Career Center

JOB SUMMARY:

SunLine Transit Agency (SunLine) in California is seeking a dynamic and strategic Chief Executive Officer. Under the direction of the Board of Directors, the CEO plans, organizes, directs, and controls all activities of SunLine to provide a highly efficient operation of services to the Coachella Valley and Riverside County. SunLine is the region’s public transportation system and is organized under a Joint Powers Agreement created by nine member cities of the Coachella Valley and Riverside County.

PRIMARY DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, JOB OUTCOMES:

SunLine’s CEO will:

1. Exercise general direction and overall control of all SunLine officers and employees and work being done, by the authority of the Board of Directors; coordinates the activities of SunLine.
2. Provide leadership, guidelines and direction to ensure that policies related to service delivery, personnel, budget and business affairs are executed.
3. Oversee the Agency’s annual budget and the adherence thereto , as well as short- and long-range transit system planning, including equipment maintenance and capital expenditures.
4. Develop for Board approval plans and strategies for the Agency's annual budget and the adherence thereto , as well as short- and long-range transit system planning, including equipment maintenance and capital expenditures. 
5. Assist in the development of all Agency policies and, upon approval by the Board of Directors, ensure that those policies are implemented consistently throughout the agency.
6. Serve as primary spokesperson for the Agency in all legal matters, including relations with the Union.
7. Represent the Agency in public activities with various cities and governmental agencies to assure positive public relations.
8. Ensures compliance with Federal, State and Local regulations regarding labor, employment, and the health and safety of employees.
9. Make presentations to the Board, City Managers/Councils, county representatives, citizens and other related entities in matters relating to Agency operations, programs, and plans to assure funding support.
10. Report regularly to the Board regarding Agency progress and general "health."
11. Implement Board policy and make recommendations with respect to Agency functions to ensure efficient and economic operations.
12. Manage and direct SunLine’s public relations, including promoting the appropriate transit services in the Coachella Valley.
13. Communicates directly and regularly with the public regarding SunLine’s services.
14. Support and enforce a work environment free of workplace harassment, discrimination and violence in concert with all Agency policies and procedures.
15. Perform other related duties as necessary or special assignments as directed.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

COMPETENCY:

SunLine’s CEO is expected to possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Knowledge – Possesses considerable knowledge of public transit operation and up-to-date industry matters, best practices, and legal requirements.

Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Applies critical thinking in evaluating data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data.

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Project Management – Ensures quality and timely project delivery by providing adequate resources and clear direction, as well as implementing effective processes to monitor project progress and funding compliance.

Interpersonal - Focuses on resolving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.

Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Builds morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed; Recognizes accomplishments of other team members.

Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.

Visionary Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Inspires respect and trust; Accepts feedback from others; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates; Gives appropriate recognition to others; Displays passion and optimism; Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision.

Managing People - Includes team planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; Takes responsibility for subordinates' activities; Makes self available to staff; Provides regular performance feedback; Develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth.

Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Aligns work with strategic goals.

Innovation – Must have the ability to leverage technology and other creative means to provide efficient transit service and promote excellent riding experience to the public.

Fiscal Management - Works within approved budget; Develops a sustainable financial plan; Manages agency resources efficiently and strategically.

Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethics; Upholds agency values.

Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve agency goals; Understands agency's strengths & weaknesses; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.

Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes the appropriate people in decision-making processes; Makes timely decisions.

Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.

Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field, with a Master’s degree preferred; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Ten (10) years of progressively responsible administration experience including five (5) years of executive-level experience.

Knowledge of zero emission technologies including hydrogen bus technology and infrastructure is desirable.

TO APPLY:

To obtain more information or to submit a resume and cover letter, please contact Gregg Moser, Principal at K&A, at gmoser@kapartners.com.