Executive Director of Student Transportation
Young World Physical Education, Providence, RI, United States
Executive Director of Student Transportation
The Providence Public School District (PPSD) serves approximately 22,000 students across 35 schools, including 19 elementary, 6 middle, 10 high schools and 2 charter schools. With more than 3,200 employees, PPSD strives to provide safe, reliable and efficient transportation for all eligible students.
Reports To:
Chief Operating Officer
Job Description The Executive Director of Transportation is the district’s strategic leader charged with modernizing the transportation system. Responsibilities include vendor accountability, on‑time performance improvement, data transparency, and the transition from manual processes to a technology‑enabled routing and performance management system.
Key duties involve overseeing transportation operations and leading initiatives that improve efficiency, transparency and service quality for schools and families.
Education, Training and Experience
Bachelor’s degree required.
7–10 years of leadership experience in transportation operations, logistics management, or operational systems management.
Experience managing large operational systems and complex vendor contracts.
Experience implementing transportation routing or technology‑enabled systems strongly preferred.
Experience in student transportation or large‑scale public sector service operations preferred.
Minimum Qualifications Standards
Strong commitment to safe, reliable and equitable transportation services.
Ability to lead operational improvement and system redesign in complex organizations.
Strong analytical skills for developing data systems that support performance monitoring and continuous improvement.
Experience managing vendor relationships and enforcing service delivery standards.
Effective leadership and people‑management skills for guiding teams through technical and adaptive change.
Excellent communication and stakeholder‑engagement skills.
Strong project‑management skills and ability to handle multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Capacity to operate in fast‑paced environments with both immediate response and long‑term improvement demands.
Availability outside business hours for operational issues or emergencies.
Demonstrated commitment to urban public education and serving diverse communities.
Responsibilities Lead Transportation System Strategy and Modernization
Develop and implement the strategic vision for student transportation services aligned with district priorities.
Modernize routing and operational management through a technology‑enabled transportation management system.
Assess existing structures and processes, implementing improvements that increase reliability and service quality.
Identify opportunities for operational redesign and effective technology use.
Vendor Management and Contract Oversight
Lead management of contracted transportation services.
Ensure vendors meet safety, reliability, staffing, and performance expectations.
Implement vendor performance management systems, including weekly performance reviews, KPI monitoring and quarterly business reviews.
Collaborate with vendors to resolve challenges and improve services.
Recommend contract adjustments and service delivery enhancements.
Routing Modernization and Operational Planning
Digitize and modernize district routing processes.
Oversee implementation and effective use of routing technology to enhance efficiency.
Support development of routing strategies that improve on‑time performance and reduce inefficiencies.
Work closely with routing staff and operations personnel to embed new systems into daily operations.
Transportation Data Systems and Performance Monitoring
Develop and deploy performance dashboards and reporting systems.
Establish performance targets and accountability structures for continuous improvement.
Provide regular reports to district leadership to inform decision‑making.
Use data systems to proactively identify and resolve operational challenges.
Supervision and Departmental Leadership
Supervise the Director of Transportation, who handles day‑to‑day operations.
Provide leadership to ensure the department delivers on safety, service, and continuous improvement.
Support the development of clear procedures and accountability structures within the team.
Promote a culture focused on safety, service, accountability, and continuous improvement.
School, Family, and Stakeholder Communication
Develop communication systems to keep schools and families informed about transportation services.
Work with school leaders to address concerns and improve the student transportation experience.
Partner with district departments to align transportation services with broader operational and academic priorities.
Safety and Compliance
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and district safety regulations.
Maintain robust systems for safe transportation practices.
Coordinate with district leadership and external partners to respond to incidents and operational challenges.
Minimum Qualifications Standards (Reiterated)
Ability to manage multiple projects and navigate ambiguity.
Strong planning, collaboration, and resource‑management skills.
Excellent teamwork and interpersonal abilities.
Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills.
Self‑starter with minimal supervisory oversight.
Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends.
Commitment to urban K‑12 education.
EEO Statement Providence Public Schools is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that is actively seeking to increase minority recruitment among its administrators and teachers. PSD does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, color, disability, or veteran status. All programs are open to all individuals, regardless of these characteristics.
