Deputy Chief Executive Officer

Join the organization that received Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award from the American Public Transit Association in 2018 & 2020!

Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is central Ohio's public transportation provider, providing nearly 19 million passenger trips per year servicing Franklin County and parts of Delaware, Fairfield, Licking and Union counties. Guided by our 2019-2024 Strategic Plan, our vision is to move every life forward. Our mission is to provide solutions that connect people to prosperity through innovation, dedication and teamwork.

Location: 33 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Benefits: COTA offers competitive benefits including medical/Rx, vision, dental, supplemental insurance, life insurance, employee discounts, employee bus pass; wellness initiatives, on-site cooking classes & chair massages, on-site Health Coaches & Dietitians, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits through OPERS & Ohio Deferred Compensation.

Position Summary:

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer's primary focus is to support the President/Chief Executive Officer of The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) with responsibility for promoting best in class Agency operations. This position creates an environment that promotes effective internal operations in collaboration with senior leaders and across functional teams. In addition, this position is a catalyst to implement continuous improvement of internal operations, customer experience, and stakeholder engagement.

Performs duties in alignment with the 2019 - 2024 COTA Strategic Plan and in support of the organization's vision To Move Every Life Forward.

This Position is Responsible For:

• The Deputy CEO works collaboratively with the CEO in a trusted relationship to help the COTA Board of Directors monitor and evaluate COTA's relevancy to the community and its effectiveness in achieving its mission;
• Confer with the CEO on policy matters and strategies to accomplish organizational goals, participate in the CEO's deliberations and decisions on issues, and review the recommendations of the Executive Team and senior staff;
• Together with the CEO, support the Executive Leadership Team and provide high-level management assistance; ensure coordination of day-to-day operations and divisional matters in Legal, Finance, Development, Innovation & Technology, Human Resources and Operations;
• Oversees the negotiations of all collective bargaining agreements and other labor relations;
• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic plans. Facilitates joint ownership between divisions and alignment with and advancement of COTA's vision and strategic initiatives;
• Establish short and long-term business strategies, establish performance goals, assess organizational structure, determine resource requirements, and measure progress;
• Responsible for the internal health of the divisions, ensuring that they model best practices for public agencies, and exhibit a high level of coordination between and among executive team;
• Leads the culture change by: communicating the need for change; creating a guiding coalition; developing a vision and strategy; communicating the vision; empowering others to act; creating short term wins; consolidating gains; and articulating the connections between the effective new behaviors and agency success; and
• The Deputy CEO advises the CEO on policy matters and operations of the Agency and acts in the CEO's absence.
• Directs and provides leadership for their staff. Hires, trains, develop, and appraise staff effectively. Ensures the Authority meets its EEO responsibilities by assisting in identifying problem areas, participating in local minority organizations, participating in review of complaints alleging discrimination, and supporting career counseling for employees. Takes corrective action as necessary, on a timely basis, and in accordance with policy.
• Oversees the negotiations of all collective bargaining agreements and other labor relations.
• Performs other job-related duties, as needed and as assigned.
• May be required to be available through a mobile device via voice and/or data during and outside of normal working hours, at the manager's discretion, and must respond within a reasonable timeframe;
• Regular, predictable and punctual attendance required.

At Minimum You'll Need:

• Bachelor's degree with at least fifteen (15) years progressively responsible management experience in transit or related field; ten (10) years of which should be at a senior level of management. An equivalent combination of education in business or public administration and experience will also be considered.
• Demonstrated success in an executive level position at an organization with substantial staff management and budgetary responsibility.

COTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are of core importance and essential to the success of the organization. All employment decisions are based on job needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. COTA believes that diverse and inclusive organizations gain the benefits in creating a stronger and more effective workforce resulting in services that better meet the needs of consumers and in result Move Every Life Forward.