Executive Director of Transportation Services

**Position Type:**Administration and Professionals**Date Posted:**2026-01-06**Location:**Ridge Road Depot**INTRODUCTION: CONTEXT AND MISSION**The Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) serves approximately 37,000 students in 100+ schools. Over the past several years, the Greater Cleveland community has united behind the collective goal of ensuring every child in Cleveland attends a high-quality school and every neighborhood has a multitude of great schools from which families can choose. The Cleveland Plan defines CMSD’s approach to the reinvention of public education and holds our community accountable for the success of Cleveland’s schoolchildren. The Cleveland Plan is supported by Ohio House Bill 525, which provides much-needed flexibility and autonomy for the district and its schools. Our schools have autonomy over human and financial resources in exchange for accountability forperformance. The principal has primary responsibility and accountability for establishing his or her school as a high-quality, high-expectations academic center with a focus on personalized instruction, professional support for teachers, and school-wide practices that lead to measurable results.The Cleveland Metropolitan School District has developed standards of excellence that the district applies to all parts of the organization inclusive of schools, principals, school leadership teams, networks, and central office. Alignment between Standards of Excellence (SoE) and the district’s Theory of Action helps ensure that principals are able to focus on scholar achievement and that central office supports are timely and effective.

**Our Vision for Learning in a Post-Pandemic World:**

In our pursuit of a more fair, just, and good system of education, we want each of our learners, both each of our scholars and each of their educators, to be individually and collectively presented with academically / intellectually complex tasks that are worthy of their productive struggle and allow them authentic opportunities to demonstrate their work and their learning of academic content and transferable skills in a joyful and adventurous environment.

**THE OPPORTUNITY:**Location: Administration or As Assigned

Reports to: Chief of District Operations

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Band: 12

Compensation: $ 121,410.00 - $ 157,833.00

The Executive Director of Transportation Services is responsible for managing daily transit operations for CMSD students, vehicle management, and vehicle services. Key responsibilities involve supervising staff, vehicle deployment, ensuring adherence to schedules, enforcing departmental policies, conducting disciplinary hearings, and effectively communicating procedures and guidelines. This position provides leadership to staff members with the goal of enhancing service delivery, addressing safety and public inquiries, supporting customer service initiatives, and overseeing department scheduling service in alignment with collective bargaining agreements. The role significantly contributes to organizational strategic planning and execution, requiring comprehensive knowledge of industry standards, operational trends, and providing advisory support to the Chief of District Operations on strategic matters. Additionally, the Executive Director collaborates with executive leadership to drive organizational growth, improve operational efficiency, and cultivate a culture of innovation. In addition, this position provides executive oversight of transportation-related financial planning, regulatory compliance, and long-range operational strategy. The Executive Director is responsible for aligning transportation services with District priorities, fiscal accountability, and state requirements while ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable service delivery for all students.**Essential Responsibilities:*** Supervise and coordinate the activities of dispatch personnel within the Transportation Department.* Cultivate a collaborative team environment by fostering motivation and providing active support for the development and mentorship of team members.* Ensure all staff receive thorough training, have a clear understanding of their responsibilities, and consistently adhere to operational standards to maintain organizational stability.* Conduct research and implement industry best practices related to computer-aided dispatch systems and staffing requirements.* Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for staff to improve service delivery, work performance, and accountability.* Oversee disciplinary proceedings regarding department infractions, attendance issues, violations of collective bargaining agreements, and preliminary accident investigations as necessary.* Represent the District in arbitration hearings and other labor or union-related matters as assigned.* Oversee technology initiatives and projects across transportation operations.* Provide training on the technology and equipment utilized by dispatchers and supporting staff.* Review transit system route schedules to identify areas for improvement and work with stakeholders to find ways to enhance service quality.* Conduct weekly evaluations of route performance, assigning staff or working collaboratively to analyze and address negative trends.* Prepare timely and accurate reports and data concerning dispatch operations, system performance, workforce management, and other business functions as required.* Ensure prompt and accurate entry of transit system data into designated databases and reporting platforms from staff members.* Review facility inspections at remote division sites and coordinate with stakeholders to address issues, including facility upgrades, tools, supplies, and equipment requirements.* Develop, manage, and monitor the Transportation Services operating and capital budgets in collaboration with District finance and procurement staff.* Oversee expenditures related to staffing, fleet operations, fuel, maintenance, contracted transportation services, equipment, and technology systems.* Prepare financial forecasts, budget projections, and expenditure analyses to support executive decision-making.* Identify cost efficiencies and resource optimization opportunities while maintaining service quality and compliance requirements.* Make sure employees follow safety rules and safe work practices.* Remain knowledgeable of and adhere to all relevant safety and health regulations and safe working practices.* Provide guidance on safety policies and emergency procedures for bus operators and operations staff as needed.* Ensure departmental compliance with applicable Ohio Revised Code (ORC), Ohio Administrative Code (OAC), Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) requirements, and District policies governing pupil transportation.* Oversee internal compliance reviews, corrective actions, and documentation related to driver qualifications, routing practices, fleet operations, and safety standards.* Lead long-range transportation planning efforts, including service design, staffing models, fleet replacement strategies, and operational scalability to support districtwide initiatives.* Supervise and support an individual contributor, fostering their professional development and ensuring high-quality output.* Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to both the team managers and the individual contributors.* Facilitate communication and collaboration between the team managers and the individual contributors to ensure cohesive and efficient operations.* Establish and maintain effective working relationships with District employees, customers, vendors, and others, utilizing principles of excellent customer service.* Communicate clearly, effectively, and respectfully both orally and in writing.* Perform additional related duties as assigned.* Maintain regular and reliable attendance and performance.**Required #J-18808-Ljbffr