Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
**WE ARE OFFERING A $1000 RECRUITING BONUS**
Summary of Job: Under the direction and as an extension of the Chief Executive Director, this position is at the highest level of senior management reporting to the Chief Executive Director. The purpose of this position and the responsibilities thereof is to provide executive administrative direction and oversight over the activities and functions of Chatham Area Transit’s (CAT) Customer Care, Marketing, Procurement, Training, Human Resources, Diversity Equity, and Inclusion Program, Labor/Employee Relations and Equal Opportunity, IT Innovation Performance and Hardware and Software Management, Safety, Security & Risk Management (SMS), Civil Rights/DBE, Ethics Programs, Procurement, and Contract Administration and its services for the organization. The Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for the control, guidance, and direction of all administrative functions which include day-to-day practices.
Essential Job Functions:
- Works as an extension of the CEO, thinking and operating strategically.
- Responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining the Enterprise Risk Management program.
- When directed by CEO, serves as primary contact with outside counsel on a variety of legal topics.
- Monitors and advises senior management and Board on pending and ongoing litigation.
- Leads compliance efforts with respect to Federal, State, and Local laws and regulatory actions.
- Maintain liaison with Union leadership.
- Assist in negotiations of Union Contracts and new policies/procedures.
- Administers and complies with established policies with respect to the Union Contract and policies on Equal Employment Opportunity.
- Participates in annual budget process.
- Assists CFO in the construction of capital spending plan.
- Supports the CFO in recommendation for departmental budgets.
- Coordinates and collaborates with other departments of the organization in establishing and carrying our responsibilities.
- Maintains appropriate communications within area of responsibilities.
- Provides risk and compliance support for major initiatives from various business unit integration, vendor management projects and large system/process improvements. Support may include due diligence work, assessment of project management, consulting on key concerns or exposure and managing audit activity.
- Manages key function of customer care, marketing, procurement, training, human resources, IT-innovation performance, and safety, security, & risk management activities.
- Investigates trends in insurance industry purchases for the Authority and advises management of current “best practices.”
- Leads the development and delivery of safety and risk prevention training programs. Continuously assesses changes in the program content to ensure ongoing effectiveness.
- Develops system compliance strategy including risk identification, evaluation and mitigation.
- Implements and administers the Authority’s DBE/SBE/DEI/EEO programs, and ensures they meet regulatory requirements.
- Implements and oversees the Authority’s Civil Rights programs and promotes DEI activities.
- Develops, coordinates, and participates in a multifaceted educational and training program that focuses on the elements of the compliance program, and seeks to ensure that all appropriate employees and management are knowledgeable of, and comply with, pertinent Federal and State regulations.
- Ensures through purchasing, that independent contractors and agents who furnish services to the Authority are aware of the requirements of procurement compliance programs as it relates to third-party guidelines.
- Oversees the development of strategies for influencing and promoting CAT’s interest on decisions impacting the short and long term goals and growth objectives for the Authority.
- Manages the development of human resources strategies by establishing departmental accountability, including recruitment, employment processing, compensation, benefits, training and development, and records management.
- Provides oversight to succession planning and mentoring programs, employee relations and retention, ADA compliance, and labor relations.
- Prepares miscellaneous reports for the Board of Directors as required relating to the factors of Procurement, Risk, Safety and Human Capital for operations.
- Conforms with and abides by all regulations, policies, work procedures and instructions.
- Manages and implements the DBE goals and plans.
- Manages Employment Ethics programs and training of employees to ensure a high level of Ethics compliance.
- Provides leadership and oversight of external legal practices and standards.
- Works collaboratively with other members of the CEO’s Executive Leadership Team to enhance the CAT’s reputation for excellence through best practices reviews, accountability for performance, and continuous improvement.
- Ensures successful CAT contract negotiations, execution and adherence to collective bargaining unit contract negotiations and terms and assists in the handling/resolution of grievances and other related Union-Management working relationships and issues.
- Records Management for the Authority.
- Acquires hardware and software necessary to support the agency’s IT needs.
- The primary job functions are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job, and must be performed unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation. Other responsibilities are those functions, which are considered incidental or secondary to the overall purpose of the job. This job description does not imply that the above are the only duties assigned to the position. Employees may be required to perform with excellence other duties as assigned.
Supervisory & Operational Authority:
This position will have direct report(s) as assigned by the CEO.
Compliance:
- Responsible for completing all mandatory training classes.
- Responsible for reviewing and complying with all CAT policies, procedures and directives.
- Responsible for ensuring all direct reports have taken all mandatory training.
Education & Experience: A Bachelor’s Degree in transportation, business, or financial administration; considerable experience in transit operations, labor relations, and transportation with demonstrated personnel management and supervisory required.
Proven experience in developing performance management systems is a plus. Prior Management experience, including procurement and/or an A.C.P.A. and/or Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM).
Proven success in organizational transformation resulting in improved efficiency, effectiveness and enhanced brand value is a plus.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Must possess CAT leadership characteristics; including but not limited to, customer focused, innovative, strategic thinker and a team player.
- Proven management ability encompassing the development and implementation of strategic goals and objectives, setting and evaluating priorities.
- The ability to develop and translate strategic vision into administrative functions necessary for implementation and execution.
- A strong work ethic to produce a focused, dedicated, high-performance work team among both internal and external stakeholders, with a focus on collaboration, mentoring, nurturing and delivery of exceeded goals.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, capable of relating effectively to a diverse range of people.
- A track record in administrative management, stewardship and developing proven strategies to build a multi-faceted area.
- Experience as a change agent, operating at the highest level of the organization.
- The ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with sensitivity, passion and a focus on unity and equity.
- Strong organizational, analytical and strategic thinking skills with demonstrated ability to create implement and maintain complex plans and translate those plans into goals and concrete methods and strategies.
- A career track record that shows stability within an organization and the capacity to develop and nurture relationships that culminate overall success.
- Previous supervisory experience with a focus on regulatory compliance.
- Knowledge of risk, civil rights/DBE and ethics compliance management practices, procedures and applicable laws.
- Ability to be technologically savvy, and use resources necessary to make the organization more efficient and competitive.
Physical Demands:
- The Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods; stand; walk; use hands to manipulate, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
Safety Requirements & Notifications: Chatham Area Transit Authority is a public transit service provider governed by requirements of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Department of Transportation (DOT).
Due to the nature of some work performed at the CAT some jobs are classified as ‘Safety Sensitive’ and are subject to random testing for drug and alcohol use. All offers for employment are required to undergo pre-employment and possible random drug testing. If test shows a positive result your application for employment will be rejected, or if hired, employment may be terminated.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the environment is moderate.
Disclaimer Statement: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so qualified. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” employment relationship.
Chatham Area Transit Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the responsibility of the applicant to disclose true and accurate information on their account profile and/or resume. Falsification of this information may lead to your disqualification from vacancy consideration and/or termination of employment.