Director of the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastruc
CapMetro, Nashville, TN, United States
The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County is seeking a Director of the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT) to lead our multimodal network and serve as a key member of Metro Nashville’s leadership team as a direct report to the Mayor. Following a period of intense regional growth, Nashville is focused on strengthening, modernizing, and investing in our infrastructure. The Director will guide NDOT’s strategic priorities while prioritizing Nashville’s adopted key transportation values: safety, connectivity, choice, prosperity, wellbeing, stewardship, equity, and regionalism.
We are seeking an experienced senior executive to set the strategic vision for, and lead NDOT, which has managed Metro Nashville’s transportation network since its establishment in 2021. Nashville is implementing Choose How You Move (CHYM), a multi-agency investment in transportation and transit infrastructure. The Director will help shape the future of our community and invest in our team, serving as a key implementation partner for CHYM. You will lead the NDOT team through the delivery phase of this generational investment in transportation infrastructure and oversee capabilities across operations, engineering, development services, regulatory and compliance, community engagement, communications, and overall administration. Success will be measured by sidewalk miles built, signals installed, Vision Zero safety projects completed, potholes filled, and permitting turnaround times, among other milestones. The Director will lead the organization through significant evolution and collaboration, requiring a strong, collaborative leader who can communicate effectively and build the institution for growth. Strong partnerships with the Mayor’s Office, Metro Nashville department leadership, intergovernmental partners (including Metro Council), and state and federal partners are essential.
NDOT delivers a range of services with nearly 400 employees supporting a multimodal system that connects neighborhoods, residents, businesses, and visitors safely. NDOT manages over 2,200 miles of public roadways and rights-of-way, 6,000+ street segments, 300+ bridges, 835 traffic signals, and over 1,200 miles of bike/sidewalk lanes. You will lead a team of dedicated professionals, mentor and develop staff, and foster innovation and collaboration across Metro Nashville.
Responsibilities
Lead the department with a strategy aligned to mayoral priorities and adopted transportation values. Deliver transportation projects efficiently, on time, within budget, and to standard. Plan multimodal solutions across all modes that reflect community values. Guide design that implements national best practices and standards (e.g., NACTO) addressing multimodal transportation issues and community goals. Oversee operations and maintenance of streets, sidewalks, bikeways, on-street parking and related assets, and regulation/enforcement in the right-of-way. Communicate the department’s mission, vision, and strategic goals to staff, Metro, constituents, and partners. Administer the department budget, securing funding from local, state, and federal sources in coordination with the Finance Department. Mentor and develop staff, build capacity, and strengthen internal resources to advance capital delivery and operational capabilities. Advance key policies (e.g., Complete Streets, Vision Zero) with stakeholder engagement and relationship-building. Lead ongoing strategic studies and plan development (traffic analysis, multimodal improvements, design review, system analysis). Drive emergency preparedness and response efforts across NDOT, supporting EOC activations as appropriate. Engage in public engagement best practices, including meetings with public officials and citizens. Build and maintain strong community relationships with elected officials, partners, and the public; represent Metro Nashville and NDOT publicly. Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and work methods. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Engineering, or related field. At least ten (10) years of industrial, municipal, or transportation experience with a focus on delivery of capital projects at the local level. Advanced degree in a related field (preferred). Previous senior transportation leadership and capital project delivery experience in a large metropolitan city (population at least 700,000) with sustained growth. Demonstrated understanding of federal, state, and local interactions needed to deliver large, complex projects; experience working with federal and state entities. Recognized national presence in multimodal sector with expertise in city transportation best practices. Ability to lead, mentor, and hold teams accountable while fostering professional growth and interdepartmental partnership. Executive-level judgment in financial stewardship, crisis management, and risk mitigation; strong communication and commitment to transparency and accountability. Equal opportunity employer; Metro Nashville encourages all qualified individuals to apply. Ability to accommodate religious observances or ADA needs; accommodations available through Human Resources. Note: Per Metro Ordinance No. SO94-1078, all employees shall be residents of Tennessee within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment. Requests for ADA or other protected accommodations for the recruitment process should be directed to Human Resources at 615-862-6640.
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Lead the department with a strategy aligned to mayoral priorities and adopted transportation values. Deliver transportation projects efficiently, on time, within budget, and to standard. Plan multimodal solutions across all modes that reflect community values. Guide design that implements national best practices and standards (e.g., NACTO) addressing multimodal transportation issues and community goals. Oversee operations and maintenance of streets, sidewalks, bikeways, on-street parking and related assets, and regulation/enforcement in the right-of-way. Communicate the department’s mission, vision, and strategic goals to staff, Metro, constituents, and partners. Administer the department budget, securing funding from local, state, and federal sources in coordination with the Finance Department. Mentor and develop staff, build capacity, and strengthen internal resources to advance capital delivery and operational capabilities. Advance key policies (e.g., Complete Streets, Vision Zero) with stakeholder engagement and relationship-building. Lead ongoing strategic studies and plan development (traffic analysis, multimodal improvements, design review, system analysis). Drive emergency preparedness and response efforts across NDOT, supporting EOC activations as appropriate. Engage in public engagement best practices, including meetings with public officials and citizens. Build and maintain strong community relationships with elected officials, partners, and the public; represent Metro Nashville and NDOT publicly. Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and work methods. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Engineering, or related field. At least ten (10) years of industrial, municipal, or transportation experience with a focus on delivery of capital projects at the local level. Advanced degree in a related field (preferred). Previous senior transportation leadership and capital project delivery experience in a large metropolitan city (population at least 700,000) with sustained growth. Demonstrated understanding of federal, state, and local interactions needed to deliver large, complex projects; experience working with federal and state entities. Recognized national presence in multimodal sector with expertise in city transportation best practices. Ability to lead, mentor, and hold teams accountable while fostering professional growth and interdepartmental partnership. Executive-level judgment in financial stewardship, crisis management, and risk mitigation; strong communication and commitment to transparency and accountability. Equal opportunity employer; Metro Nashville encourages all qualified individuals to apply. Ability to accommodate religious observances or ADA needs; accommodations available through Human Resources. Note: Per Metro Ordinance No. SO94-1078, all employees shall be residents of Tennessee within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment. Requests for ADA or other protected accommodations for the recruitment process should be directed to Human Resources at 615-862-6640.
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