Director, Safety Assurance & Regulatory Compliance (7382)

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA); Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 126,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare Coverage

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Paid Parental Leave

Tuition reimbursement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

SEPTA in Philadelphia is seeking a Director of Safety Assurance & Regulatory Compliance to lead the Safety Assurance program within the System Safety Division. The role requires steering audits, CAPs, and regulatory actions to ensure SMS compliance across the agency.

You will coordinate with FRA, FTA, PennDOT, and OSHA, develop policies, and drive continuous safety improvements. Strong leadership, communication, and data analysis skills are essential, as is a commitment to safe public

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in business, safety, or related discipline.
• 7–10 years of progressive safety experience, preferably in public transit.
• Knowledge of FRA, FTA, OSHA, NFPA, and PennDOT safety requirements.
• Excellent communication and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic oversight of System Safety’s Internal Audit Program (IAP).
• Ensures authority compliance with FRA, FTA, OSHA, NFPA, PennDOT requirements.
• Coordinates with PennDOT SSOA and facilitates audits and RBI program.
• Develops change management strategies to mature safety programs.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Analytical mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or safety

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

MS Office Suite

Safety management systems

Data analysis tools

Job description

Secure Your Future with SEPTA – A Leader in Transportation!

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the sixth-largest transportation system in the U.S., connecting communities across a 2,200-square-mile service region. SEPTA is at the forefront of innovation in the transit industry, ensuring reliable and efficient services while driving economic growth in the Philadelphia region.

Only candidates who are authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship, will be accepted at this time.

We Are Proud To Be Recognized As

2023 FORBES Best in State Employer

Philadelphia Employer of Choice for 2024

We are seeking to hire candidates for our Director, Safety Assurance & Regulatory Compliance (7382).

Opening Date: 09/24/2026

Closing Date: 10/08/2026

Job Grade: SAM 43

Salary Range: $125,762.00-$157,196.00

Overall Description

The Director of Safety Assurance and Regulatory Compliance is responsible for leading the Safety Assurance (SA) program in the System Safety Division (SSD) as part of SEPTA’s commitment to the implementation of and continuous improvement of Safety Management System (SMS).

This role is responsible for authority-wide compliance with pertinent FTA, PennDOT State Safety Oversight, and FRA regulation via strategic management of SSD’s Internal Audit Program (IAP) and Regulatory Compliance function, which includes the identification of and management of regulatory Corrective Action Plans (CAPs). Responsibilities therefore include the development and updating of safety management policies, plans, and SOPs as required by regulatory agencies.

Activities for which this Director is responsible include internal audits, corrective action plans, mitigation monitoring, site inspections, rules compliance, and other safety assurance activities within SEPTA’s multi-modal transit operations. The role involves close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, fostering a proactive approach to safety that supports SEPTA’s mission to deliver reliable, efficient, and safe public transportation services.

Specific Responsibilities

• Provides strategic oversight of System Safety’s Internal Audit Program (IAP), which includes all activities related to those safety assurance activities: internal audit schedule, stakeholder engagement, document management, regulatory oversight coordination, corrective action and mitigation tracking, etc.
• Ensures authority compliance with regulatory requirements, including those established by FRA, FTA, OSHA, NFPA, and PennDOT SSOA, by aligning internal policies and procedures with industry standards. Maintains current knowledge of safety regulations, standards, and industry trend to ensure SEPTA compliance.
• Oversees the safety assurance data analysis and assessment of Rules Compliance programs within and external to the System Safety Division. Assists in the development, refinement and expansion of Rules Compliance Programs, including leading an authority-wide Central RC committee.
• Coordinates with the Safety Risk Management team and other SSD stakeholders to engage in the assessment of safety risks across all transit modes, ensuring effective mitigation strategies and the continuous improvement of safety systems.
• Develops and implements a formal Mitigation Monitoring Program (MMP) in collaboration with all relevant SSD and other SEPTA stakeholders.
• Coordinates with the PennDOT SSOA to facilitate both SSOA Audits and their Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) program, including access to SEPTA infrastructure, equipment, records, personnel, facilities, and raw data with and without advanced notice. Manages results from the SSOA audit and RBI program inspections, including assignment to appropriate personnel as required.
• Coordinates with the FTA and FRA for any required audit and/or verification on-site activity.
• Develops change management strategies to further mature Safety Assurance and Regulatory Compliance programs and processes.
• Engages in cross-functional coordination, including executive engagement, to ensure authority-wide participation, compliance, and participation in safety programs and priorities.
• Actively collaborates with SSD Leadership to ensure SMS practices are properly integrated into all functional areas of the division.
• Routinely evaluates Safey Assurance and Regulatory Compliance performance in the spirit of continuous improvement and develops metrics and processes for this routine evaluation.
• Serves on safety committees at the department and/or executive level as directed by the AGM, System Safety or Sr. Director deems necessary and expedient to accomplish department goals.
• Ensures high staff morale and adequacy of manpower and staff training to ensure the department goals and programs are being implemented. Instills a professional, positive, and supportive philosophy in all staff.
• Supervises the daily activities of the direct reports, develops individual goals, provides work assignments, ensures implementation of work assignments, and promotes success through training, support and constructive feedback.
• Contributes to budgetary planning and spending for both Operating and Capital expenses and manages spending and utilization of the department budget.
• Performs other duties as required by the Sr. Director, including serving as acting Sr. Director as required.
• Duties may be required on a 24/7 basis, with a varying work schedule as required.

Qualifications And Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in business, safety, or related discipline
• A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in safety, preferably within public transportation or a related industry.
• An equivalent combination of experience and education (i.e., two (2) years of related experience, equating to (10 years of formal post-high school education) may be considered in lieu of the above requirements. Post Baccalaureate Degree (Masters, PhD, etc.) will provide up to four years of related experience to the applicant.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local safety regulations, including FRA, FTA, OSHA, NFPA, and PennDOT requirements are preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proven track record of implementing successful safety improvements.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience preparing detailed reports and delivering presentations to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, safety management systems, and data analysis tools
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Note : candidates must bring portfolio of evidence of safety assurance (Audit program) and regulatory compliance projects to interview panels and may be asked to conduct a safety assurance assessment in the interview process.

Ideal Qualifications And Experience

• Master’s degree in a Safety discipline and/or extensive Safety experience in fields such as Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Health & Safety, Safety Regulatory Compliance, Emergency Management, Public Health, etc.
• USDOT Transportation Institute Transit (TSI) Safety and Security Program (TSSP- Rail and/or TSSP-Bus) certificate.
• Federal Transit Administration Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program Certification (PTSCTP).
• Working knowledge of MIL-STD 882E, hazard identification, and mitigation.

Why Join Our Team? Enjoy Outstanding Benefits!

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage – Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums.
• Retirement Security – Participate in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 457B Deferred Compensation Plan to build your financial future.
• Work-Life Balance – Enjoy paid parental leave, generous vacation time, and paid holidays to recharge and spend time with loved ones.
• Employee Wellness – Access wellness programs and resources to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Invest in Your Growth – We offer tuition reimbursement to support your education and career advancement.
• Student Loan Assistance – Our positions qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, helping you manage and reduce student debt.
• Free Travel Perks – Receive a FREE SEPTA Transportation Pass, giving you unlimited access to all SEPTA services!

SEPTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SEPTA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.