Executive Public Transportation Director

Jobtailor; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Oregon Department of Transportation in Salem seeks an executive leader to guide the multimodal transportation system and oversee a large organization. You will set strategic priorities, manage the biennial budget, and lead critical programs ensuring safety, reliability and innovation across Oregon’s transportation network.

The role requires extensive executive experience, strong stakeholder engagement, and the ability to navigate complex political environments while delivering results for the

Qualifications

• Twelve years of management experience in a public or private organization with program rules, long- and short-range planning, evaluation and budget prep.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required under the nine-year pathway.
• Valid U.S. driver license and acceptable driving record
• Executive leadership experience managing a complex, high-profile public agency
• Ability to build and maintain trust with public and high-level stakeholders
• Experience navigating complex political environments, fiscal constraints and diverse stakeholder interests
• Knowledge of the transportation industry and state- and federal-level sector issues, trends and challenges
• Exceptional communication skills
• Complete application or attach resume, cover letter and questionnaire
• Dates (MM/YYYY) required for each employer in submitted experience fields or resume
• Applicants must be able to work in the U.S.; no visa sponsorship offered
• Final candidates subject to criminal background, driver license, LEDS and/or education verification checks as applicable

Responsibilities

• Establish strategic priorities and administer Oregon’s multimodal transportation system
• Provide executive leadership for ODOT’s operations, programs, budget and resources
• Lead approximately 4,800 employees across Oregon
• Oversee safe, reliable and efficient operation, maintenance and improvement of the transportation system
• Ensure compliance with state and federal transportation laws, regulations and policies
• Oversee development and implementation of ODOT’s $6.1 billion biennial budget
• Steward public resources, pursue funding opportunities and deliver major transportation investments and capital projects
• Advise and work with the governor, legislators and Oregon Transportation Commission
• Build relationships with local, tribal, state and federal partners, community organizations, industry and the public
• Represent ODOT before elected officials, transportation partners, media and the public
• Lead long-term transportation planning and innovation
• Provide executive leadership during transportation disruptions, emergencies and critical incidents
• Foster collaboration, inclusion, continuous improvement and public service

Skills

Executive leadership

Budget preparation

Stakeholder engagement

Transportation industry knowledge

Program development

Communication skills

Public agency leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Professional License

Certification in Transportation

Certification in Public Administration

Certification in Business

Certification in Finance

Job description

Oregon Department of Transportation in Salem seeks an executive leader to guide the multimodal transportation system and oversee a large organization. You will set strategic priorities, manage the biennial budget, and lead critical programs ensuring safety, reliability and innovation across Oregon’s transportation network.

The role requires extensive executive experience, strong stakeholder engagement, and the ability to navigate complex political environments while delivering results for the