Public Transportation Office Director

Oregon DOT; Salem (OR); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

11 paid holidays

Flexible work schedules

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

Oregon Department of Transportation in Salem seeks a seasoned public transportation office director to lead statewide transit and passenger rail strategy. You will oversee significant federal and state funding, ensure regulatory compliance and guide governance across the state's transit programs.

The role involves directing budget priorities, staff development, and cross-divisional collaboration, with hybrid work options and required in-person presence at least weekly.

Qualifications

• Five years of management experience in business operations.
• Or two years of management experience and a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Valid U.S. driver license with acceptable driving record (special qualifications).

Responsibilities

• Direct statewide transit and passenger rail strategy and operations.
• Oversee statewide program, grant, contract and regulatory compliance.
• Direct transportation funding and investment decisions.
• Establish office goals, priorities and strategic direction.
• Manage hiring, development and performance of staff.
• Develop and present biennial budget priorities and funding requests.

Skills

Management experience

Budget oversight

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

Business Operations Administrator 1 – Public Transportation Office Director

Oregon Department of Transportation

Policy, Analysis & Data Division – Public Transportation Office

Salem

The role:

Are you a seasoned leader committed to accountability, collaboration and progress? Join us as our public transportation office director and lead the strategic direction of Oregon’s transit and passenger rail services. In this role, you will oversee significant federal and state funding, navigate complex regulatory requirements and provide guidance that shapes how transit operates across the state. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who thrives on meaningful partnerships, strong governance and driving statewide outcomes.

We provide a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon’s communities and economy thrive. We encourage people from all backgrounds and abilities to apply for our positions.

A day in the life:

• Direct statewide transit and passenger rail strategy and operations.
• Oversee statewide program, grant, contract and regulatory compliance.
• Direct transportation funding and investment decisions.
• Establish office goals, priorities and strategic direction.
• Manage hiring, development and performance management of staff.
• Develop and present biennial budget priorities and funding requests.
• Represent the Public Transportation Office in agency executive meetings and policy discussions.
• Coordinate cross-divisional collaboration on major transportation initiatives.
• Serve as liaison to executives, legislators and the Transportation Commission.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships to advance multimodal transportation priorities.
• Work is performed in an office environment with hybrid work options available; in-person work in the office is required at least once per week.
• Frequent statewide travel and occasional interstate travel to attend meetings is required, with some trips requiring overnight stays.
• May need to be available for emergency situations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays.
• To request a copy of the position description, which includes all duties and working conditions, please email [e-mail].

What’s in it for you:

• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, paid leave and so much more. Learn more about working at the Oregon Department of Transportation and the benefits we offer.
• Comprehensive and equitable base salary offer within the listed range. Through an equal pay assessment, we will determine the salary offer using the information you provide in your submitted application materials. Please ensure your application materials are detailed, accurate and reflect your skills, experience (paid and unpaid) and education as they relate to the position when applying.
• The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity!

Minimum qualifications:

Five years of management experience in business operations;

OR

Two years of management experience in business operations and a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Special qualifications:

Driving is an essential function of this position. You must have a valid U.S. driver license and an acceptable driving record. We will conduct pre-employment driving records checks on our final candidate(s). Your license does not have to be issued in Oregon to be considered.

What we’d like to see:

If you have these attributes, let us know in your application materials! It’s how we will choose whom to move forward! You do not need to have all these qualities to be eligible for this position. We may also use transferable skills, experience and education to help us decide who will move forward.

• Proven ability to foster a supportive, inclusive and high-performing team culture by establishing and executing a vision, empowering staff to do their best work and through open communication.
• Knowledge of transportation, public transit, rail or related mobility systems and challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to build alignment, foster collaboration and lead across diverse teams, organizations and partners to achieve shared goals.
• Demonstrated ability to assess complex programs, policies and organizational systems to identify critical interdependencies and execute coordinated processes.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex funding programs, including compliance with regulatory requirements, resource allocation, performance monitoring and financial accountability.

Need help?

For questions, call 503-779-9733 or email [e-mail].