Public Transit Executive Director: Lead & Transform

Mass Transit magazine; Cape Girardeau (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority in Missouri seeks an Executive Director to lead the agency’s direction, operations, and long-range planning under the Board’s guidance. You’ll ensure safe, reliable, accessible, and efficient public transportation across Cape Girardeau County.

The role requires strong budgeting, grants management, and regulatory compliance, with demonstrated leadership and public-facing communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in transportation, public administration, business, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in public transportation, government, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated budgeting, financial oversight, grants, procurement, audits, and regulatory compliance experience.
• Strong written, verbal, analytical, interpersonal, and public presenting skills.
• Public transit leadership experience and familiarity with FTA and MoDOT programs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Board of Directors to set goals, policies, priorities, and long-range plans with timely operational, financial, and compliance information.
• Lead, supervise, and evaluate staff while maintaining a safe, accountable, and public-service oriented workplace.
• Oversee fixed-route and demand-response services including scheduling, dispatch, customer service, and maintenance coordination.
• Prepare and administer annual operating and capital budgets; monitor revenues, expenses, and internal controls.
• Identify, apply for, manage, and close out federal, state, local grants and comply with grant requirements.
• Oversee procurement, contracts, asset purchases, capital projects, and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as primary liaison with MoDOT, FTA, local governments, and the public.
• Oversee safety plans, asset management, and compliance with applicable laws and grant assurances.
• Oversee risk management, insurance, public information, marketing, and administrative functions.
• Perform other duties as needed by the Board of Directors.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Grants management

Strategic planning

Public administration

Public speaking

Regulatory compliance

Staff supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree (transportation / public administration / business)

Job description

Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority in Missouri seeks an Executive Director to lead the agency’s direction, operations, and long-range planning under the Board’s guidance. You’ll ensure safe, reliable, accessible, and efficient public transportation across Cape Girardeau County.

The role requires strong budgeting, grants management, and regulatory compliance, with demonstrated leadership and public-facing communication skills.