Division Manager, Data Reporting, Analytics, and Customer Insights

Northern Illinois Transit Authority; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan or 401(k) match

401(k) and/or 457 plan options

Hybrid work environment

Transit benefits

Twelve paid holidays

Job summary

Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) seeks a Division Manager for Data Reporting, Analytics, and Customer Insights to lead the Data Services & Analytics division and set a new vision for data governance, dashboards, and performance metrics across the agency.

The role oversees GIS operations, data analysis, performance management, and customer insights while coordinating with Service Boards, local governments, and external agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Transportation, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Urban Planning, Geography, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of ten (10) years experience developing performance analytics, analyzing customer data, and creating dashboards.
• Minimum of five (5) years of direct supervisory/management experience leading staff.
• Experience in transportation planning or related field required.
• Strong knowledge of GIS software and familiarity with database software strongly recommended.
• Working knowledge of statistical and surveying principles and practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide and present data strategy to executive team and Board, guiding analytics initiatives.
• Overhaul data processes, dashboards, and data governance to centralize reporting.
• Lead and develop GIS, analytics, and customer insights teams with accountability.
• Ensure compliance with service standards, Title VI, and reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with Service Boards, local governments, and external agencies on data sharing and analytics initiatives.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Advanced data analytics

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Tools

GIS software

Database software

Job description

26-DMDR

The Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA), formerly the Regional Transportation Authority, was created by the Illinois General Assembly and Governor JB Pritzker to make transit across northeastern Illinois work for riders as one regional transit system. NITA is seeking to fill a newly formed role with the **Division Manager, Data Reporting, Analytics, and Customer Insights for the Data Services & Analytics division. The Division Manager, Data Reporting, Analytics, and Customer Insights provides visionary and strategic leadership for the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA). The NITA Act envisions a central hub for transit operations key performance indicators, measurement of effectiveness of new investments, and analysis of actionable insights from rider surveys. This management role will reform the current Data Services & Analytics division, setting priorities that align with the Authority’s mission and regulatory requirements. This management role oversees a multidisciplinary team responsible for GIS operations, data analysis, performance management, dashboard development, and customer insights.

The Division Manager drives the development and implementation of enterprise data governance policies, ensures compliance with service standards and legislative mandates, and fosters a culture of accountability and innovation. By collaborating with internal departments, Service Boards, and external agencies, the Division Manager advances data sharing and analytics initiatives that inform strategic planning and operational performance.

NITA sets regional fares, service standards, and schedules across the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace; plans and funds regional capital investment; and oversees the performance and finances of the three Service Boards serving riders across Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties.

As of September 1, 2026, NITA has expanded authority under Public Act 104-0457. People who join NITA now will help build the systems, policies, and partnerships that shape regional transit for years to come.

Accountabilities include but are not limited to:

Strategic Oversight & Leadership

• Provide and present NITA’s data strategy to the executive team and the Board of Directors and work with the transition consultants to implement a new vision for how the agency interacts with data users, transit agencies, and riders.
• Set high standards for the agency and departments to overhaul and centralize regional performance management, dashboards, data clearinghouse, and customer surveys.
• Oversee managers responsible for GIS operations, data analysis, performance management, dashboard development, and customer insights, ensuring effective delegation and accountability.
• Develop and implement policies for enterprise data governance, reporting, and analytics, ensuring compliance with service standards, performance reporting, and Title VI requirements.
• Collaborate with Service Boards, local governments, and external agencies to advance data sharing, reporting, and analytics initiatives.

Data Reporting & Analytics

• Overhaul existing webpages, data processes, and dashboards to launch NITA’s data reporting strategy and prepare and build the team that continuously takes on new responsibilities during NITA’s transition.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of monthly and annual performance reports to the Authority’s website and to the NITA Board, as legislatively required.
• Guide the development of dashboards and analytics tools to support strategic planning, capital programming, and operational decision-making.

Customer Insights & Engagement

• Provide leadership in transforming how the agency interacts with riders through surveys and set strategic goals for NITA and its transit operators, turning rider insights into actionable areas for improvement.
• Direct the implementation of customer feedback mechanisms, including real-time safety reporting technologies and multilingual digital platforms.
• Ensure compliance with language accessibility requirements, including translation of vital documents, provision of interpretation services, and outreach to limited English proficient communities.

Regulatory & Legislative Compliance

• Coordinate with internal audit functions to support operational, financial, compliance, FOIA requests, and performance audits as required.
• Foster a work culture that’s focused on achieving measurable objectives by coaching staff, strengthening interagency relationships, and supporting your team. Supports the Agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity policies, goals and objectives.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

NITA offers a highly competitive benefits package:

• Pension plan or 401(k) salary match provided by NITA at no cost to you
• 401(k) and/or 457 plan options
• Hybrid work environment and flexible work schedules
• Transit benefits to support your commute
• Twelve paid holidays and one floating holiday
• Competitive personal leave package
• Parental leave
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/AD&D Insurance/Pet Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Tuition reimbursement
• Gym membership discount
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Employee Assistance Program

This role typically offers salaries near $141,450, and NITA offers competitive salaries with the possibility of a higher offer for highly qualified candidates.

For more information about NITA, visit our website at https://nita.illinois.gov/.

An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

**Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-NITA employment while employed at the NITA, or within one year immediately after ending NITA employment, the employee may be required to notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine.**

The ideal candidate must have the following:

• The knowledge, skills, and abilities equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree required in Transportation, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Urban Planning, Geography, or a related field, or additional equivalent work experience.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in developing performance analytics, analyzing customer data, and creating informational dashboards.
• A minimum of five (5) years of direct supervisory/management experience with a demonstrated ability to lead/develop staff members.
• Experience in transportation planning or related field is required.
• A thorough knowledge of GIS software and familiarity with database software is strongly recommended.
• Working knowledge of statistical and surveying principles and practices.

Skills:

• Strategic leadership: Capable of setting clear vision and direction, motivating teams, and guiding complex initiatives to achieve organizational goals.
• Advanced Data Analytics: Expertise in computer-assisted data analysis techniques, data visualization tools, and automating analyses.
• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to build strong, trust-based working relationships. Skilled at aligning stakeholders with differing priorities.
• Communication: Expertise in distilling complex information into clear, actionable insights. Ability to present difficult findings tactfully while maintaining credibility and independence.