Executive Director, Urban Transit & Economic Development

Mass Transit Mag; Omaha, Northern (NE, KY); Hybrid; USD 187,000 - 222,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension or retirement plan

Paid holidays & vacation

Job summary

The Omaha Streetcar Authority is seeking an innovative Executive Director to lead the organization’s executive team and steer capital construction, transit operations, and fiscal stewardship. This role reports to the OSA Board and drives transit-oriented development while building key public-private partnerships in Omaha.

You will oversee strategy, safety compliance, grant development, and external relations to advance the brick-and-mortar streetcar system and its impact on downtown economic

Qualifications

• 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.
• Strong knowledge of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations, public transit operations, safety/risk management programs, contract administration, and federal grant specifications.
• Comprehensive understanding of municipal finance, redevelopment financing (including TIF), enterprise funding, budget preparation, and strategies for soliciting advertising and sponsorship revenue.
• 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Executive leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Strategic planning

Public/ nonprofit leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's preferred

Job description

The Omaha Streetcar Authority is seeking an innovative Executive Director to lead the organization’s executive team and steer capital construction, transit operations, and fiscal stewardship. This role reports to the OSA Board and drives transit-oriented development while building key public-private partnerships in Omaha.

You will oversee strategy, safety compliance, grant development, and external relations to advance the brick-and-mortar streetcar system and its impact on downtown economic