Public Transportation Office Director

Department of Revenue; United States; Hybrid; USD 107,000 - 166,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

11 paid holidays a year

Flexible work schedules

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Transportation seeks a seasoned leader to direct statewide transit and passenger rail strategy, oversee funding, and ensure regulatory compliance. Based in Salem, this role reports to the Policy, Analysis & Data Division—Public Transportation Office and requires strong governance and cross-agency collaboration.

You will build partnerships, manage staff, and translate policy into statewide outcomes while navigating federal and state requirements.

Qualifications

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

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 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.

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

Job Details

• Initial Posting Date: 11/02/2026
• Application Deadline: 11/23/2026
• Agency: Department of Transportation
• Salary Range: $9,604 - $14,856
• Position Type: Employee
• Position Title: Public Transportation Office Director

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. Apply today!

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.

Before applying, visit our applicant information website to learn more about our process. If you are a current State of Oregon employee, you must apply through your employee Workday profile.

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 (https://www.oregon.gov/odot/About/Pages/Career-Opportunities.aspx) about working at the Oregon Department of Transportation and the benefits (https://www.oregon.gov/odot/about/pages/employee-benefits.aspx) 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 (https://www.oregon.gov/das/hr/pages/cc.aspx) by 6.95%.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service) opportunity!

Minimum qualifications:

• Five years of management experience in business operations ;
• 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:

• 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.

Additional information:

• We do not offer visa sponsorship. If you are hired, you will be required to fill out the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming you are able to work in the US. We are not an E-Verify participating employer, and we are unable to proceed if E-Verify participation is required [e.g., STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension].
• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an education institution during the application process.
• We may use this recruitment to fill multiple or future vacancies.
• We will conduct name-based criminal background checks on final candidates, including current ODOT employees . All applicants may be subject to additional pre-employment check(s) such as driver license, LEDS (Law Enforcement Data System), and/or education verification as required for the position.
• You will become part of the state's management team.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Affiliation

ODOT is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affiliation Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other class protected by state or federal laws in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices. Applicants with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. For questions, concerns, or complaints regarding EEO/AA/ADA, contact 1-877-336-6368 (1-877-EEO-ODOT). This information can be made available in an alternative format by contacting ODOT Recruitment at 503-986-3700. Oregon Relay Service can be reached by calling 7-1-1.