Assistant Bureau Chief

Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT); Topeka (KS); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) seeks an Assistant Bureau Chief in Topeka, within the Bureau of Transportation Safety. The role leads strategic and administrative work to plan, manage, and evaluate statewide transportation safety programs.

As second in command, you will coordinate policy, budgets, and partnerships with federal, state, and local stakeholders, and serve as a spokesperson on transportation safety for the Secretary and Governor.

Qualifications

• Four years of experience in planning, organizing and directing the work of a department, program or agency.
• Transcripts are required for education to be considered.
• Valid Driver’s License at time of appointment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as second in command for the Bureau of Transportation Safety and direct statewide safety programs.
• Represent the Bureau with legislative, federal, state, local and external partners.
• Provide expert testimony and testimony to the legislature on transportation safety issues.
• Direct the Manager of the Behavioral Safety Section and oversee budgeting and contracts.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Policy development

Public speaking

Education

Transcripts required for education to be considered

Job description

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) delivers transportation that keeps Kansans moving forward. Our employees are our most valuable resource. We depend on our employees and business partners to get the job done. KDOT strives to provide a work environment that motivates people and encourages them to be productive. KDOT is a great place to work, so come be part of our team!

At KDOT, we reward our staff’s hard work by providing training opportunities, a family-oriented work environment and service recognition. Promotional opportunities, free parking, and potential hybrid work schedules are also offered. KDOT is a great place to work, so come be part of our team!

Verification of identity and employment eligibility to work in the United States is required by federal law. For a list of acceptable documents that establish these criteria, please refer to the federal Form I-9. KDOT does not provide sponsorships for this position.

Compensation

• Annual Salary Range: $79,726.40 to $104,340.60

Position Summary & Responsibilities

Position Summary

This Assistant Bureau Chief position is located in Topeka, at the Eisenhower State Office Building, and is within the Bureau of Transportation Safety. The Assistant Bureau Chief serves as the second in command for the Bureau of Transportation Safety, performing high-level strategic and administrative work in planning, directing, managing, and evaluating statewide transportation safety programs and operations. Serves as a spokesperson for transportation safety on behalf of the Secretary of Transportation and Governor of Kansas and represents KDOT with legislative, federal, state, local, and external partners.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following

• Provides guidance, leadership, and oversight to the Bureau’s managers and major operational units. Formulates policies and coordinates the application of policies with unit managers and contractors. Works with Bureau Chief or other agency leadership when policy approval is necessary. Implements and administers agency policy regarding personnel, equal employment opportunity, and other employment matters. Directs major operational units in the development and approval of Federal safety reporting requirements.
• Manages the fiscal, budget, contracts, and performance management tasks of the Bureau. Oversees the fiscal, budget and contract activity of the Bureau including operating budget and funding sources from the state, NHTSA, and FHWA. Oversees the work of Management Analysts who lead Fiscal and Contract tasks for the Bureau. Develops and maintains the Bureau’s budget, work plans and fiscal notes. Tracks and reports program progress to the Bureau Chief and Division Director along with recommendations of alternative actions when corrective activity is required.
• Serves as the expert in the State of Kansas on traffic safety issues. Represents the Bureau and Division of Planning and Development at meetings, hearings, and other assemblies, both public and private. Provides expert advice and testimony in public forums. Provides written and oral testimony to the legislature on transportation safety issues and proposed legislation. Participates in meetings with local, state and federal elected officials. Prepares responses to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for the Kansas Secretary of Transportation’s consideration.
• Directs the Manager of the Behavioral Safety Section. Provides directions on operations and strategic projects of the Behavioral Safety Section. Provides senior level direction and approvals in matters pertaining to personnel, expenses, equipment and other matters for the Behavioral Safety Section. Monitors performance and goals for continuous improvement in the Behavioral Safety Section. Directs change management of systems and process improvements.

View the full position description

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Four years of experience in planning, organizing and directing the work of a department, program or agency.
• Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency. Transcripts are required for education to be considered.
• Valid Driver’s License at time of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five years of experience administering multiple programs, grants and projects
• Knowledge of legislative processes
• Knowledge of fiscal, budget, contract, and procurement procedures
• Advanced knowledge of federal compliance and reporting requirements to FHWA and NHTSA.
• Knowledge of transportation safety data, indicators, and measures.
• Advanced skills in written, oral and visual communications.

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.