Executive Director - Omaha Streetcar Authority

City of Omaha; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 187,000 - 222,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

HSA contributions

Pension or retirement program

Paid holidays / vacation

Job summary

City of Omaha, in partnership with the Omaha Streetcar Authority, seeks an innovative Executive Director to guide strategic direction and oversee capital construction for Omaha's modern streetcar system. The role reports to the OSA Board and leads policy, operations, and financial stewardship for a transformative urban project.

The Executive Director will build strong alliances with city officials, business leaders, and community partners, drive grant opportunities, and ensure safety and

Qualifications

• Seven years of executive-level experience in public or non-profit sectors.
• Strong knowledge of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations and safety programs.
• Experience with municipal finance, redevelopment financing (including TIF), and grant processes.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily operations of the OSA and management contractor.
• Lead capital construction and facility development with on-time performance.
• Administer budgets, evaluate streetcar funds, and oversee bond data and audits.
• Ensure compliance with ADA, Title VI, NTD reporting, and PTASP.
• Foster development along the streetcar corridor and partnerships.
• Secure grants and manage public relations for the streetcar system.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Regulatory knowledge

Finance & budgeting

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree (Public Administration / related)

Master's degree preferred

Job description

NOTE: Clicking the "Apply" button on the City of Omaha job board will open a website where applications for this position must be submitted.

Below is a brief summary of the position. To learn more about the job, the Omaha Streetcar Authority, the City of Omaha, and the project, view the brochure.

Executive Director - Omaha Streetcar Authority

Salary: $187,000-$222,000 annually (commensurate with qualifications)

The Omaha Streetcar Authority (OSA) seeks an innovative, strategic, and dedicated executive leader to serve as its Executive Director. Created through an interlocal agreement between the City of Omaha and Metro Transit, the OSA is charged with directing and implementing policies, plans, and operations for Omaha's modern 3-mile streetcar system - a transformational infrastructure project connecting Downtown Omaha and the Blackstone District while driving billions in economic development. Reporting directly to the Omaha Streetcar Authority Board, this executive leader will exercise considerable independence in leading capital construction, transit operations, financial stewardship, and strategic urban growth.

New to Omaha?

Omaha offers the best of both worlds: the economic strength and amenities of a thriving metropolitan area paired with the welcoming spirit, affordability, and sense of community of a mid-sized city. Consistently recognized as one of the nation's top places to live, Omaha is home to nearly 500,000 residents and a metro population of 1 million. The city boasts a resilient economy anchored by Fortune 500 companies such as Berkshire Hathaway, Mutual of Omaha, Union Pacific, and Kiewit Corporation.

Residents enjoy a low cost of living, short commutes, excellent schools, and vibrant, walkable urban and suburban neighborhoods. Major civic investments continue to transform the city, including the revitalized downtown Riverfront, which connects green spaces with the historic Old Market district. Omaha delivers world-class cultural attractions-including the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Joslyn Art Museum, Steelhouse Omaha, and the Men's College World Series-back a strong tradition of philanthropy and public-private collaboration that supports ambitious civic and infrastructure projects.

What You'll Do

• Provide Strategic Leadership & Oversight: Direct daily operations of the OSA and its operations/management contractor. Prepare long-term financing proposals, operating plans, and strategic initiatives for consideration by the OSA Board.
• Oversee Capital Projects & Construction: Lead capital construction, track systems, overhead wires, and facility development-including the Vehicle Maintenance Facility-while monitoring contracts to ensure on-time performance, preventative maintenance, and strict performance metrics.
• Manage Fiscal Operations & Revenue: Administer budget allocations, evaluate operating and general streetcar funds, assess project needs, and oversee bond data preparation and fiscal audits in collaboration with the City of Omaha. Pursue revenue generation through streetcar sponsorships and advertising.
• Ensure Regulatory & Safety Compliance: Serve as the designated Accountable Executive for Transit Asset Management (TAM) and Public Transportation Agency Safety Plans (PTASP) under Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations. Maintain full compliance with ADA, Title VI, National Transit Database (NTD) reporting, and State Safety Oversight obligations.
• Foster Economic Development & Partnerships: Drive policies that encourage complementary development along the streetcar corridor. Serve as the primary interlocal liaison between the City of Omaha and Metro Transit, while cultivating strong working alliances with business leaders, elected officials, regional partners, and community stakeholders.
• Secure Grants & Lead Public Relations: Research, write, and manage federal and state grant opportunities. Serve as the chief media representative and spokesperson to promote the streetcar system, advance transit-oriented development, and advocate for sustainable transportation options.

Desired Qualifications

Qualified candidates will demonstrate:

• Executive Experience: Seven (7) years of progressively responsible administrative and management experience in business administration, transportation planning, urban planning, or government relations, with significant executive leadership in the public or non-profit sector.
• Technical & Regulatory Expertise: Strong knowledge of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations, public transit operations, safety/risk management programs, contract administration, and federal grant specifications.
• Fiscal & Development Acumen: Comprehensive understanding of municipal finance, redevelopment financing (including TIF), enterprise funding, budget preparation, and strategies for soliciting advertising and sponsorship revenue.
• Strategic & Political Acumen: Proven ability to build consensus across governmental bodies, serve as a trusted liaison between public and private entities, and effectively communicate complex plans to elected officials, media, and the public.
• Education & Credentials: A Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Transportation Management, Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, or a related field is required. A Master's degree is preferred. Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid driver's license is required.

Compensation & Benefits

The expected salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $187,000-$222,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The position offers a competitive executive benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive health insurance with major medical, dental, and vision coverage
• City/Authority contributions toward a Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Defined benefit pension or municipal retirement program
• Paid holidays, generous vacation, and sick leave allowance.

Location & Working Conditions

This position is based in Omaha, Nebraska. Work is primarily performed in an office setting, with regular field inspections required across active transit corridors, maintenance facilities, tracks, overhead wire systems, and aboard streetcar vehicles.

Application Deadline

Sunday, November 1, 2026

Mary Policky
Recruiting & Training Coordinator
[e-mail]

The City of Omaha and the Omaha Streetcar Authority are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to non-discrimination, public stewardship, and providing accessible, sustainable, and high-quality transit infrastructure for the Omaha community.