Notice of E‑Verify Participation and Right to Work Providence Public School District participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all participating employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
Benefits Position Type:
Full‑Time Salary:
$134,787 to $151,290 per year
Salary Official Statement These figures are the official salary range for the position, set by the district’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Job Requirements
Citizenship, residency, or valid work visa required.
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Reports To:
Chief Operating Officer
Job Description The Executive Director of Transportation is the district’s strategic leader charged with modernizing the transportation system. Responsibilities include vendor accountability, on‑time performance improvement, data transparency, and the transition from manual processes to a technology‑enabled routing and performance management system.
Key duties involve overseeing transportation operations and leading initiatives that improve efficiency, transparency and service quality for schools and families.
Education, Training and Experience
Bachelor’s degree required.
7–10 years of leadership experience in transportation operations, logistics management, or operational systems management.
Experience managing large operational systems and complex vendor contracts.
Experience implementing transportation routing or technology‑enabled systems strongly preferred.
Experience in student transportation or large‑scale public sector service operations preferred.
Minimum Qualifications Standards
Strong commitment to safe, reliable and equitable transportation services.
Ability to lead operational improvement and system redesign in complex organizations.
Strong analytical skills for developing data systems that support performance monitoring and continuous improvement.
Experience managing vendor relationships and enforcing service delivery standards.
Effective leadership and people‑management skills for guiding teams through technical and adaptive change.
Excellent communication and stakeholder‑engagement skills.
Strong project‑management skills and ability to handle multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Capacity to operate in fast‑paced environments with both immediate response and long‑term improvement demands.
Availability outside business hours for operational issues or emergencies.
Demonstrated commitment to urban public education and serving diverse communities.
Responsibilities Lead Transportation System Strategy and Modernization
Develop and implement the strategic vision for student transportation services aligned with district priorities.
Modernize routing and operational management through a technology‑enabled transportation management system.
Assess existing structures and processes, implementing improvements that increase reliability and service quality.
Identify opportunities for operational redesign and effective technology use.
Vendor Management and Contract Oversight
Lead management of contracted transportation services.
Ensure vendors meet safety, reliability, staffing, and performance expectations.
Implement vendor performance management systems, including weekly performance reviews, KPI monitoring and quarterly business reviews.
Collaborate with vendors to resolve challenges and improve services.
Recommend contract adjustments and service delivery enhancements.
Routing Modernization and Operational Planning
Digitize and modernize district routing processes.
Oversee implementation and effective use of routing technology to enhance efficiency.
Support development of routing strategies that improve on‑time performance and reduce inefficiencies.
Work closely with routing staff and operations personnel to embed new systems into daily operations.
Transportation Data Systems and Performance Monitoring
Develop and deploy performance dashboards and reporting systems.
Establish performance targets and accountability structures for continuous improvement.
Provide regular reports to district leadership to inform decision‑making.
Use data systems to proactively identify and resolve operational challenges.
Supervision and Departmental Leadership
Supervise the Director of Transportation, who handles day‑to‑day operations.
Provide leadership to ensure the department delivers on safety, service, and continuous improvement.
Support the development of clear procedures and accountability structures within the team.
Promote a culture focused on safety, service, accountability, and continuous improvement.
School, Family, and Stakeholder Communication
Develop communication systems to keep schools and families informed about transportation services.
Work with school leaders to address concerns and improve the student transportation experience.
Partner with district departments to align transportation services with broader operational and academic priorities.
Safety and Compliance
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and district safety regulations.
Maintain robust systems for safe transportation practices.
Coordinate with district leadership and external partners to respond to incidents and operational challenges.
Minimum Qualifications Standards (Reiterated)
Ability to manage multiple projects and navigate ambiguity.
Strong planning, collaboration, and resource‑management skills.
Excellent teamwork and interpersonal abilities.
Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills.
Self‑starter with minimal supervisory oversight.
Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends.
Commitment to urban K‑12 education.
EEO Statement Providence Public Schools is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that is actively seeking to increase minority recruitment among its administrators and teachers. PSD does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, color, disability, or veteran status. All programs are open to all individuals, regardless of these characteristics.
Notice of E‑Verify Participation and Right to Work Providence Public School District participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all participating employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
Benefits Position Type:
Full‑Time Salary:
$134,787 to $151,290 per year
Salary Official Statement These figures are the official salary range for the position, set by the district’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Job Requirements
Citizenship, residency, or valid work visa required.
#J-18808-Ljbffr