exchange and or convey information, receive work direction, and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of employees, committees and groups; and to diffuse situations/conversations that have escalated beyond normal limits
• Organized, plans time, sets priorities, and meets critical deadlines.