Transportation Operations Director

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description 

The Philadelphia Streets Department and the divisions within it are responsible for the City's vast network of streets and roadways. Included among many duties are the ongoing collection and disposal of residential trash and recyclables, as well as the construction, cleanliness and maintenance of our entire street system.  

The Streets Department's mission is to provide clean, green, and safe streets in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The department delivers a number of City services that are critical to maintaining the public health and safety in our communities. These essential services include, but are not limited to, curbside trash and recycling collection, maintaining all traffic control devices and street lighting, the construction and maintenance of 320 bridges and 2,525 miles of streets and highways and snow and ice removal.  

Job Description

Position Summary 

This is executive-level work assisting in the direction and administration of all divisional transportation operations activities and functions.  The employee is responsible for assisting to ensure maximum effectiveness, efficiency and coordination of all elements of operational services within the division. Day-to-day management of priority issues and projects and close coordination with other City officials and representatives of utilities to ensure interagency cooperation in coordinating programs and projects and to resolve common problems are major aspects of the work. Work includes establishing and adhering to project timelines, outlining resources required for successful implementation of initiatives, and monitoring results to ensure goals and objectives are met. Work is performed under the general direction of the Deputy Commissioner for Transportation.  

Essential Functions 

• Assumes management responsibility for assigned projects and operational functions as needed; plans, manages and oversees the daily functions, operations and activities of assigned projects and functional areas.   

• Directs functional operations through senior managers; confers with subordinate managers on operational activities and problems; consults on the interpretation and application of departmental policies; coordinates activities with other departmental units and functions. 

• Develops and implementing policies, methods, and procedures for divisional operations and functions; organizes, plans, and schedules activities for diverse and complex projects and programs within the division. 

• Manages projects to meet targeted performance objectives; sets performance goals and production standards for planned projects and programs; develops strategies and coordinates responses to day-to-day issues and emergencies that relate to divisional operations. 

• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; evaluates operations and programmatic efficiency of units in relation to departmental goals and standards of performance; develops recommendation for changes in operations and appropriate actions for rectifying problems; develops, reports and analyzes performance measures; proposes revisions to policies and procedures based on performance measures. 

• Directs business process and technology improvement projects to enhance the performance of operations and programs; serves as a project manager on one or more critical initiatives at any given time, guiding the project team and driving appropriate analyses, meeting project goals, managing timelines and working with the stakholders to successfully implement new processes, technology or strategy. 

• Testifies at City Council and other public meetings on critical transportation issues and developments; functions as liaison between the department and other City agencies as well as area utilities and developers pertaining to projects and activities occurring on the transportation network;  meets with community groups to discuss and address concerns or upcoming projects in community areas.   

• Develops, implements and coordinates strategies and operational enhancements aimed toward ensuring that programs deliver high-impact services to customers; performs analyses to identify points of commonality of process and data use across the division; investigates ways to leverage solutions so that the entire division benefits from redesign or process change activities; ensures that new processes are supported by robust quality controls. 

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Strong project management and organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex environment are needed. 

• Excellent analytical, verbal and written communication skills. 

• High level of diplomacy, discretion and problem solving ability. 

• Proven success in developing collaborative relationships, and a successful track record of providing successful advice and counsel to senior leaders. 

• Excellent leadership, influencing and negotiation skills.  

• Professionalism and judgment, ability to apply critical thinking, tactfully handle various situations, using highest level of diplomacy and customer service. 

• Ability to think critically and analyze information, metrics and statistical data. 

• Excellent project management and ability to pay strict attention to detail, remain focused and work in situations involving multiple interruptions. 

Qualifications

• Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university or equivalent relevant experience.  

• Eight years of experience in city-wide transportation operations, transportation planning traffic management, traffic engineering, public right-of-way compliance and enforcement, and/or transportation maintenance and repair programs, four of which has been at the senior management level and two of which has included directing a major functional unit within the Streets Department’s Transportation Division. 

• Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience determined to be acceptable by the Streets Department. 

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Please submit a resume and cover letter. 

Salary range: $130,000-139,920

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 6 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx