Northern Transit Operating Section Chief – Technical Manager V

Role Overview

• Accountable for the review, analysis, and recommendation of approval for the administration of public transportation grant programs that provides state and federal operating assistance to both rural and urbanized public transportation providers in Northern Illinois areas, excluding the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) region.
• Monitors and analyzes developments affecting public transportation operating assistance programs in Northern Illinois and ensures grant recipients comply with federal and state program requirements.
• Reviews grant activities to ensure conformance with established department and office policies and recommends actions where there is no established policy.
• Evaluates grant applications on the basis of need, priorities and conformance with department objectives.
• Ensures compliance of contractual agreements with federal and state program guidelines for grant administration.
• Provides liaison between the office and the representatives of the various counties and transit providers in Northern Illinois on all issues relating to the federal and state operating assistance programs.
• Monitors and analyzes transit related activities of the Northern Illinois areas which have a potential impact on state transit policy.
• Works with the Bureau Chief of Transit Operations to set staff priorities and manages the timeliness of meeting stated deadlines.
• Trains, motivates, and evaluates subordinates to ensure a well-developed and competent staff.
• Reviews and approves payment of requisitions to ensure the eligibility of stated expenses.
• Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules.
• Performs all duties in a manner conducive to the fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree majoring in finance, business administration, planning, communications, project management or a related field PLUS three years of experience in the administration of state and federal grant programs, transit operations, adherence to program compliance, or a combination thereof.
• OR Eleven years of experience in the administration of state and federal grant programs, transit operations, adherence to program compliance, or a combination thereof.
• Two years of supervisory experience (preferred).
• Considerable knowledge of mobility management and transportation planning (preferred).
• Understanding of the Illinois Downstate Operating Assistance Program (DOAP) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5311 and 5307 rules and regulations (preferred).
• Strong financial management skills including knowledge of general accounting principles (preferred).
• Prior experience with transit procurement (preferred).
• Requires a valid driver’s license.
• Requires successful completion of a background screening.
• Requires frequent travel within the state which may include some overnight stays.

Benefits

• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• 12 Weeks paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
• 12 paid Sick Days annually
• 10 paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to 25 paid Vacation Days annually
• 3 paid Personal Days annually
• 13-14 paid holidays annually (based on start date)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources