Director of Regional Transit Safety & Experience

The Iacp; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) seeks a Chief or Director, Transit Safety Officer to lead the region-wide transit safety effort across the CTA, Metra, and Pace, working closely with law enforcement, social service partners, and the Coordinated Safety Response Council.

This senior leader will ensure compliance with statutory obligations, establish regional safety standards, oversee safety programs and data reporting, and advance a unified safety strategy that centers rider and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in a related field is required.
• Ten or more years in public safety and law enforcement for Chief; seven to ten years for Director.
• Experience supervising cross-functional teams and emergency preparedness systems.
• Experience in transit operations and security is preferred.
• Ability to collaborate across law enforcement, social services, and transit entities.
• Familiarity with data-driven safety frameworks or performance management systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of a regional transit safety strategy with CTA/Pace/Metra and Coordinated Safety Response Council.
• Oversee regulatory reporting, dashboards, and safety trend analysis.
• Coordinate interagency collaboration with law enforcement, social services, and health providers.
• Develop protocols for large events and regional emergencies in partnership with agencies.
• Advance operator safety standards and oversee transit ambassador programs.
• Foster a safety-first work culture and align with Equal Employment Opportunity goals.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Policy development

Equity-centered service

Change management

Interpersonal

Communication

Education

Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice/Public Administration/Sociology/Psychology/Forensic Science/related field

Job description

The Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) seeks a Chief or Director, Transit Safety Officer to lead the region-wide transit safety effort across the CTA, Metra, and Pace, working closely with law enforcement, social service partners, and the Coordinated Safety Response Council.

This senior leader will ensure compliance with statutory obligations, establish regional safety standards, oversee safety programs and data reporting, and advance a unified safety strategy that centers rider and