Assistant Director of Transit & Charter Services

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

About UMass Transit

UMass Transit Services (UMTS) is one of the nation's best and largest student transportation cooperatives, with over 150 student employees operating a full-service fixed route, campus ADA paratransit, and special charter services. UMTS is an operating contractor to the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) and carries up to 3.5 million transit passengers on a fleet of 35, 40 and 60' transit buses, including three electric. UMTS is the heart and soul for campus and regional mobility services, and we are proud to be an integral part of learning environment for UMass students, and offer a proud tradition and future of inclusivity, informality, and innovation for all co-workers, in a fun, safe and supportive culture. UMass Amherst is a subdivision of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and part of the State Retirement Board and the Group Insurance Commission benefit programs.

Job Summary

Collaborates directly with the Director of Transportation to manage the operations, transit fixed assets, and development of UMass Transit Services public transit, ADA paratransit, field trip and meet-and-greet services, including the development and implementation of policies, plans, and programs focused on ensuring safety, cleanliness, service quality, and customer experience.

Essential Functions

• Provides independent operational leadership for all aspects of UMTS transit, campus ADA paratransit, and charter services for both regular and special event operations.
• Develops and executes employee and student staff enrichment policies and programs that foster inclusion, equity and diversity that fulfills the collective organizational need for unity, pride, and belonging.
• Conducts independent business analytics that support coherent, practical, and balanced transportation program recommendations that allow for thoughtful engagement with key stakeholders, including University leadership, Pioneer Valley Transit Authority and Parking and Transportation Advisory Board (PTAB) members on matters pertaining to all UMTS services.
• Supports the PVTA in all matters related to Federal Transit Administration and MassDOT transit program compliance, including USDOT 49 CFR Part 655 and all other elements related to Commercial Drivers License (CDL).
• Develops, manages and coordinates all matters related to service planning, schedules, and employee time assignment that meets the needs of the UMass and Five College academic program schedules and the PVTA.
• Collaborates with accessibility advocates, clients, and entities that support all ADA paratransit services, especially those services that support the UMass academic mission.
• Manages emergency operations management for planned and unplanned campus and regional events that may require Transportation Division resources and assets.
• Manage, audit, and submit monthly and ad hoc business analytics required by the PVTA, FTA, MassDOT and other relevant entities, including complex datasets for the FTA National Transit Database program.
• Conducts independent investigations for accident and incidents on behalf of PVTA for the purposes of risk and worker compensation management.
• Provides staff guidance, development, and discipline in order to meet hiring goals established by the University. Participates in discussions related to staff planning and resource allocation. Participates in sensitive employee-related matters, such as acting as a grievance hearing officer and/or conducting labor relations discussions with decision-making authority for the assigned areas. Uses access to sensitive and/or not-yet-public university-related information on in the performance or the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.
• Develops and implements strategic business plans focusing on transportation needs in cooperation and coordination with all UMTS departments involved in regional decisions.
• Advises the Director of Transportation and Associate Vice Chancellor on significant matters affecting UMTS transit operations and policies.
• Supports and coordinates a capital investment program with the PVTA and interested parties.
• Directs the conduct of studies, investigations, and analyses at the direction of the Director of Transportation Services and presents oral and written reports of findings and recommendations.
• Cultivates the UMTS safety vision; approves and adopts the agencys safety rules, policies, and procedures; communicates safety expectations; and maintains accountability for the safety performance of the entire agency.
• Contributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of the University are carried out.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's Degree with over 3 years experience in a related field to include 2 years supervisory experience
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Master's Degree in related field.
• Managing a large diverse workforce within a resource limited entity.
• Class A or B Commercial Driver License (CDL) without restrictions and with Passenger Endorsement from state of legal residence, or ability to attain one within six months of hire at UMTS expense.
• USDOT/FMCSA Medical Card for Interstate Non-Excepted operations or ability to attain one within three months of hire at UMTS expense.
• FMCSA 49 CFR Part 655 Drug and Alcohol testing, including pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident.
• Knowledge of theories, principles, and practices of bus transportation system planning and operations.
• Knowledge of financial, analytical, and statistical research processes and procedures.
• Experience in establishing, managing, and administering capital and operating budgets.
• Experience with local, state, and federal laws, and regulations.
• Interact professionally and sensitively with various levels of UMTS employees, outside representatives, and public officials.
• Experience with planning, organizing, and controlling the integrated work of a multi-tiered public transit organization.
• Providing leadership by building and managing teams.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.
• Occasional special event and emergency operation/incident events.

Additional Details

• This position is designated as essential personnel.
• Occasional travel to offsite locations, including Mount Ida Campus in Newton MA.
• Position is a critical in-person position and therefore not eligible for full or partial remote work except for ad-hoc days for special projects.

Work Schedule

• Flexible start and end within a required daytime core period of 9AM-3PM Monday-Friday.
• Required to provide on-call coverage on a rotating basis.
• Required to work irregular hours, nights, and weekends when necessary.

Salary Information

Level 28

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume (and cover letter / optional). References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.